This time in “Meet the Members”, we connect with one of our newly re-joined venues, The J, Noosa and chat to Venue Coordinator, Scott Braby.
How long have you been at your venue? 9 Years
How big is your team and venue? We have quite a small team 4.9 FTE staff including myself, a FT Venue Officer, FT Venue Support Officer, PPT Marketing and Communications Officer, PPT FOH/Admin, and a casual A/V Tech. Plus a small pool of casuals to assist events, bar café, utility person etc.
The J is a multi-use community venue (not exclusive to performing arts) with a medium size theatre/auditorium, with a total capacity 402. The theatre proper seats 338 plus a portable mezzanine section seats additional 64. We also offer a number of small meeting spaces. The University of the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Community Radio are also lessees within the facility.
Why did you choose a career in the performing arts venue sector? Experience/career in a range of managerial roles specifically in entertainment, hospitality and service industries. I enjoy the variety my role entails and have a great appreciation of the arts.
What makes your town/region special? Noosa is quite unique, where quality work/lifestyle balance is achievable and a priority for many. It is a small but progressive community with large focus on natural spaces, the environment, small business and tourism industry.
What is your first performing arts memory? Attending a theatre event ‘Grease’ in rural NSW as a 13 year old.
How have you and your venue found 2020-2021? Any highs or lows you would like to share? Naturally the impact of COVID has increased the work and stress load for all. We are grateful however for the support from council and the community’s enthusiasm in supporting the arts during these uncertain times.
What do you do when you aren’t working? I live close to the beach so plenty of surfing and kayaking around Noosa Headland, and enjoying our 1 year old and 8 month old grandchildren. Plenty of fitness and socialising.
