We are a not-for profit community theatre group based in Cairns,  Australia.  Tropical Arts engages with and celebrates diversity in our community through theatre.

Tropical Arts Association Inc. specializes in inclusive community theatre, with members reflecting our community’s diversity. Professional theatre makers engage with our members to make highly creative, collaborative productions. We aim to make theatre opportunities accessible to everyone, whether professional actors or someone wanting a new experience.

Since the association formed in 2007, over 15,000 people have attended our workshops and performances. For the past 18 years, ‘Shakespeare at the Tanks’ remains Tropical Arts signature production. This biannual mainstage production is supported by our major partners, ARC Disability Services and Tanks Arts Centre. We make William Shakespeare’s plays relevant and real to contemporary audiences. Our audiences see people like them, creating the world of our plays.

For all that are interested, please see the our next event being performed for the Friends of Cominos House as a part of Cairns 150 year anniversary! See below, including call out to members and volunteers:

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Shakespeare’s Playground

A creative brainstorm

🤼Ever wondered what Shakespeare’s works would be like set in the context of the scripted ferocity of a wrestling federation like WWE? 

♥️Or what about the colourful world of a Bollywood love story? 

🧊How would a play, taking place in the Icy Tundra of a snow-swept Scandinavian Viking nation feel like? 

🧛Or if one of Shakespeare’s most famous protagonists was a bloodthirsty, 3-century-old Vampire battling their very nature? 

🛸Or an epic Sci-Fi odyssey from a universe in a milky way not very very near? 

🪖Or a tale of greed in a not too distant future dystopia?

🎭We want to hear from our members about what could be the next major Shakespeare production in 2027. 

Bring an idea of your own or just an enthusiastic mindset ready to collaborate...

🗝️And perhaps ideas about whether we could do something towards the end of 2026 to commemorate the 150th year of Cairns.

You’re invited to join us for a free creative brainstorming session.  All welcome. 

Where: ARC Community Hall, 52 MacNamara St, Manunda (next to SES building)

When: Saturday, 2 May, 2026

Time: 12.30pm to 3.30pm

Bring: byo snacks; your creative ideas; drawing/ sketch materials 

More info:  secretary.tropicalarts@gmail.com or president.tropicalarts@gmail.com

Become a member of Tropical Arts or renew your membership and you can join our volunteers, cast and crew for our next production. Membership covers our public liability and volunteer workers accident cover (we don’t really mean ‘break-a-leg!’) Members can gain on-the-job training and mentoring in all aspects of theatre production.