The Train Tea Society
A$3,006
of $3,000 targetyrs ago
Successful on 1st May 2016 at 8:59AM.
World war one, Ipswich. Clouds of white steam billow from the imposing engine idling at the station. Through the fog, a woman appears. She steps onto the platform…
Once upon a time, in a land not far away (Brisbane, to be precise) a pair of fabulous, feisty ladies decided to create the theatre that they wanted to see. Flowers Theatre Company was born of the desire to craft theatre that doesn't just spark conversation, but excites and inspires others. Gabriella Flowers and Emily Vascotto have a passion for Queensland history, and for finding stories that cry out to be told.
The Train Tea Society is one of these stories.
Site specific theatre is something we feel incredible passionate about. It transports audiences to a period or place no theatre can ever create. However this comes with risks. We aren't playing it safe when it comes to a concept, script or venue. Staging a play at a Railway Station and choreographing a life sized steam engine to move within the show was a risk, but one we had to take.
This is why we need your help.
Such an ambitious project comes with its own set of challenges. In order to bring this production to life we need funding for the venue, a live steam train, props, costume and various other expenses. Last year our production 'The Mayne Effect' was a surprising and record breaking best-seller. This year we want to push the boundaries even more. Our ethos is 'to inspire and create through the arts without limits'. Your support will enable us to do just this.
Below, you'll find more information on the production and the rewards for supporting us!
Thank you for your invaluable contribution.
Once upon a time, in a land not far away (Brisbane, to be precise) a pair of fabulous, feisty ladies decided to create the theatre that they wanted to see. Flowers Theatre Company was born of the desire to craft theatre that doesn't just spark conversation, but excites and inspires others. Gabriella Flowers and Emily Vascotto have a passion for Queensland history, and for finding stories that cry out to be told.
The Train Tea Society is one of these stories.
Site specific theatre is something we feel incredible passionate about. It transports audiences to a period or place no theatre can ever create. However this comes with risks. We aren't playing it safe when it comes to a concept, script or venue. Staging a play at a Railway Station and choreographing a life sized steam engine to move within the show was a risk, but one we had to take.
This is why we need your help.
Such an ambitious project comes with its own set of challenges. In order to bring this production to life we need funding for the venue, a live steam train, props, costume and various other expenses. Last year our production 'The Mayne Effect' was a surprising and record breaking best-seller. This year we want to push the boundaries even more. Our ethos is 'to inspire and create through the arts without limits'. Your support will enable us to do just this.
Below, you'll find more information on the production and the rewards for supporting us!
Thank you for your invaluable contribution.
About the play
From the company that brought you 'The Mayne Effect' comes an extravagant new show featuring a live steam train! The Train Tea Society is a heart-warming snapshot of Australian history based on the lives of real women living in Queensland during the first world war. Watch as friends are made and personalities clash as these women react to the travesties and realities of 'The War to End All Wars'.
We came across the fascinating story of Mrs J.A Eliza Cameron and her proud team of Ipswich women late last year. We have been engrossed in uncovering as much about the Train Tea Society as possible ever since. Our idea for a production was submitted to Anywhere Festival, a non-for profit organisation that is passionate about site-specific theatre, and they accepted. We believe site-specific work greatly enhances a production and are excited to stage this play at the charming Swanbank Rail Station hosted by the folks at Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.
Image by Matt Dale, Brisbane.
Promotional Video by Hayden Lowry www.haydenlowry.com
We came across the fascinating story of Mrs J.A Eliza Cameron and her proud team of Ipswich women late last year. We have been engrossed in uncovering as much about the Train Tea Society as possible ever since. Our idea for a production was submitted to Anywhere Festival, a non-for profit organisation that is passionate about site-specific theatre, and they accepted. We believe site-specific work greatly enhances a production and are excited to stage this play at the charming Swanbank Rail Station hosted by the folks at Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.
Image by Matt Dale, Brisbane.
