Dinosauria

Megaraptor Encounter

Experience the awe and wonder of Australian dinosaurs in an encounter like no other!

Experience the awe and wonder of Australia’s ancient giants in this unique, heart-pounding encounter with a massive moving, roaring, dinosaur! A trained keeper in protective gear welcomes audiences, before introducing a 2.4m tall Australovenator – a species of Australian Megaraptor. Armed with sharp, curved claws on both her hands and toes, audiences watch this prehistoric creature stalk her space right before their eyes, all while learning about the incredible dinosaurs found in Australia. They can then take photos with her after – if they’re brave enough! Much like a zoo’s live dangerous animal demonstration, Megaraptor Encounter is a thrilling 20-minute show getting up close with one of Australia’s most intimidating dinosaurs. Designed to be offered free of charge for audiences at festivals, events, or in any large space, this exciting experience focuses uniquely on Australian dinosaurs and features a ‘full-legged’ hybrid dinosaur puppet – the only one of its kind in Australia.

Showcase Victoria Video

Biographies

Tracy Margieson has worked as a senior leader in the arts and entertainment industry for more than 15 years and is currently working as a researcher, sessional academic, producer, theatre maker, and consultant. She has worked with a range of organisations including Gasworks Arts Park, The Australian Ballet School, The Australian School of Magic, Kids Thrive, Screen Well, and Regional Arts Victoria. From 2016 to 2021, Tracy worked at Arts Centre Melbourne, where she was responsible for establishing and leading the Arts Wellbeing Collective, an award-winning, internationally renowned sector-wide program promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in the performing arts industry. Tracy is the co-founder of Purplestage, where producing and touring credits include Drowning in Veronia Lake (2015/16) and Queen Bee (2014). Tracy holds post-graduate qualifications in arts and entertainment management and business psychology and is currently undertaking a PhD at Deakin Business School, exploring artistic programming in the performing arts sector.

Tony Smith has worked as an arts manager and producer for more than 25 years. He is currently Arts Programming Officer at Boroondara Arts and is on the Executive Committee of VAPAC. Prior roles include Executive Producer at The Bowery Theatre, Creative Producer at Gasworks Arts Park, Team Leader Arts and Culture at Banyule City Council, and various roles at the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne Theatre Company, and Centre Stage Performing Arts School. Tony is the co-founder of Purplestage, where producing and touring credits include Drowning in Veronia Lake (2015/16) and Queen Bee (2014). Tony holds a Master of Business Administration (Swinburne University), Graduate Diploma Arts Management (University of Melbourne), and a Diploma of Creative Arts (University of Southern Queensland).

Why this show?

Tracy and Tony love dinosaurs – like, really love dinosaurs! This offering is the start of us bringing together our extensive experience in the performing arts sector with our (weird) love of dinosaurs. We are passionate about raising awareness of Australian dinosaurs in particular – Australia has a rich paleontological history that is little known, but extremely exciting, and is booming right now with the continued discovery of new diverse dinosaurs. We can’t wait to share our love and knowledge of Australian dinosaurs far and wide. Our aim is to establish Dinosauria as a leading organisation in sharing the awe and wonder of dinosaurs. 

Tony & Tracy visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton QLD
Sculpture of an Australovenator
Tony with fossil
Tony with bones from a Sauropod
Tracy with Australovenator footprints
Tracy with Megaraptor footprints
Ellie in box
Ellie the Australovenator arrives at the Dinosauria loading dock

Dinosauria

The Megaraptor Encounter is one of the services we are offering from Dinosauria. Dinosauria is the home of Australian dinosaurs – a sanctuary for these incredible creatures to roam and live in. Dinosauria is in the process of acquiring a juvenile Muttaburrasaurus to join the Megatraptor Encounter. Over time, we hope to continue increasing the number and range of experiences, encounters, and offerings with Australian dinosaurs. 

Featured Australian Dinosaurs

The Australovenator is one of Australia’s largest dinosaurs, a carnivorous theropod from the Cretaceous period. An agile predator, Australovenators were built for speed with muscular legs, and equipped with sharp claws. Find out more: Australian Age of Dinosaurs | Australovenator wintonensis

The Muttaburrasaurus is a herbivorous dinosaurs, known for its distinctive, large, bulbous snout. Able to walk on four legs or just its two strong hind legs, the Muttaburrasaurus stands around 2.5m tall and up to 8m long when fully grown. Find out more: Australian Age of Dinosaurs | Muttaburrasaurus langdoni

Additional Content in Development

  • Full show reel featuring audience engagement and examples of photo opportunities
  • Updated footage with juvenile Muttaburrasaurus included
  • Professional stills images of Ellie, and Ellie with Keeper
  • Dedicated website with booking forms etc.