Theatre Management - work experience?
Thu, 20 Dec 2007, 08:45 pmbritkit7 posts in thread
Theatre Management - work experience?
Thu, 20 Dec 2007, 08:45 pmHi,
I apologise if I'm asking for info which is available on the site - I have looked at the forums and the other sections but haven't really found what I need.
I'm writing to ask for some advice about the possiblity of obtaining work experience in theatre / arts management in Australia. After 8 years in a (British) government job I've finally decided to pursue my passion for theatre (which up to now I have sustained through acting, directing and backstage work with community theatre groups). First, though, I would like to take a much needed break so am planning to come to Australia on a working holiday visa.
I'm fully planning to audition for amateur shows in Australia so need no advice about that (plenty of opportunities posted on here). However I'm very interested in going into theatre management as this would combine my existing experience with my love of the theatre (and although I love performing, I have found that I get huge satisfaction from being involved in theatrical productions in any capacity). I'd like to apply for a masters in arts management in a year or so, but it would be great if I could also use my time in Australia to gain experience in the field.
I wouldn't necessarily be looking for paid work - I have savings enough to get me by for a while and would be happy to work a second job to get an income. And even a very short placement to get a feel for how things work would be great. Are theatres in Australia likely to be positively inclined if I just write cold asking for a work experience placement? Any other suggestions as to how I can make my time in Australia work in my favour?
Any advice hugely appreciated!
Kit
I understand - most people
Fri, 21 Dec 2007, 10:13 amI understand - most people don't know where the best place is, so they think flexibility is wisest. Problem is, it makes it very hard to advise you.
Sydney is more of an established theatre town, whereas Melbourne is more fringe. Melbourne would be the best place to come and try your hands in management, because there's a lot more willingness to do fringe shows, and try people who've had less experience. If you came to Melbourne (I'm from there), I would suggest looking at volunteering for the big festivals - comedy festival and fringe - because they offer quite good vollie positions. Fringe has special (or had, I'm not 100% sure if they still do this) internships which are voluntary, but involve a lot more hands-on management stuff. You can also do other vollie roles.
There are plenty of courses, as I said, but it depends on whether or not you want to do something short course/certificate, or something more long-term/three-year.
You definitely won't get any roles in venue/tour management professionally unless you have done crewing professionally. (I know this from experience; big shows here prefer that you've already had big show experience, same with venues. Circular, I know.)
If you need more places of where to look and what's going on in theatre management, head over to the forums/site of www.alia.com.au. They are the biggest group of techies in Australia, and the site is full of very useful information.
Depending on where you intend to be, I can give you some more names/production companies/courses.
My advice is to definitely consider at least a short course, and to volunteer with as many pro companies as possible; while also doing some amateur shows as well. Volunteering for venues and prod. companies is the best way in; cold calling won't work.
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