The Show Works Group is a unique manufacturing enterprise offering construction services to the Theatre, Museum and Dance industries.
Established in 1995, Show Works has grown, under the direction of Paul Lahiff, Joseph Markac, Cameron Ross and Tim Blaikie to become a leader in its field. Situated over three sites in Preston and Geelong and 5000 square metres, Show Works can take on creative construction projects both large and small.
Show Works genesis was in the Theatre industry and over the past 26 years it has worked on many of the most high profile productions to come to Australia. Credits include supply of scenery to Moulin Rouge, Come From Away, Jagged Little Pill, Wicked, Jersey Boys and many, many more productions.
Show Works is particularly proud of the working relationships we have had with the Australian Ballet and the Victorian Opera, both of which span over twenty years. Almost every locally built production mounted by these two iconic companies have featured Show Works Construction contributions.
Since 2010 Show Works has been delivering production services to the Museum and Gallery sector producing high end joinery and cabinetry as well as interactives and large sculptural objects right across Australia. Most notably, in 2019, working with Multiplex Australia, Show Works delivered 4 entire galleries of cabinetry, joinery, interactives, steel structure and showcases for the award winning WA Museum Boola Bardip. At the same time, Arete Builders engaged Show Works to deliver gallery joinery, and showcases to the new ACMI Story of the Moving Image gallery. Show Works is a preferred supplier to the National Gallery of Victoria and Museum Victoria as well as being a regular supplier to the National Museum of Australia.
Other award winning projects that Show Works has delivered cabinetry, joinery and showcases include:
- The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame – Longreach – Qld
- The Waltzing Matilda Visitor Centre – Winton – Qld
- Tiger Trek – Taronga Zoo – NSW
With over 30 permanent staff offering skills in Carpentry, Cabinetry, Metal Fabrication, Scenic Art and Electrics, Show Works has the capacity to take on any theatrical challenge delivering to the highest standard.
In 2021, rounding out its offering of high quality cabinetry and joinery to the Museum industry, Show Works acquired TASHCO Showcases. Show Works is proud to be able to ensure that these iconic showcases, so respected in the industry, will continue to be produced into the future. Still operating out of its Geelong manufacturing base, TASHCO showcases are able to be shipped all around Australia. Recent Showcase clients include the Western Australia Museum, The National Museum of Australia, The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, ACMI – Story of the Moving Image as well as The Victorian Police Museum.
In 2010, through its association with the Australian Ballet, Show Works designed and launched it’s own range of dance equipment. Show Works range of sprung dance flooring, ballet barres, mirrors and dance vinyl can be found in almost every major dance institution across Australia. Also offering a highly affordable range of home use apparatus, Show Works range of dance equipment has a product to suit every requirement.
Corporate Responsibility
Show Works takes its corporate responsibility seriously and having completed the Greenlight Sustainability program in 2015, Show Works has been recognised by it’s local government as leading the way in environmental sustainability.
Show Works is keen to harness the talents of the next generation of talented people entering the industry. Having been an active provider of a work experience program to well over 50 students from Melbourne’s Inner Northern suburbs, Show Works was delighted to be recognised for its work in this area by the Victorian State Government for its active Championing Victorian Industry through Schools. Show Works also provides mentoring to VCAL students from inner Northern Suburb schools through the Vocational Mentoring Exchange.