Manager's Message                                                                 From the Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts The name of Queensland Arts Council is synonymous with touring excellence.  In 2008, the State Government is proud to support Ontour onstage, incorporating the management of ARTS and ARTS Transit, to ensure highly professional and cost-effective delivery of stage presentations to regional Queenslanders.  Our Government is pleased to be associated with the largest program of its kind in this country and the 2008 Program demonstrates our commitment, through Ontour onstage, to deliver performances across the State. Additionally, Ontour onstage manages and co-ordinates touring for innovative Queensland companies and artists, including the role of advocate, nationally and internationally.    Rod Welford MP   And what for 2008? Let's look at performances, workshops, opportunities for regional Queensland youth to identify and participate along with the older age-groups and all at subsidised ticket prices through the year. The touring companies and artists set out to entertain, enthral, inspire, teach and deliver some special arts magic to your community.   I urge you to partake of the Ontour onstage 2008 program – it is designed for you. Rod Welford MP   From the Manager Ontour onstage & Associate Director Ontour onstage, Australia's most extensive and multi-faceted touring program, celebrates in 2008, 14 years of successful management of the ARTS [Arts Regional Touring Service] and ARTS Transit devolved funding programs on behalf of the State Government through Arts Queensland. The management by Ontour onstage includes the most productive creative working relationship and partnership between The Northern Australian Regional Performing Arts Centres Association [NARPACA], the regional and metropolitan based arts companies in association with the Local Arts Council Network and Arts Queensland.    As part of the Program's many levels of responsibility, Ontour onstage incorporates the Regional Touring Office-ARTS [RTO-ARTS] which provides advocacy for Jane Atkins  Queensland companies and artists nationally and internationally and co-ordinates tours specifically through NARPACA. RTO-ARTS acts as Queensland's Touring Co-ordinator [Blue Heeler] - a part of the national network of Touring Co-ordinators.   In 2008 Ontour onstage again presents for you a kaleidoscope of the State’s finest companies, artists and productions.  The 2008 Program is a true showcase of work and extraordinary creativity featuring our leading directors, actors, musicians, dancers, singers and playwrights.   I am sure you will enjoy the delights on offer. Jane Atkins     From the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer The 2008 Season offers a program which has wide appeal. This publication features 22 great productions and is testament to our ongoing commitment over the past 47 years to deliver programs which have relevance to regional communities and are of the highest possible standard. This year is certainly no exception, as we offer a program as big as the state, with such highlights as La Boite Theatre Company’s Walking by Apple Tree Creek following its successful Brisbane season. The Queensland Ballet will present Carmen and The Amazing Magician, Opera Queensland The Magic Flute, The Queensland Orchestra From Beethoven to Tchaikovsky, Expressions Dance Company On Thin Ice, Arthur Frame  Queensland Theatre Company Heroes and not forgetting the new Australian works from Just Us Theatre Ensemble, Darwin Theatre Company and Crossroad Arts.   The season also features the return to the Queensland regional stage of The Kransky Sisters in a brand new production, Raw Dance Company’s Raw Metal and the ever-popular Grant Collins with his One Man Percussion Orchestra.   These are just a few of the highlights heading your way.   We are looking forward with great enthusiasm to sharing this fantastic season with you throughout the year. So read on to discover the theatrical delights in store for you and put them into your dairy today.   See you in the theatre.  Arthur Frame     Queensland Arts Council is funded by the Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland