Author: studioco

UNBOXED Local & Live | April 30 @ 7 pm

Studio 138 UNBOXED Local & Live is a relaxed multi-arts showcase celebrating local creativity.

Join us for an evening of short live performances and creative shares from local artists in a welcoming, intimate setting.

It’s a great chance to discover local talent, support creative voices from our region, and enjoy a varied night of live performance at the Black Box Theatre. Audience registration is encouraged. Entry is free, with donations welcome to help cover the costs of the UNBOXED Creative Sessions, but not required.

If you are interested in performing and want to find out more or submit an EOI, visit https://forms.gle/LL868es4GNepYAht5. EOIs close Friday 24 April 2026.

UNBOXED Creative Sessions are hosted by Studio 138 and made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council. Email create@studio138.com.au if you have an event or performance you would like to put on as part of the UNBOXED Creative Sessions.

AI Wrote This Play: The Return | April 23 @ 7 pm

Live theatre meets AI — with you in the mix.

  • Date: Thursday 23 April 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM
  • Venue: Black Box Theatre, Western Plains Cultural Centre, upstairs Community Art Rooms
  • Tickets: Free (registration encouraged; donations appreciated)
  • Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/ai-wrote-this-play-the-return

AI Wrote This Play returns with a new twist.

Using Anthropic’s Claude AI, we’ll create a short play live with audience input, then watch it brought to life by local actors. In between, a panel of artists and arts workers will explore the impact of generative AI on creativity.

Key questions include:

  • Can AI make creativity more accessible, particularly for writing?
  • Is generative AI inevitable?

Expect a fun, fast-paced, and thought-provoking hour of theatre and conversation. Can AI write a play? And, if it can, should it?

You can check out the play from our last event here:

No experience needed, just curiosity.

UNBOXED Creative Sessions are hosted by Studio 138 and made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council.

UNBOXED: Information session for creatives | April 9 @ 6 pm & 6.30 pm

Are you a local creative with an idea that needs space, support, or an audience?

Come along to the UNBOXED Info Session for Creatives on Thursday 9 April, 2026 and find out how you can use the UNBOXED Creative Sessions at the Black Box Theatre.

UNBOXED Creative Sessions give local creatives, artists, groups and organisations the chance to use the Black Box Theatre on Thursday evenings to develop, test, share and present creative work. That might be a workshop, rehearsal, play reading, screening, music event, creative development session, or public performance. Not everything has to be public, although we do aim for the last Thursday of each month to include a public-facing event.

If you have been curious about UNBOXED but are not quite sure what it is, this session is for you. You do not need a fully formed plan. You can come with a rough idea, a project you want to explore, or simply come along for inspiration.

We will also share more about two event formats within the program:

UNBOXED: Track by Track

A chance for musicians to share recordings of their original songs and talk about the work behind them, with optional live performance.

UNBOXED: Local & Live

A multi-arts showcase where local creatives can share their work live with an audience. Our first Live & Local event will be held April 30, 2026 and EOIs are now open.

We will also talk through examples of the kinds of things that can happen through UNBOXED, including workshops, rehearsals, play readings, screenings, music sessions and creative development activities.

Info session times:

  • Thursday 9 April
  • 6.00 pm or 6.30 pm
  • Pop in for either session
  • No registration required
  • Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the session starts if possible.

Can’t make it, but have an idea you would like to discuss? Email create@studio138.com.au

Venue:

  • Black Box Theatre
  • Upstairs Community Art Rooms, Western Plains Cultural Centre
  • Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Street, Dubbo
  • Lift available.

UNBOXED Creative Sessions are hosted by Studio 138 and made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council. Email create@studio138.com.au if you have an event or performance you would like to put on as part of the UNBOXED Creative Sessions.

2026 Romance Rules Film Festival – Official Selections & Tickets

Join us for the 2026 screening of the Romance Rules Film Festival. We have a great line-up of short films from around the world all about romance – the good, the bad and the ugly!

When: February 26, 2026 @ 7.00 pm

Venue: Black Box Theatre, Up stairs Community Arts Rooms Western Plains Cultural Centre Cnr Wingewarra Street and Gipps Street

A lift is available. Plenty of street parking.

BYO: Drinks & snacks Some films include adult themes, sexual references, low level nudity and occasional coarse language

This event is part of the UNBOXED Creative Sessions, made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council.

