Name: Kat Robinson
Role: Patron Services Team Leader
Venue: Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton

How long have you been at the Pilbeam Theatre? 

3 years in November.

How big is your team and venue? 

The Patron Services & Box Office Team is made up of myself, 2 Box Office staff, 3 FOH Duty Managers & approx. 60 Friends of the Theatre volunteers. Our Venue itself has 10 full time, 2 part time and approx. 15 casual staff members. Our Auditorium maximum capacity is 972. We also have a small theatre downtown at the Walter Reid Cultural Centre which holds 140 pax.

Why did you choose a career in the performing arts venue sector?

Performing has been part of my life ever since I could walk and talk. I was the kid who did all the dance, drama, music, singing and loved it but somewhere in my late teens/early 20’s realised I wasn’t going to make it as a professional performer but I found that I loved the business side of the industry and began to explore that. One of my favourite places to be is the theatre, I love the possibilities that can happen on a stage and the opportunities it gives to people, there is so much variety and entertainment available, who wouldn’t want to be a part of that!?

What makes Rockhampton special? 

The people – there are some great, fun-loving and creative people in this area. We are quite a distance to travel away from the big city and not only do the people here create their own opportunities for arts and entertainment but they support productions and events touring to the area as well because it means they don’t have to travel to get that experience. Also, we have pretty good steaks! Beef capital and all…

What is your first performing arts memory? 

Going to Brisbane to QPAC with my Grandmother to see Cats & the Nutcracker ballet (I wore a green taffeta dress…it was the 80’s/90’s!).

What was the last show you saw? 

Local – “Madagascar Jnr” put on by my daughter’s grammar school here at the Pilbeam.

Professional – Aladdin with my 5 year old daughter who couldn’t stop dancing in her seat & Beautiful The Carole King Musical (amazing!!)

What do you do when you aren’t working? 

Spend time with my husband and our daughter at our beach shack, take our dog for walks & drives, enjoy live music, an occasional performance in a local production, visit friends and family up and down the Queensland coast and plan our next overseas adventure.