Happy World Theatre Day! 27 March
World Theatre Day was created in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI). Each year a message is written by a figure of world stature, and translated into more than 20 languages. The 2011 message is by Jessica A. Kaahwa, Uganda. An excerpt of the 2011 message is:
“To anticipate a peaceful future, we must begin by using peaceful means that seek to understand, respect and recognize the contributions of every human being in the enterprise of harnessing peace. Theatre is that universal language by which we can advance messages of peace and reconciliation”…
To read the full message, and to find out what celebrations are happening around the world (for example, in Hungary, the message will be read out in every Hungarian theatre and broadcast on radio before performances), go to: (Link removed).
NATIONAL STUFF
Australian Theatre Forum seeks a part-time Project Manager The ATF Committee is seeking a part-time Project Manager to work with the Curator to co-ordinate the production and professional delivery of the Australian Theatre Forum in Brisbane (September 14-16). The position is part-time April-August going full time in mid-August for a month, and is based at Metro Arts, Brisbane.
The National Dance Forum encourages directors, performers, dramaturges, curators, programmers, festival directors, producers, company managers and funders to join the conversation, facilitated by Kristy Edmunds. If you’re an independent artist, you can attend one day for only $45 or both days for $85. This lively event happens over two days on Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 March at Arts House North Melbourne Town Hall.
Greening the Wharf, THE WENTWORTH TALKS at Sydney Theatre Company 2011 The Wentworth Talks are a series of free bi-monthly presentations, screenings and panel discussions at The Wharf led by leading scientists addressing a wide range of topics relating to climate change and the environment.
Performing Arts Touring Alliance Australia - A New Gateway to Touring Following considerable industry wide input, the Performing Arts Touring Alliance, PATA – Australia, has launched the PATA website. http://www.pata.com.au/ The site includes the Introductory Guide to Touring – a road map to make touring systems more transparent and accessible.
The Australia Council has released its annual Strategic Directions plan.
It includes a “Cultural Engagement Framework (CEF) which recognises the unique qualities of: Indigenous Australians; people with a disability; multicultural Australia; young people; and regional and marginalized communities.” The full plan, plus “sector plans” for all of the artform boards, including theatre, are available on (link removed).
The Australia Council’s latest ADVICE Report is out: Ticket buying patterns and trends in the performing arts, January–June 2010.
“Theatre accounted for nearly one third of all arts events and just under 40% of total ticket sales and revenue, with an average ticket price of $31.” This update presents data collected through the 80+ organisations participating in the ADVICE project. (link removed).
HotHouse Theatre has a new Artistic Directorate
The AD team will comprise of Jon Halpin – Artistic Director, Geordie Brookman, Chris Mead and Vanessa Pigrum. Geordie is the former Associate Director at State Theatre Company of South Australia and is the Artistic Director of NowYesNow. Chris is the Artistic Director of PlayWriting Australia and Vanessa is the Artistic Director of the Full Tilt Program at the Victorian Arts Centre.
Opportunity for untrained to perform with Lucy Guerin Inc
Auditions are to be held for untrained men to be part of the Australian Tour of Untrained in 2011 – auditions are throughout March and held in various locations around the country (link removed).
VICTORIAN STUFF
Brett Sheehy has been appointed MTC’s New Artistic Director Brett Sheehy is one of Australia’s most acclaimed artistic directors, producers and curators. He has directed over eight festivals and he is best known for commissioning and co-commissioning scores of new Australian work across every art form. Brett will commence with MTC in a part-time capacity from the start of 2012 to program the 2013 Season and will take up a full-time position with the company on the 1 November 2012. MTC General Manager Ann Tonks will take over as interim CEO until this time. An Artistic Directorate will be appointed shortly to program the 2012 MTC Season.
Melbourne Writers’ Theatre is seeking play submissions for MelBorn 2011. Final date for entry: 20th March Entry fee $10 short play, $25 long play. The 2011 seasons will run from Oct 3rd until November 13th at the La Mama Courthouse. All plays will be assessed and selected by independent, established dramaturge Petra Kalive.
Expressions of interest for Showcase Victoria 2011 close 4 March.Produced by Regional Arts Victoria and the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VAPAC), Showcase Victoria is the premier annual promotional event for Producers and Presenters involved in the performing arts. 26-27 May, at the Clocktower Centre in Moonee Ponds.
Arts Victoria’s first in a series of free seminars on topics of interest to arts organisations – How well do we support our staff? Just a few places left…This seminar looks at staff professional development practices and tools through stories from the arts sector. Speakers: Linda Sproul – Former Chair, Arena Theatre Company; Jill Smith – General Manager, Geelong Performing Arts Centre; Leonie Morgan – Manager, Projects, Office for the Community Sector; Josh Wright – Director, Ausdance Victoria. 4pm – 6pm, Wed 16 March, Arts Victoria.
Dance Massive presents INSIDER – A Day for Dance Industry Professionals. Monday March 21. FREE An opportunity for lively discussion and networking within the local, national and international dance sector, Insider is targeted at regional, national and international presenters, artists, companies, producers, presenters and funding bodies. Insider will provide a variety of formats for discussions, plenty of networking opportunities and include brief presentations from the international delegation in attendance at Dance Massive. Arts House, Meat Market 9.30AM -4.30PM RSVPs are essential.
SkillsHub – Preliminary findings on skills needs for Victoria’s creative and leisure industries
SkillsHub recently held a series of roundtables with industry representatives to talk through the key issues and skills needs facing Victoria’s creative and leisure industries. Preliminary findings include issues such as: Increased competition for the consumer dollar; New technologies; Community engagement; Ageing population; Economic changes; Environment and sustainability; Victorian Training Guarantee.
(Jobs removed)
Improvisation & Impulse For Actors – 5 Week Short Course 14/3/11 – 11/4/11 Teacher: Christine Best. The APO arts Academy / Dance World Studios, 295 Bank Street South Melbourne, Monday 6.30pm – 8.30pm, $350.00 or $300.00 (WAPPA Graduates & APO Diploma MT Graduates).
Available for rent: residential artist studio, one of six in secure, large warehouse in Williamstown.
Studios are partitioned 5m/5m/7mh, shared kitchen, bathroom/toilets, lounge and small, raked auditorium/stage for rehearsals, projections, presentations etc. Excellent conditions for individual practice as well as collaborations in mutually supportive collective. Current studio holders are: graphic artist, animator, puppeteers, set/costume designer. $480 per month.
VCOSS Clearinghouse Rural & Regional Training for Community Organisations.
Sessions will be run in Hume, Loddon Mallee, Gippsland, Barwon South West, Grampians and Melbourne. The program will deliver 40 training sessions for the Victorian community sector. The program includes: Roles, responsibilities, liabilities and protections of boards and committees presented by PilchConnect; Grant Writing presented by Philanthropy Australia; Strategic Planning presented by Matrix on Board; Disagreements, disputes and all-out war: Strategies for dealing with conflict in boards and committees presented by Pathways Australia; Making sense of financial statements presented by Matrix on Board; Getting to Know Philanthropy coordinated by Philanthropy Australia. All sessions are $40 per participant or $20 if you are a VCOSS member.