Stage Briefs

Sydney Theatres to Re-Open

The New South Government has unveiled a roadmap for when theatres can re-open in COVID-19 hotspots.

Restrictions will ease on the Monday after the state achieves 70 percent of the eligible population with a double vaccination - which is expected to be in October.

Theatres will be allowed to have a maxmium capacity of 75%, so long as they comply with the one person per four square metre rule.

Outdoor venues will will be able to have up to 500 people at an event.

Magic Mike Live Australian Tour Cancelled

Media Release - Monday August 30, 2021

Grants for Performing Artists

The charity Support Act invites performing arts workers to apply for short term financial support as part of their Crisis Relief program funded by the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts.

Professional artists eligible for the grants are:

Brisbane Ring Cycle Again Postponed Due to COVID-19

Opera Australia has announced it has been forced to postpone the Brisbane premiere of the world’s first fully digital Ring Cycle for the second year running due to the latest COVID-19 outbreak.

After originally being programmed for 2020, the production dubbed the ‘Everest of opera’ was re- scheduled to open at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) on 29 October this year.

Lockdown Forces Further Changes to STC 2021 Season

As the restrictions for Greater Sydney continue, Sydney Theatre Company has made further changes to its performance schedule with the announcement that Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s adaptation of Roald Dahl classic Fantastic Mr Fox will not be going ahead in 2021 and the upcoming

Opera Australia Announces New CEO

Opera Australia has announced that international performing arts leader Fiona Allan has been appointed as the Company’s next Chief Executive Officer.

Six The Musical Rescheduled

As a result of the ongoing disruptions created by the Sydney lockdown and the consequential measures put in place by state governments around border closures, the producers of SIX THE MUSICAL have confirmed the previously announced Brisbane season has now been rescheduled to commence in January 2023.

The Australian tour was due to start rehearsals in Sydney this September 2021 followed by performances in Brisbane this November 2021, however the delay will now see the tour commencing in Sydney this December 2021.

Next to Normal Resumes at Chapel off Chapel

The snap lockdown in Victoria has again devastated the arts. An independent production of the of musical Next to Normal has been closed for a second time.

“This is just soul destroying. (Thursday) was meant to be our opening night of Next to Normal in Melbourne. Cancelled last time and now this. My heart bleeds to the beautiful talented cast of this show and more importantly to Producer James Terry who is an incredible human being to try and try again." wrote lighting designer Jason Bovaird on his facebook page.

Jagged Little Pill The Musical Postponed

Now opening in December 2021 - Read more

Producers have today announced the postponement of the Australian premiere of JAGGED LITTLE PILL from September as a result of the current COVID-19 situation in Greater Sydney and NSW and uncertainty about future gathering and movement restrictions affecting the operation of theatres.

Theatre Companies Celebrate Grants

Eighty-two private and public arts organisations across the country have been awarded  $40 million under the fourth batch of grants from the $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.