Theatre Management - work experience?

britkit | 20/12/2007 - 19:45

Hi,

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

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First, yes, this has

Author: Na
Date: 20/12/2007 - 20:40

First, yes, this has somewhat been answered before...

We can't help you much without knowing whereabouts in Australia you will be coming to. Each state and city has its own unique theatre scene, and so it wouldn't be helpful to you to give you more than the basics, without knowing where you will be.

Secondly, as someone who is (I'm guessing) above the age of 18, you won't find work experience in theatre venues for management roles. They are offered to under 18s generally, or those attending university as part of their course.

There are several courses you could attend - here again it would help to know what city - but mainly, if you have experience working professionally in theatre, you shouldn't have much trouble picking up crew work. Unfortunately, more management positions (anything that is above casual crew) requires more research and schmoozing. (You don't say what kind of management; are we talking SMing, or something more admin?)

If you haven't worked in a professional role in theatre in an admin/management role before, it's unlikely you would receive any paid work in those roles, until you've done more here.

See these threads for additional advice:

http://www.theatre.asn.au/tech_talk/student_coming_to_australia_for_three_months

http://www.theatre.asn.au/green_room_gossip/moving_to_australia_from_the_usa

And please update your post with your proposed location so we can better advise you.

EDIT: I realised that I didn't state the obvious, which is to start by doing some theatre management roles with amateur groups.

Sticky Apple Legs
www.thepromptcopy.com/sal

Puppets in Melbourne
www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au

My puppets
www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

Thanks for the advice. The

Author: britkit
Date: 21/12/2007 - 06:48

Thanks for the advice. The reason I didn't specify where in Australia is because I am entirely flexible - I'll go wherever the best opportunity shows itself. I imagine though that Sydney or Melbourne would be most likely, simply because of size.

I was more trying to get a feel for how theatres and theatre companies might respond to approaches from people like me. From your reply, I'm guessing that the best I can do is keep getting experience with amateur companies and hope that this will be sufficient to get me onto a management course. As I said, I've just left a government job so I haven't worked profesionally in the theatre - it's all been amateur level. Having said that, I also don't mind about pay - it's experience I am looking for, not money, and if it's unpaid then that's fine by me.

I think my background lends itself best to venue / tour management rather than SM. I've checked out the degrees in arts management offered by Melbourne and UTS, and will probably apply next year. In the meantime, I guess I'll be showing up at amateur groups some time soon...

Cheers

Kit

I understand - most people

Author: Na
Date: 21/12/2007 - 09:13

I 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.

Sticky Apple Legs
www.thepromptcopy.com/sal

Puppets in Melbourne
www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au

My puppets
www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

01/04/2008 - 09:40 mia (not verified) work exp

MUSICAL - SOUTH PACIFIC PERTH

Author: amy clark
Date: 01/04/2008 - 09:55

Hiya, my name is Amy and i work for the MS Society in Perth and we are looking for someone to volunteer their time to help with out with our musical production of South Pacific. The role would include many different aspects of theatre and musical productions and would be a great learning experince for yourself. If you are interested in possibly coming to Perth pleae contact me direct at amy.clark@multiple-wa.asn.au ASAP as we need to find someone right away!

01/04/2008 - 10:52 In The Know Joe (not verified) And are they likely to be

Theatre Management - work experience?

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