Rob Sowinski has been heavily involved in the theatre industry in Bendigo since he arrived here in 1999. He has been involved in a number of theatre projects designing sets and lighting, helping with other technical aspects as well as being a mentor for some of the youth and always lending his expertise to those who asked for it.

Rob grew up in Geelong. He was an inquisitive child and was interested in how things worked. Rob grew up with an interest in Science and when it came to year 12, he decided to have a go at theatre studies as lighting was always something he enjoyed learning about. This then lead to him completing a Bachelor of Performing Arts at Ballarat University and working as a tech and a front of house manager at Her Majasty's Theatre.
Rob ventured back to Uni to complete his Diploma of Education the following year. He then found himself in Bendigo where he started work at the Capital Theatre as well as getting to know the local companies.

He soon befriended our local talent Adam Lyon and what started as singing around a piano turned into the concept; Just the Boys a group of talented male performers who have done many charity concerts and exciting performances to packed out audiences.

Rob has also performed in Ballarat in Joseph and The Drama Game as well as in Bendigo's Beauty and the Beast and Just the Boys 1, 2 and 3.
Not only has Rob performed but he has also been the designer of some outstanding sets and lighting designs. Some of the Larger sets including Pirates of Penzance in Ballarat and Godspell at the Capital in Bendigo. Some of the more memorable were set in the Old Fire Station were to Rob the minimal space available was taken into advantage. These sets included a white wonderland of multiple sized pickets that were projected on in The Laramie Project, an entire lounge complete with piano, dining area and huge antique furniture and a loveable mantel fox and staircase in You Can't take it with you as well as a theatre within a theatre for the performance of Cosi, all produced with Eagle Eyed Productions. Then when it came to lighting, Blackrock was performed with only a pier and a set of steps his lighting design created a world easily recognizable and visually theatrical.

After years of putting his efforts into local theatre, and sharing his expertise with the youth of Bendigo, Rob left The Theatre and worked for the Bendigo Council and designed the lighting which lights some of Bendigo's most historic and beautiful landmarks including the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
With that project over Rob is now taking a break and plans to travel overseas, He would like to see a performing arts school be created here, and to bring people into town to see more professional theatre, and keep professionals in regional towns.
And when you ask what's next for Rob Sowinski, only time will tell he has no definite plans.