Schools and educators

To support your planning each year, the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre is pleased to offer schools a pre-booking service for relevant shows.

1. Reserve your seats and apply for funding - contact our Engagement Team to make a booking - let us know how many students and teachers will attend, including any special seating requirements i.e. wheelchairs. Take note of your reservation number. Funding is available for schools to apply for as well. Check if your school is eligible to apply for funding to attend the performance through our Pathways to Performance program.

2. Planning - When a booking is made, our Engagement team will send out any Teachers Resources or subject links to assist with planning unit work or assessments you may undertake. Prepare your excursion/permission slips and put the due date at least two weeks prior to the show date.

3. Final numbers and lead up to event - Our team will contact you two weeks prior to the event for your final numbers, this allows for invoicing. We will also ensure you know seat allocations (if applicable) and anything else important for the day.

4. On the day - Aim to arrive at the MECC 30 minutes before the performance. At the box office, a staff member will point you in the right direction of where to go. Students will be asked to leave school bags at a designated area of the North Foyer before entering the auditorium. Enjoy the show!

5. Post-event - Our engagement team will ask you to fill in a post-event survey - this helps us secure sponsorship, allowing our Pathways to Performance program to continue providing funding to attend the theatre! Please also send through any photos you can have for our Educators Newsletter as well!

Bringing live theatre to regional students

The Pathways to Performance program is proudly presented by The Friends of the MECC with valued support from BMA / BHP Queensland, North Queensland Bulk Ports and Glencore Hail Creek Mine.

We understand that for many schools, one of the biggest challenges in attending live theatre or educational workshops is the cost of travel. That’s where Pathways to Performance steps in - removing the financial barrier and making it easier for students to experience the magic of live performance.

Each year, MECC shares a curated list of performances and workshops that align with the Australian school curriculum - programs with strong educational outcomes, cultural relevance, or creative value.

Through the Pathways to Performance program, schools can apply for assistance with:

• Transport costs
• Tickets costs, and
• Associated workshop fees

Applications are open to schools across the Mackay region and beyond, with priority given to travel costs, and those who would otherwise find it difficult to attend.

How it works

1. MECC notifies educators about upcoming performances and workshops with educational value.
2. Schools register their interest in specific shows and/or workshops. Simply make a reservation by emailing meccsalesandmarketing@mackay.qld.gov.au
3. Schools then complete an application form to have transport, ticket, or workshop costs covered through the Pathways to Performance program.
4. The Pathways to Performance Committee meet to discuss applications - and notify schools funding results shortly afterwards.
5. Schools enjoy the show and complete a survey form shortly afterwards.

Since its inception, Pathways to Performance has helped thousands of students experience the magic of live performance - many for the very first time.

In 2025, this program assisted 2295 students across the Mackay Isaac Regions!

Let’s keep opening doors and expanding horizons.

Funding Documents

• Pathways to Performance 2026 Application Form(PDF, 453KB)
• Pathways to Performance 2026 Grant Information(PDF, 455KB)

For further information, contact the MECC Engagement Team on 4961 9767 or email meccsalesandmarketing@mackay.qld.gov.au

Thank you to Friends of the MECC for both operating and financially supporting this program since its inception in 2013.

Thank you to BMA / BHP Queensland for supporting this program since its inception in 2013.

Thank you to Glencore Hail Creek Mine for supporting this program in 2019, 2020,2021, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Thank you to North Queensland Bulk Ports for joining us in 2026 as a new sponsor, we are absolutely thrilled to have you on board!

Thanks to the Pathways to Performance Sponsors

1. Attend the MECC Educator’s Launch in January - Hosted annually, the MECC showcases upcoming performances and workshops to teachers, that link to the curriculum. This gives you time to plan for the following year.

2. Consider the budget. You will find performances in the MECC season reasonably priced. Performances targeted to senior students range from $29-$30, while DBCT Kids' Theatre Season starts at $19.50 thanks to our amazing sponsor, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.

3. For every 10 students, you will receive 1 complimentary teacher ticket. Bringing 200 students? You will receive 20 complimentary tickets!

4. Availability. We encourage schools to make a reservation sooner, rather than later to avoid disappointment. You simply make a reservation with your approximate numbers and confirm them as the date draws closer.

5. Teachers Resources. Once you make your booking, ask us for any available Teachers Resources. The majority of performances in our School Entertainment Program contain full kits which do all the planning for you! Easy!

6. Budget restraints? The Pathways to Performance program assists schools with the costs of attending the theatre. Applications are easy and stress-free, we promise! We also have had schools ask us to invoice their generous P&C, who kindly offer to help for the occasion!

7. Contact the MECC. Sounds simple, but sometimes a chat with one of our friendly team is all it takes to see how easy the process can be. Remember, we are here to help!

If you have any questions you can contact us by Phone: (07) 4961 9777 or Email: mecc@mackay.qld.gov.au 

Our Educator's News is updated and sent out to our region’s educators each term to inform them of learning opportunities coming up at the MECC. If you wish to receive a copy of this newsletter to your inbox, please email meccsalesandmarketing@mackay.qld.gov.au to join the list.