Promotional Video by Hayden Lowry www.haydenlowry.com
Season info
Dates: 6th - 8th of May
Venue: Swanbank Rail Station, Swanbank
TO BOOK! Head to www.anywherefest.com/train-tea
Venue: Swanbank Rail Station, Swanbank
TO BOOK! Head to www.anywherefest.com/train-tea
Our team
Writer/Producer - Emily Vascotto
Director/Producer - Gabriella Flowers
Assistant Director - Laura Bayly
Stage Manager - Amy Randall
Costume Designers - Jaymee Richards & Kristine Von Hilderbrandt
Sound Designer - Daniela Victoria Hart
And our talented cast of females:
Samantha Bull, Aimee Duroux, Olivia Hall-Smith, Julia Johnson, Maddison Kennedy-Tucker, Casey McCollow and Wendy Spencer.
Director/Producer - Gabriella Flowers
Assistant Director - Laura Bayly
Stage Manager - Amy Randall
Costume Designers - Jaymee Richards & Kristine Von Hilderbrandt
Sound Designer - Daniela Victoria Hart
And our talented cast of females:
Samantha Bull, Aimee Duroux, Olivia Hall-Smith, Julia Johnson, Maddison Kennedy-Tucker, Casey McCollow and Wendy Spencer.
About the Venue
Swanbank Station is a charming, historically preserved site run by The Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.
Audiences members will delight in it's old world charm and proximity to the impressive steam train. Undercover and outdoor seating available.
Address: Swanbank Road, Swanbank. Ipswich.
Audiences members will delight in it's old world charm and proximity to the impressive steam train. Undercover and outdoor seating available.
Address: Swanbank Road, Swanbank. Ipswich.
How The Funds Will Be Used
The Train Tea Society will be staged at the stunningly preserved Swanbank Rail Station in Ipswich. This exciting premiere will feature a live steam train, choreographed to move throughout the show. Your funds will be used to cover a multitude of expenses that come hand in hand with such an ambitious production. For example, by donating just $40 you will have helped us to buy fabric for the Train Tea girl's costumes, or an essential prop.
Specifically, our goal of $3000 will cover:
- Venue and train hire
- The design and construction of set pieces
- Costumes and assorted apparel
- Public Liability Insurance
- Lighting design and fixtures
- Sound design
- Marketing and promotional material
And to say thank you for your support, we have some fantastic rewards on offer!
Specifically, our goal of $3000 will cover:
- Venue and train hire
- The design and construction of set pieces
- Costumes and assorted apparel
- Public Liability Insurance
- Lighting design and fixtures
- Sound design
- Marketing and promotional material
And to say thank you for your support, we have some fantastic rewards on offer!
The Challenges
Unfortunately, love for a project can only get you so far. We rely on the generous support and time of other passionate creatives. The Train Tea Society has attracted a fantastic team of women this year, all of whom contribute their time free of charge in order to bring this show to life. This fickle industry comes with its fair share of knock downs, however over time we have learned that sometimes 'no' means 'no', and other times ' no' means keep pushing. If we had stopped at the first hurdle we would never be where we are now. It is thanks to the supportive individuals such as yourselves that make creating new work a joy.
The Philanthropist
A giant thank you, Facebook shout out and acknowledgement of your support.
4 chosen
Est. delivery is May 16
The Talk of the Town
The Train Tea Society program and poster signed by the cast and creatives. Plus a Facebook shout out and acknowledgement of your support.
8 chosen / 32 available
Est. delivery is May 16
The Eavesdropper
A sneak peek of a rehearsal! Come and observe the process of putting together a unique, site-specific show. Plus you’ll receive the online shout out and thank you.
1 chosen / 2 available
Est. delivery is May 16
Read All About It
A coveted spot in our program and on our website advertising your business.
2 chosen / 4 available
Est. delivery is Jun 16
The Station Master
A STEAM TRAIN RIDE! Need we say more? Come for a ride on our beautiful steam engine. (Exclusively on the 7th of May) Plus you’ll receive the online shout out and thank you, and a copy of the program. *Please note: you must wear long trousers and enclosed shoes.
0 chosen / 2 available
Est. delivery is May 16
The Chief Engineer
Thank you for sponsoring us! Your contribution will be acknowledged on our website and in our program. You will also receive two tickets for the show on the night of your choice.
0 chosen / 2 available
Est. delivery is May 16
The Socialite
Want to pick the brains of the director and writer? Come and have a tea and a chat! Perfect for young creatives looking to learn more about creating and producing new work. Plus you’ll receive the online shout out and thank you.
4 chosen / 0 available
Est. delivery is May 16