From Ireland

Hello everyone! I'm thinking of moving over to your beautiful country in January, from Ireland. More then likely i'll be hitting Sydney. I'm looking to continue my career in Australia, as an actor. As it will be my first time in Oz, i'd really appreciate some advice on where to go in Sydney, places to meet fellow thespians, good agents to get in contact with etc. I'm 30 years old and am making the big move because of the lady in my life...no, i'm not running away from her!! My career in Ireland has been steady over the last few years, so i want to try and continue that when i get to Australia. Any help, hints, does and don'ts would be hugely appreciated! Thanks Karl

Start with the FAQ: http://www.theatre.asn.au/book_page/coming_from_overseas_where_to_start Along with the other pages in the FAQ about agents. You will find heaps of info there; MEAA is the Aussie actor's union and you will find links to that site in the FAQ. Then check out the 'companies' page and search for companies/venues by location (NSW would be postcode starting with 2). Some good pro companies (most companies listed on this site are amateur) in Sydney: http://www.glenstreet.com.au/, http://www.belvoir.com.au, http://www.laboite.com.au/, http://www.opera-australia.org.au, http://www.bellshakespeare.com.au. ... and can't leave out http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/. And of course http://www.nida.edu.au/ for study. An old database of links for Aussie pro theatre can be found at my site: http://www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au/theatrelinks.htm (not guaranteed to be up to date, but is at least in easy to find subcategories). Do search this site for previously discussed Syd. based agents. You should also check out Aussie film sites, since this one is predominantly about theatre and other people on other sites will have more info about TV/film. Puppets and patterns at Puppets in Melbourne