Romance Rules Film Festival 2026

Romance Rules Film Festival 2026

$10.00

Buy now

Official selections

Congratulations to the official selections which will be screened on the night:

‘BEFORE THE DAWN’, Ukraine, dir Alexander Denysenko

‘FREE SPIRITS’, Italy, dir Fabius de Vivo

‘Book Cute’, United States, dir Emily Claibourne, Hilary Williams

‘Would You Rather I Was Dead?  A Stop Motion Comedy’, dir Laura Lewis-Barr

‘Will You ..?’, United States, dir Justin Bruce Lee

‘A Fish & A Bird’, dir Deanna Moorehead

‘Don’t Look Back’, Australia, dir Jay De Leon Lagman, Emiko Seita

‘One Moment’, United States, dir Aiden Hurley

‘No Fury’, Australia, dir Leon Braun

‘I Know You Saw it Too’, United States, dir John Balian

‘One Moment’, United States, dir Aiden Hurley

‘Apple Pie’, Canada, dir Sean Thrawn O’Neil

‘Eye for an Eye ‘, Taiwan, dir Oscar Tu

‘ISTANTI’, Italy, dir Tommaso Barba

‘Siddharta – In the Sky’, Slovenia, dir Ven Jemersic

AI wrote this play | July 31 @ 6.00 pm

AI Wrote This Play

Can a machine be a playwright? Let’s find out… together.

Date: Thursday 31 July
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Black Box Theatre, upstairs Community Arts Rooms, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo
Tickets: Free (registration encouraged)
https://events.humanitix.com/ai-wrote-this-play

Join us for a one-of-a-kind event that blends live performance, audience participation, and big questions about creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.

In AI Wrote This Play, we’ll generate a short play in real time using ChatGPT — with the audience feeding in the key ingredients. Local actors will bring the script to life, and you’ll help us refine it on the spot for a second reading. In between, a panel of local artists and arts workers will discuss the impact of AI on creative practice: What does it mean for artists? Is AI a tool, a threat, or something else entirely? Can it ever replace human creativity — or just remix it?

Expect bold ideas, surprising twists, a few laughs, and a chance to contribute to a live experiment in art and technology.

No tech expertise needed — just curiosity.

Whether you’re an artist, a sceptic, or just here for the theatre, this event is for you.

Getting to the Black Box Theatre

The Black Box Theatre is located upstairs in the Community Arts Rooms at the Western Plains Cultural Centre. These rooms are in the old school building that runs alongside Gipps Street. You can access the building via Gipps Street or Wingewarra Street near the Gipps Street intersection. Lift access is available.

UNBOXED Creative Sessions are hosted by Studio 138 and made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council.

SparkWrite: Fast Fiction Lab | July 10 @ 4.30 pm & 7 pm

SparkWrite: Fast Fiction Lab

Facilitator: Andrew Tarry
Free Workshop – Registrations Essential
https://events.humanitix.com/sparkwrite-fast-fiction-lab

Join writer and educator Andrew Tarry for a dynamic microfiction writing workshop designed to ignite your imagination and guide you from a spark of an idea to a complete 100–300 word story — all in just two hours. Whether you’re an experienced writer or new to storytelling, this is a chance to explore short-form fiction in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Date: Thursday 10 July
Venue: The Black Box Theatre, Dubbo
Upstairs in the Community Arts Rooms (Gipps Street entrance)
Session Times:

  • High School Aged Writers: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
  • Young Adults (18–30 years): 7:00pm – 9:00pm

This free workshop is part of Studio 138’s inspire&ignite creative development program and is made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council’s UNBOXED Creative Sessions.

Writers who complete a story during the workshop will be invited to submit it for a digital or in-person showcase. You’ll have the option to present it yourself or have it performed by an experienced actor.

If you have any additional learning or access needs, please email create@studio138.com.au after registering so we can support you.

Please bring your preferred writing tools — laptop, tablet, or pen and paper — and get ready to write.

Free UNBOXED Film Night: Short Films from Dubbo | June 26 @ 6.30 pm

UNBOXED Film Night: Short Films from Dubbo

Join us for a special evening celebrating homegrown storytelling at UNBOXED Film Night: Short Films from Dubbo. This family-friendly screening features a vibrant mix of short films made in Dubbo from 2017 to today — spanning music videos, drama, comedy, dark fantasy and more. Several of these films have screened internationally, including in New York and Hollywood, and have picked up awards along the way.

