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IMRSE's logo (pronounced "immerse"). It is pink with white text and line art. Basic line art of two buildings about the word "IMRSE" in capital letters.
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IMRSE

Where imagined worlds are built for people to connect and play.

Who are we?

IMRSE strives to tap into the unique capabilities of live theatre by positioning you inside the story, rather than on its edges. With IMRSE, you can walk through worlds of imagination and wonder, reinventing the roles of performance, audience and space. The all-encompassing worlds we bring to you will remind you of the vitality of live theatre and have your heart beating in time with exciting contemporary artists at their most breathtaking.

What Is Immersive Theatre?

Immersive theatre is theatre that you can walk through. The love child of contemporary theatre and the haunted house, immersive works are electrifying the theatre space by stretching the vitality of live theatre beyond its limits. The experience of an immersive show is deeply intimate as you touch, breathe and live the art. IMRSE is one of Meanjin/Brisbane’s premier companies specialising in immersive theatre, using this exciting new form to tell important stories and destabilise, decentralise and demystify meaning.

Photograph of Emma Churchland, a woman with long dark brown hair, white skin, and a big smile. She is wearing a dark green sweater and standing against a grey background.

CEO Emma Churchland.

Emma Churchland (she/her) is an inspiring artist, dramaturg and educator revitalising the Brisbane arts scene. Her landmark work, Things I’d Say To You, received attention for reinventing storytelling at Brisbane Festival, Anywhere Festival, and Melbourne Fringe. Her 2019 collaboration with The SUI Ensemble, La Silhouette, received critical acclaim with three Matilda award nominations. Emma’s dramaturgical work has strengthened the Brisbane arts scene through her unique style of support and guidance. Passionate about education, Emma has taught in schools and universities across Australia. She is currently a beloved sessional tutor at the Queensland University of Technology, known for her passion and creative drive. As the founder and CEO of IMRSE, Emma hopes to bring Brisbane theatre audiences into a new age of compassion and vitality.

Photograph of Dan Gough, a bald person with ginger stubble. He has white skin and is smiling and clasping his hands. He is wearing a black hoodie with "Los Angeles" written on it and is standing against a grey background.

Artistic Director Dan Gough.

Dan Gough (he/she/they) leaves his energising and refreshingly honest touch on every work he encounters as a director, performer, writer, producer, educator, and drag queen. He has worked with a wide range of artists and organisations, from Brisbane Powerhouse all the way to London’s Battersea Arts Centre. Previously the Founder and Artistic Director of The Sui Ensemble, he directed La Silhouette, winning Best Independent Production at the 2019 Matildas. His work is known for being singularly imaginative and heart-stopping, delving into unconventional and taboo topics without fear. His role as a sessional academic at the Queensland University of Technology has been significant in inspiring and guiding the next generation of fearless artists and boundary-testers. Dan’s work as a community builder and artist, both at IMRSE and throughout the Brisbane arts scene, has energised, uplifted and pushed the boundaries of the local arts.

IMRSE acknowledges the Jagera and Turrbal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and their unique relationship with the lands, seas and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.