Stage Briefs

Theatre In A Box – Coming Soon!

Everyone is aware that with the outbreak of the “virus”, the Australian performing arts industry experienced a complete shutdown. For Paul Morrison, the owner of small business Fantastix Production Essentials that meant that in space of just 48 hours, his entire income and scheduled work for the remainder of 2020 (and beyond) was cancelled.

From Stage Scenery to Your Home.

When theatres fell dark across Australia in March 2020 the effects were felt through the entire live entertainment industry. Productions were cancelled with no understanding of when they were to reopen. NJW Designs quickly prepared for their show stopping number to entertain the lost audiences with a functional range of products for the home.

Charity Monologue-Athon Pitting Performers Against The Clock

The Monologue-athon: The Ultimate Actor Challenge, in association with Mashed Theatre Inc. (MTi) is a 24-hour, livestreamed, interactive event being held on the 30 May 2020.

You’ll Never Walk Alone - Riverside Theatres Digital

Stay home and hear your favourite musical theatre tunes with Helpmann award- winner Luke Joslin and friends!

$50 Million Rescue/Restart Package for Arts in NSW

The NSW Government has announced a $50 million rescue and restart package for NSW arts and cultural organisations to ensure the sector continues to make an important contribution to the NSW economy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rescue and Restart package is intended to support arts and cultural organisations across NSW.

The NSW Government recognises the important contribution the arts and cultural sector makes to the NSW economy, as well as to the community’s wellbeing, particularly during challenging times.

 

Darlinghurst Theatre Company Begins Path Through Covid

As restrictions on public gatherings ease, Darlinghurst Theatre Company has announced the appointment of Amylia Harris to the position of Co-Artistic Director. It is a key step in theatre’s plans to emerge from lockdown.

Amylia joined Darlinghurst Theatre Company in October 2015. Her career spans television and stage, most recently as the company’s Creative Producer. Working alongside CEO and Artistic Director, Glenn Terry, she has diversified the work of the company, with festivals, cabarets, playwriting programs and community partnerships.

Musicals Story Writing Competition Winners

Our recent competition, suggested by Coral Drouyn, was:

Write a story of 100 words or less using at least ten musical titles.

Thankyou to everyone who participated.

Thanks also to Coral for selecting the winning entries.

Congratulations to our winners, Cathy Willacy and Peter McDonald.

 

 

 

Our winning entries

Cathy Willacy, the first entrant to use the clever idea of a letter.

A Little Yiddle Audition

David Spicer was a long shot at getting a role in the now cancelled season of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. He reports on the joy of  growing a beard and learning tongue twisters for the audition.

In March I reported in the column Musical Spice - which is usually at the back of Stage Whispers -  that I was about have an audition for Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. The suspense has been killing our regular readers. None of them have been have been talking or tweeting about COVID-19, but how my audition went?

Premiere of Head Over Heels at Hayes Postponed.

BB Arts Entertainment, Two Doors Productions and Hayes Theatre Co have announced that the Australian Premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS in July 2020 has been postponed due to ongoing advice issued by the Federal Government to prevent the spread of COVID-19. HEAD OVER HEELS, a bold new musical comedy from the creators of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q, Next To Normal and Spring Awakening, will be rescheduled for the 2021 Hayes Theatre Co season, with specific dates announced later this year.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Update

The producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child have a continuing commitment to the safety and peace of mind of all its audiences, cast and company, and theatre staff.

In line with the latest government advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the suspension of performances at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre will be extended by a further month.