Read these threads...

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/any_new_theatres_being_built_that_need_a_flying_system_installed

http://www.theatre.asn.au/tech_talk/recommended_courses_that_lead_to_work_0

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

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

You should give us more info: it's hard to give you good advice if we don't know where in Australia you'll be. This is a large country, and the industry differs greatly depending on what city/state you're in.

Additionally: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use the links at the top of the page (companies, auditions, FAQs), before posting a "work wanted/how do I get into theatre" thread. There are lists and lists of companies, all over Australia, as well as auditions. The SEARCH function is the best way to find what you need to know, BECAUSE WE'VE ALREADY ANSWERED THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE.

(This is a stock answer, because the answer is ALWAYS the same no matter what experience you have, where you're planning on being, where you're coming from, or anything else. I am tired of writing replies to these posts and will only provide stock answers from now on - unless provided with more specific info, like where you're planning on being in Australia)

PS. It's already summer here... are you already in Australia, or are you coming in July (your summer).

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Hello Frances

Please do a bit more homework...Australia is a lovely place to live but the professional theatre industry is very small and very localised. It is very different to the UK and the US. I don't want to put my own country down but it's very hard to make a living here, the demographics alone tell the story.

I can't also help wonder why on earth you want to do your Masters and then leave probably the biggest theatre industry in the world? Most people I know would give their right arm for that opportunity. Your reasons are your own of course.

Sorry to be a pessimist but I strongly suggest you maybe do a trial working holiday in one of the capital cities, before you burn any bridges.

I don't recommend Adelaide where I am, we have so few professional companies (let's see, there's State Theatre Company, Brink Productions, Windmill and Splash) and none of them have full time rep style acting companies. People are only employed for one play at a time, none are on retainer. Co-operative and profit share companies abound but unless you get a foot in as a teacher for someone like Urban Myth you will find it a struggle. I am not trying to make a living this way at all, I have a day job, but I know a number of people in the professional world and they all, except those officially retired and on pensions, have teaching or casual or day jobs to pay the bills.

I can't speak for other cities really but looking around this site will help you. Contact the MEAA, they have a website.

Good luck, but Australia is a geographically large country, with a very small professional theatre pond to dive into. Sorry to be a downer.

Rapunzel

"Papa, where is Mama? They tell me she has gone away, where is she?"