Champion of the arts and audiences

Theatre is the ultimate magic act. It conjures ideas and scenes so believable and bewitching as to cast a spell over reality. Then, as the houselights go up and the performers exit the stage, the sleight of hand is revealed.

“It’s a visceral experience,” says creative producer Lisa Goldzieher, the 2026 UNE Alumni Community Award winner. “Theatre is an artform that appeals to all the senses – the visuals, the music, the voices and lighting. It’s this amazing smorgasbord of storytelling and human interaction … and that’s what makes theatre so magical.

“I love seeing audiences come out of a performance – the looks on their faces and their eagerness to talk about the work and how it relates to our lives. Theatre is inherently political and I always hope to create conversations that direct us towards a better future.”

Such noble ambitions, in 2022, inspired Lisa to establish Empty Space Productions – a regional theatre company based in Armidale – just as the world shook free its pandemic shackles. While some may have considered it a risky financial move, Lisa was more emboldened than ever to provide a means for people to express themselves creatively, together, and to respond to their challenging circumstances.

“Producing theatre is really hard but I’ve always been hungry for creative endeavour that makes something wonderful for audiences to enjoy. My first Empty Space show sold out a week before it opened, which was encouraging, and from there each show has made a profit that has fuelled the next, bigger show.”

Over the past four years Empty Space has produced nine major events in collaboration with professional actors and musicians and more than 15 community groups and aspiring UNE theatre students.

“Lisa’s contributions extend beyond arts programming to genuine community capacity-building, creating platforms for artists to thrive, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and demonstrating that regional Australia can host ambitious, high-quality cultural work,” says UNE Lecturer in Theatre and Digital Performance Dr Julie Shearer, with whom Lisa has collaborated on several productions. “Lisa has proven that arts entrepreneurship, grounded in relationships and community commitment, can generate measurable social and cultural benefit.”

For, despite the ephemeral nature of regional arts and theatre, its impacts – notably in terms of social cohesion and pride – can be enduring. As demonstrated by the Vivace Festival Lisa produced at the Armidale Showground in 2022, which saw traditional Kurdish musicians take the stage alongside regional and interstate jazz, folk and electronic performers. The joyous, inclusive celebration of music and community included the provision of 100 free tickets (complete with a halal dinner) to members of Armidale’s Ezidi community.

“Ours is a multicultural society and we have a rich diversity of stories and experiences to draw from,” Lisa says. “Theatre is about building bridges and contributing to a more cohesive society, not putting up walls.

“I choose work that I feel passionate about and that has something to say. Making thought-provoking work helps us to re-centre community, challenge people’s perceptions and to celebrate the shared human experience.”

During her Bachelor of Arts studies at UNE (with a double major in Theatre Studies and English), Lisa shone under the spotlight herself and was invited to undertake a directorial internship with John Bell during Bell Shakespeare’s 2015 production of The Tempest. She was also the understudy for the role of Miranda.

“I received a broad education in theatrical production at UNE. I learnt to be an actor, how to direct, all the technical elements behind-the-scenes and to take my skills out into the community as I developed my professional identity. It was a great grounding that equipped me with important life skills.”

Subsequent research and teaching roles at UNE have enabled Lisa to expand her creative networks, sustain Empty Spaces and maintain her commitment to delivering accessible regional shows.

“Theatre is very expensive to produce, but I have had wonderful in-kind support from UNE and other community groups. There is a hunger for deep engagement with the arts in the regions and audiences are always urging me to do something else.”

Julie says Lisa has inspired UNE graduates to see arts entrepreneurship, community collaboration and regional practice as legitimate, ambitious and deeply meaningful pathways. “She demonstrates that the arts can be a vehicle for social connection, cultural celebration and community thriving.”

If only for a couple of hours, performers weave their magic and audiences discover a sense of solidarity and safety to consider themes and experiences much bigger than themselves.

“Producing theatre is brave and there’s something very special about developing a space where people can connect and feel like they belong,” Lisa says. “It brings out the very best in people.”