About Us

Nestled in the heart of North Brisbane, Introspect Theatre Company Inc. stands as a beacon of creativity and community enrichment. As a not-for-profit theatre company, our mission extends beyond the stage. We are deeply committed to offering a platform for emerging artists, providing them with opportunities to refine, discover, and showcase their artistic prowess.

Our journey began in 2020 under the visionary leadership of our Artistic Director, Cindy Sykes. Cindy’s fervent belief in the transformative power of theatre is evident in every production we present. For her, theatre is not just entertainment; it’s a bridge that connects communities, imparts knowledge of history and culture, and amplifies the voices of creativity and expression.

At Introspect, we wear our passion on our sleeves – from compelling theatre productions in myriad styles to community-centric workshops. Join us, as we continue to inspire, entertain, and foster the next generation of theatre talent.

Meet Our Board of Directors!

Cindy Sykes

Cindy Sykes

President/Artistic Director

About Cindy:

Position Prowess: Could you tell us more about your role on the board, how you got involved, and what aspects of it bring you the most fulfillment?

      • In 2020, during my maternity leave, I attended a theatre workshop that reignited my dream of starting a theatre company one day. Coincidentally, on my drive home, I received a call from two of my former drama students expressing their desire to act again. That spontaneous conversation sparked the decision to make ‘one day’ today. Since then, my role on the board has been instrumental in shaping our vision and guiding the company’s growth as Artistic Director and later as President when we became a non-profit organization. What brings me the most fulfillment is witnessing the transformative power of theatre in our community, providing a platform for creative expression, and fostering a sense of belonging among our members.

Path to the Board: Share a brief glimpse into your journey that led you to join Introspect Theatre’s board. What inspired your involvement?

      • It all began with our ambitious plan to produce ‘The 39 Steps,’ a production where I both directed and acted. To fundraise for this endeavor, we organized our first Limelight event, which exceeded our expectations and evolved into an annual creative arts showcase. As we continued to expand our productions and activities, transitioning from director to artistic director felt like a natural progression. When we formalized our status as a non-profit organization, I was honored to be voted in as the company’s president, further solidifying my dedication to guiding our theatre’s journey and fostering its impact within the community.

Hobbies Harmony: Beyond the boardroom, what hobbies or activities light up your world? Any hidden talents or pursuits you’d like to share?

      • One of my passions is watching musicals and belting out the songs in the car with my little ones joining in. In my downtime, I enjoy crocheting or reading a good book.

Aspirations Alley: What goals or aspirations do you have for Introspect Theatre, and how do you envision contributing to our collective success?

      • As for my aspirations for Introspect Theatre, my primary goal is to foster its growth and to curate unforgettable cultural experiences for our members and the wider community. Concurrently, I’m actively involved in a creative endeavor alongside Matthew Rabbas, another esteemed member of Introspect. Together, we’re crafting ‘Maria the Musical,’ a poignant narrative inspired by my mother’s remarkable life journey. This production, rooted in themes of resilience and determination, chronicles Maria’s relentless quest for justice amidst international intrigue and legal complexities. With stirring melodies and a powerful message of hope, our musical promises to illuminate the strength of the human spirit. To showcase our progress and raise funds for the production, we’re planning to feature select songs from ‘Maria the Musical’ at our upcoming Sneak Peek Soirée in November.

Life’s Little Joys: Amidst the busy schedule, what small moments or rituals bring you joy in your day-to-day life?

      • In the midst of my busy days, it’s the simple moments with my children that bring me the most joy. Watching them grow and finding ways to play and engage with them fills me with happiness. Whether it’s inventing new games together or just sharing laughs, these moments remind me of the beauty of family life. Additionally, I’ve recently discovered a new source of joy in training for a triathlon. It’s been invigorating to challenge myself physically and mentally, and it adds a refreshing balance to my daily routine.

Personal Playground: If you had a whole day to yourself with no responsibilities, how would you spend it?

