The Story of 'The Shed'

For a long time BTQ had been hampered by having no space of its own, always relying on hiring premises at great expense for its operations, particularly in relation to set and costume storage and set building. Then, in 1997, with the assistance of Neal Roberts, the Member for Nudgee, BTQ became the proud holder of a 20 year lease from the Department of Natural resources on a property with two sheds at Banyo (formerly old Nudgee Scout Halls). Fred Grosskreutz assisted by Tony Donovan immediately headed up a Sub-Committee to ready the sheds for occupation, and weekend working bees commenced. The first job was to paint over the graffiti decorating all the walls!

To bring the sheds up to a useable standard BTQ estimated it needed $70,000 and President Marie-Ann Grosskreutz went about finding it through funding applications to various bodies. In 1998 the good news went out to members that, with the support of the Queensland Arts Office, Jupiter’s Casino Community Benefit Fund and the Gaming Machine Fund, Ballet Theatre would soon have its own very useable ‘headquarters’ at Hayden Street, Nudgee. Fred Grosskreutz’s Sub-Committee supervised the construction – called ‘The Shed Project’ - which was duly completed in 2000.

Fondly known as ‘Fred’s Shed’, it was officially opened on 18 June 2001 by the Minister for the Arts, The Honourable Matt Foley. About 200 friends, family and Brisbane dance community members attended making it a memorable occasion. The ‘History of Ballet Theatre’ costume parade, co-ordinated by Mrs McIvor, Mrs Leonardi and Mrs Holland, and modelled by the current company was a highlight of the event. Minister Foley congratulated BTQ on its 63 year history and drew particular attention to its hardworking supporters, particularly its current President Marie-Ann Grosskreutz, to whom he presented Life Membership.

Researcher and writer: Dr Christine Comans