Producing Your Own Show Workshop

Who of you would consider yourself to be an emerging, independent artist? And as an independent director, actor, writer or musician – to have knowledge and skills in how to turn your ideas into a reality and get them on the stage – such tactics are handy to have. This workshop will run over 3 consecutive evenings. The first session will be presented by Marnie Karmelita and Jen Leys discussing promotion, marketing and the processes within the professional theatre scene. In the second session, Matt Lutton will discuss his experiences, local venues, artistic product and approaches to staging works that appeal to young audiences and reveal the talents of young creatives. And in the final session, Sally Richardson will speak about the main funding bodies and the application process as well as other avenues to explore when sourcing funds.

Currently both Marnie Karmelita (General Manager) and Jen Leys (Company Liaison) work at Black Swan Theatre, however both have worked previously at arts institutions such as the Perth International Arts Festival and the Department of Culture and the Arts.

Matt Lutton is an established emerging artist with experience in acting, directing and writing. His company, ThinIce Productions, was formed at the commence of 2002 and has produced four productions, including Trading Fates (Blue Room Theatre, July 2002) and The Bald Prima Donna (Rechabites Hall, WA Fringe Festival 2003 – Winner of the “Best Production” Award). He has contributed greatly to Be Active BSX-Theatre, performing in Spurboard (2001), assisting the director in Six Characters Looking for an Author (2003) as well as being a Be Active BSX Committee Member. Matt is currently studying Theatre Arts at WAAPA whilst assisting Andrew Ross in the direction of Black Swan’s epic production, The Merry-Go-Round in the Sea.

Sally Richardson has worked extensively as a writer, performer & director in the performing arts. As an assessor, dramaturg & teacher Sally has worked for StagesWA, Playworks, Australia Council, Australian National Playwrights Centre and Conference, Sydney Theatre Company, NIDA Playwrights Studio, Perth Theatre Company, ABC Radio, Kaos Theatre, Edith Cowan University, Australasian Youth Theatre Festival, Ausdance WA & with numerous independent artists/productions. Sally has been a member of Playworks National Advisory Board (1995 -01), on the advisory board of the School of Communications & Cultural studies, Curtin University (since 2000) and has acted as a panel representative for ArtsWA. Sally is currently a board member of the Theatre Fund of Australia Council (2001-Present). She has received a number of director development & independent production grants from Australia Council, ArtsWA & Healthways. Sally formed her own production company Steamworks Arts Productions in 2001.