      • I’d enjoy a day of pampering myself, maybe with a spa treatment or two. Then, I’d settle down with a good book and spend the rest of the day reading in peace and quiet.
Lachlan Farnfield

Lachlan Farnfield

Position

About Lachlan:

Position Prowess: Could you please tell us more about your role on the board, how you became involved, and which aspects of it bring you the most fulfillment?

    • My role on the board is to advise on musical theatre and contribute my experience to the theater company. What brings me fulfillment is the opportunity to introspect and lend my experience to its growth in all aspects of theatre.
Path to the Board: Could you share a brief glimpse into the journey that led you to join Introspect Theatre’s board? What inspired your involvement?
    • My journey to the board was incidental. I was asked by Cindy to advise on some musical theatre aspects for Introspect’s upcoming 2024 season. Given my experience in the area, I was asked to join the board.
Hobbies Harmony: Beyond the boardroom, what hobbies or activities light up your world? Any hidden talents or pursuits you’d like to share?
    • I am an avid DM for D&D, a singer, an actor, and I also love to 3D print and paint miniatures for D&D.
Aspirations Alley: What goals or aspirations do you have for Introspect Theatre, and how do you envision contributing to our collective success?
    • I would love to see Introspect become another venue for actors/actresses and singers to explore lesser-known shows and musicals on the north side of Brisbane, supported by those with experience. Additionally, I hope to see Introspect become a hub for people with show ideas or scripts.
Life’s Little Joys: Amidst the busy schedule, what small moments or rituals bring you joy in your day-to-day life?
    • What brings me joy is mostly my daughter, but as I am a creative person at heart, I also find joy in thinking about physical things I can create and do, such as using my 3D printers or learning a new song.
Personal Playground: If you had a whole day to yourself with no responsibilities, how would you spend it?
    • I would play D&D, game, or see a show.
Szonja Meszaros

Szonja Meszaros

Choreographer/Board Member

About Szonja:

Position Prowess: Could you please tell us more about your role on the board, how you became involved, and which aspects of it bring you the most fulfillment?

    • My role on the board involves utilising my creativity to craft spectacular shows on stage, ultimately aiming to positively impact people’s lives through our craft, whether they are involved in the production or part of our audience. This aspect brings me immense fulfilment.
Path to the Board: Could you share a brief glimpse into the journey that led you to join Introspect Theatre’s board? What inspired your involvement?
    • Having known Cindy, the founder of Introspect Theatre, for many years and having previously been her drama student and performed alongside her on stage, it was natural for me to become involved with the company. When Anastasia at Northpine Christian College was set to start in 2022, Cindy approached me to be the choreographer, and I eagerly accepted the opportunity. This collaboration reignited my passion for Introspect Theatre, and after participating in the production “Almost, Maine” in 2022, I felt compelled to join the board. Witnessing the burgeoning community and environment within the company, I accepted Cindy’s offer to become a board member without hesitation, driven by the belief that Introspect Theatre deserves wider recognition and growth.
Hobbies Harmony: Beyond the boardroom, what hobbies or activities light up your world? Any hidden talents or pursuits you’d like to share?
    • Outside of the boardroom, my world revolves around theatre, encompassing musical theatre, film, and TV. These pursuits constitute the essence of my hobbies and personal interests.
Aspirations Alley: What goals or aspirations do you have for Introspect Theatre, and how do you envision contributing to our collective success?
    • My aspirations for Introspect Theatre involve fostering widespread engagement from across Brisbane and beyond. I aspire to establish collaborations with larger theatre companies and cultivate a thriving Introspect community to stage diverse shows for our supporters. I am committed to being a significant contributor to each production, ensuring that we deliver exceptional performances while fostering an inclusive and enjoyable community environment.

Life’s Little Joys: Amidst the busy schedule, what small moments or rituals bring you joy in your day-to-day life?
    • Amidst my busy schedule, finding joy in my daily life involves immersing myself in my craft, whether it’s acting, choreography, or writing. While I’m constantly engaged in productions and projects, I also cherish moments where I can appreciate the work of others and reflect on past productions, whether I was directly involved or simply an audience member.

