Stage Briefs

Accommodation Relief Program in NSW as Part of Covid-19 Assistance Fund

Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW has announced an Accommodation Relief Program as part of their COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund. 

This program will provide up to 65 recipients, who are ineligible for Government benefits, with a monthly stipend of $500.00 over 3 months (total value $1,500) to assist with rent or mortgage payments. 

Awards Lashed

David Spicer reports.

Organisers of The Rob Guest Endowment Award have been accused of a “white-wash” by selecting a group of 30 semi-finalists for this year’s competition, entirely devoid of any representatives from the BIPOC community.

In response to criticism of the competition, organisers issued a statement which attracted a further social media backlash.

The statement in summary :

Playwrights’ Development Program Next In Line Goes

Darlinghurst Theatre Company has announced that its Next In Line program will resume as planned, thanks to a City of Sydney Cultural Grant. Announced in September last year, the program is a strong manifestation of the company’s commitment to artists, showcasing upcoming, fresh and boundary-pushing playwrights.

Latest Ensemble Conversations - Francesca Savige And Chantelle Jamieson

Ensemble Theatre has announced the latest ‘Ensemble Conversations’ for people to stay connected to the theatre.

They're chatting about Killing Katie: Confessions Of A Book Club this week on Ensemble Conversations. Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry will be joined by play Director Francesca Savige and actor Chantelle Jamieson delving into this brutally honest and laugh-out-loud drama putting friendships to the test. Hear more about the female tour de force behind Tracey Trinder's brand new Australian work.

Semi-Finalists Announced for 2020 Rob Guest Endowment

After online auditions conducted over the past few weeks, the 30 Semi-Finalists for the 2020 Rob Guest Endowment Award were announced today (August 20). The Rob Guest Endowment committee is pleased to announce the following Semi-Finalists who will perform for a panel of judges to determine the six finalists for the 2020 Rob Guest Endowment Award:

Global Fringe at Old 505 Theatre

In partnership with Sydney Fringe, Global Fringe will be presenting four weeks of local performances across September at Old 505 Theatre, Newtown, and a swag of international works streamed right into your lounge room. 

Melbourne Recital Centre Raises Over $160,000 for Local Artists

Melbourne Recital Centre closed on Sunday 15 March due to COVID-19 and remains closed until restrictions are lifted. During this time; however, it has continued supporting local musicians through its new Performer Support Fund, which provides financial support and opportunities in lieu of cancelled concerts. The fund has now raised in excess of $160,000.

MTC Cancels Remainder of 2020 Season

Melbourne Theatre Company has announced the cancellation of its remaining 2020 Season. 

Eleven of the 12 productions in MTC’s 2020 Season have now been cancelled or forced to close this year as a result of the ongoing COVID crisis and increased restrictions in Victoria. 

The final two shows in the season – Girls & Boys and Sunshine Super Girl – were due to open in October and November, respectively. 

New Adelaide Concert Series Music @ The Maj

Adelaide Festival Centre is welcoming more audiences back to Her Majesty’s Theatre with a new concert series –Music @ The Maj.

Tickets are now on sale for four shows beginning with The Cowgirl & The Showgirl Ride Again, an evening of songs from cabaret performer Libby O’Donovan and country music icon Beccy Cole.

Ensemble Theatre Conversations with Luke Carroll and Emma Palmer

Ensemble Theatre has announced the latest ‘Ensemble Conversations’ for people to stay connected to the theatre.

Black Cockatoo and Crunch Time actors and ABC Play School presenters Luke Carroll and Emma Palmer join Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry for this week’s Ensemble Conversations.