The main feature of the evening is Nobody’s Business, a stylish gangster short set in the roaring 1920s during the era of illegal grog. Produced by Studio 138 in 2024, it features three classic jazz numbers and recently earned Best Music at the Top Indie Film Awards.

BYO cinema snacks, meet some of the cast and crew, and enjoy a night of regional film talent.

Free to attend, but registration is essential due to limited seating.

https://events.humanitix.com/unboxed-film-night-short-films-from-dubbo

UNBOXED Creative Sessions are hosted by Studio 138 and made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council.

Film Selection

Fell Purpose (2022)
Paranoia (2021)
Together Apart (2020)
Nothing Else Matters (2021)
Space (2017)
Zit (2017)
Connection (2018)
Seeing (2019)
Rising Sun (2020)
Nobody’s Business (2024)

Midnight Radio: Live on Stage

Midnight Radio: Live on Stage

Thursday 31 July2025 | 7:30 PM (Doors open 7:15 PM)

Black Box Theatre, Western Plains Cultural Centre

Tickets $15 + booking fee | Available online or at the door

https://events.humanitix.com/midnight-radio-live-on-stage

PG | Approx. 60 minutes

Step back in time and into the shadows with Midnight Radio: Live on Stage — a night of classic radio-style theatre performed live before an audience.

Featuring local performers, this special UNBOXED Creative Session brings the golden age of genre radio plays to life with gripping tales of mystery, crime, and horror. Expect dramatic voice work, eerie sound effects, live music, and the nostalgic thrill of storytelling crafted entirely for the ears and imagination.

Whether you’re a vintage audio drama fan or just up for something different and fun, Midnight Radio promises suspense, atmosphere, and a dash of theatrical flair.

Come for the chills. Stay for the thrills.

UNBOXED Creative Sessions are hosted by Studio 138 and made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council.

inspire&ignite: Young Talent Showcase | June 19 @ 6 pm

inspire&ignite: Young Talent Showcase

Thursday 19 June 2025 | 6:00 PM

Black Box Theatre, Community Arts Building, Western Plains Cultural Centre

Free Event | All Welcome | No Booking Required

Complimentary light refreshments available

Join us for a vibrant evening celebrating the creativity and passion of young regional talent at the inspire&ignite Young Talent Showcase, part of the UNBOXED Creative Sessions.

This special event features the debut collection from fashion designer Elsie, who will present a series of original outfits she has designed and made, modelled by Olivia. Supported by Studio 138, Elsie has worked closely with a local professional artist to refine her design drawing skills, and this event marks the first time she will present her fashion work to a live audience.

Musical entertainment will be provided by The Sim Jullivan Experience, a dynamic young jazz band that began working with Studio 138 in 2024 through the short film Nobody’s Business. Their original score for the film earned them Best Music at the Top Indie Film Awards (Spring 2025 edition), and they now return to the stage to showcase their evolving sound.

inspire&ignite is a Studio 138 creative program empowering young people in our region to develop their artistic skills, connect with industry professionals, and showcase their talents through personalised projects and community support.

Come along to support emerging creatives and enjoy an evening of fashion, music, and inspiration.

UNBOXED Creative Sessions are hosted by Studio 138 and made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council.

World Environment Day Get-Together | June 5 @ 5-7 pm

World Environment Day Get-Together – Dubbo

Thursday 5 June 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Black Box Theatre, Community Arts Building

Western Plains Cultural Centre, cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Streets, Dubbo

Free | Family Friendly | Drop In Anytime

Join us for a relaxed, family-friendly gathering to mark World Environment Day, co-ordinated by Art Club Dub in collaboration with local environmental and community groups.

Drop in anytime between 5:00 and 7:00 PM to explore displays, short films, and creative responses to local environmental themes. Short films will screen on rotation in the theatre throughout the event, and local groups will be on hand with interactive displays, projects, and information.

Groups involved include:

  • Transition Dubbo – Short films & seed bank
  • Dubbo Environment Group – Indian Myna trap & project info
  • Mid Macquarie Landcare – Interactive environmental display
  • Dubbo RiverCare – Local river health initiatives
  • Dubbo Field Naturalist & Conservation Society – Native bird & plant resources
  • Healthy Rivers Dubbo – Local waterways focus
  • Art Club Dub – Macquarie River Punch performance piece inspired by Bonita Ely

Light refreshments will be available, and all are welcome to contribute a plate of snacks to share.

This event is part of the UNBOXED Creative Sessions, hosted by Studio 138 and made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council.