A GRIPPING, provocative play about missing people will offer the insights of a Griffith University lecturer when it is staged on the Gold Coast next month.

"The Disappearances Project" opens at the Judith Wright Centre on July 3, coinciding with the Missing People: Issues and Implications conference being hosted by Griffith University on July 5-6.

Dr Julie Clark from Griffith's School of Human Services and Social Work, was involved in the play's script and development when first staged by Sydney-based Version 1.0, and will be closely involved in the latest production of the play which tours a number of regional Queensland venues after its initial Brisbane season.

Dr Clark will join cast members at the end performances in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ayr and Cairns for a question and answer session with audience members on the issues surrounding 'missingness'.

She has carried out extensive research into the impact a family member going missing has on those left behind.

"It's a play that has given a voice to people with a family member who is missing," Dr Clark said.

"This is a voice that often goes unheard. This play gives them a chance to openly acknowledge the difficulties they have faced and the complexities involved.

About 35,000 people go missing in Australia each year.

For each person reported missing, it is estimated that 12 people are impacted, including immediate and extended family members, friends, work colleagues and community members.

About 420,000 people are affected by 'missingness' each year.

The tour has received $33,000 funding from Creative Partnerships, a joint initiative of Griffith University, QUT and Queensland University with the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Organisations including the Salvation Army, Queensland Police Service, Youth Services, Aged Care, Homelessness Services and the Australian Federal Police have been invited to be part of the project.

Missing People: Issues and Implications Conference takes place at Griffith University's Logan campus on July 5-6.

The regional tour of The Disappearances Project runs from July 9-21.