Pioneering digital theatre

Since launching in 2019 in the Macedon Ranges Shire, Threshold’s unique “digital theatre” products have been featured at 20 festivals, plugged by the New York Times, played in venues across 6 english-speaking countries, and are currently being translated into Mandarin. Unlike streaming a show or listening to a podcast, this new theatrical form is active – inviting full bodied engagement – and collective – inviting people to connect through the experience.

Having enjoyed residencies at ACMI and the State Library of Victoria, Threshold operates out of a studio in Kyneton, mostly working with extraordinary artists who live and work in the Macedon Ranges Shire. Threshold has collaborated with world-class artists, including visual and installation artists, art therapists, psychologists, composers, sound designers, digital gurus and technical wizards.

The shift to digital-theatre has not only made this traditional venue-based form of entertainment more accessible, it’s established a company structure that has huge potential to scale. Sitting squarely within the rapidly-growing experience economy, Threshold are working to double their range of products within the next 12 months. Through digital delivery, and innovative use of technology, they plan to continue to offer quality cultural experiences for audiences here in Australia, and internationally.

“We’d lived in the region for many years before we founded the company,” says Tahli Corin. “Many artists commute to Melbourne, but with young children that became a less appealing option for us. We began to wonder how we could create a business that allowed us to work within the community where we loved to live. For us, there isn’t a separation between us as business owners, and us as members of this community – that’s a beautiful thing. We live and work in our community, and the richness of this community informs and inspires our work.”

“We’re constantly inspired by the creative conversations happening in our region, whether that’s through events such as the Kyneton Contemporary Art Triennial, music and writers festivals, or local storytelling nights. We have a rich cultural scene.”

“We also work a lot with other local businesses: everything from recording studios, to marketing and branding specialists, website and graphic designers, photographers, printers, videographers, writers, business mentors and bookkeepers. Everything we need to run our business is here.”