Personal Playground: If you had a whole day to yourself with no responsibilities, how would you spend it?
    • If I had a day entirely to myself without any responsibilities, I would indulge in self-care activities. This would entail a reset day, possibly involving cleaning, reading, going for a leisurely walk, and unwinding at the beach to bask in the sun.

Robyn Nicolson

Robyn Nicolson

Treasurer/Board Member

About Robyn:

Position Prowess and Path to the Board: Could you please share a brief glimpse into the journey that led you to join Introspect Theatre’s board, including how you became involved and what inspired your involvement, as well as telling us more about your role on the board and which aspects of it bring you the most fulfillment?

    • This year I’ve taken on the role of treasurer, which has been a great way to support Introspect from the background. I originally got involved with Introspect before it was Introspect! I was at university and had just come out of a gruelling endocrinology exam, and decided to call Cindy for a cry about how much I missed theatre and that creative outlet. Thankfully Cindy had already been considering starting a theatre company, and the I’ve been lucky enough to be on board ever since. I had the privilege of directing a show in 2022, and have acted in multiple shows and events we’ve produced since the company’s inception. My love of theatre, and my desire for a creative escape very much inspired my involvement, and continues to do so today.
Hobbies Harmony: Beyond the boardroom, what hobbies or activities light up your world? Any hidden talents or pursuits you’d like to share?
    • Beyond the ‘boardroom’, I enjoy anything creative I can get my hands on. I’m currently dabbling in embroidery, I write nearly every day, I’ve been playing violin for 22 years, and (when my bank account allows it), I build Lego.

Aspirations Alley: What goals or aspirations do you have for Introspect Theatre, and how do you envision contributing to our collective success?

      • I’d love to see our company find a home, a proper little theatre we can make our own and fill with memories and wonderful shows. I hope I can contribute to the company flourishing in any way I can- acting, directing, looking after finances, planning, supporting etc.
Life’s Little Joys: Amidst the busy schedule, what small moments or rituals bring you joy in your day-to-day life?
    • Amidst my busy schedule, finding joy in my daily life involves immersing myself in my craft, whether it’s acting, choreography, or writing. While I’m constantly engaged in productions and projects, I also cherish moments where I can appreciate the work of others and reflect on past productions, whether I was directly involved or simply an audience member.
Personal Playground: If you had a whole day to yourself with no responsibilities, how would you spend it?
    • I’m a homebody, so a day to myself is such a treat. A day alone with no responsibilities usually entails lots of snacks, a lineup of good documentaries or movies, comfortable clothes, hopefully some rain, and any creative endeavour that has caught my attention on the day. If the sun insists on being out, a nice motorcycle ride up a mountain is a great second choice.

Tiarne Anderson

Tiarne Anderson

Board Member

About Tiarne:

Position Prowess: Could you tell us more about your role on the board, how you got involved, and what aspects of it bring you the most fulfillment?

      • It brings me joy to see behind the scenes and help make our ideas a reality.

Path to the Board: Share a brief glimpse into your journey that led you to join Introspect Theatre’s board. What inspired your involvement?

      • I became involved with Introspect Theatre during the 2022 production of “Almost, Maine”. Once the production concluded, I wanted to continue utilizing my experience to help Introspect grow.

Hobbies Harmony: Beyond the boardroom, what hobbies or activities light up your world? Any hidden talents or pursuits you’d like to share?

      • If I’m not reading, gaming, or catching up on TV, I’m with my family and friends.

Aspirations Alley: What goals or aspirations do you have for Introspect Theatre, and how do you envision contributing to our collective success?

      • My goal is to see us in our own theatre and continuously contribute to our community. I am excited to be part of future projects, whether that be directing or acting.

Life’s Little Joys: Amidst the busy schedule, what small moments or rituals bring you joy in your day-to-day life?

      • Sitting somewhere quiet in the early morning to enjoy my coffee.

Personal Playground: If you had a whole day to yourself with no responsibilities, how would you spend it?

      • I would go for a drive to someplace new and read a good book!