Curious about W.A.

I can't help but notice the large amount of auditions that are held in W.A. Can anyone tell me what the theatre scene is like over there?

WA has a large extremely active community theatre network and a smaller but vibrant professional theatre scene.

What specifically would you like to know Deb ? It is a tricky question to answer.

Kim

Professional theatre is small compared to Melbourne or Sydney...a much smaller theatre-going public; fewer practitioners which means a rather close knit bunch; but also fewer opportunities (only a handful of funded companies, that often don't produce plays all year round) and less agents...while there is less work available, the odds of finding work are probably no more or less difficult than in other states. Our training institutions are on a par with any other, but graduates usually migrate to other states to establish television career opportunities. The ones who stay and become successful regulars are quickly recognised amongst the theatre-going community.

The film and TV infrastructure here is even smaller compared to other states, so percentage-wise, theatre is a much larger proportion of the arts...so most actors are well informed about theatre above any other medium.

The fringe theatre is quite vibrant, as it is populated equally by energetic newcomers as well as seasoned professionals...there is not such a huge perceived divide amongst professional, amateur, or co-op status. Often the most exciting (albeit low budget) work happens there, quite constantly.

And the regional metropolitan drama clubs and community theatre groups are very strong....they're the people who bring you this website, which is possibly why you notice so many WA auditions.


Cheers,
Craig

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Thanks guys! That's pretty much what I wanted to know.

Take care

Something else which is possibly an interesting observation about WA...

I know there are artists in Sydney (and I would assume Melbourne and other cities) who solely concentrate on radio voiceovers, for instance...or perform exclusively in musicals...or act in a TV series but don't get theatre offers, etc - and it's possible to sustain a living.

The bulk of actors in Perth who are making any income are pretty well forced by the market to be jacks-of-all-trades; theatre, film, TV and radio commercials, documentary voiceovers, variety, musicals, improv, standup, tutoring...they have a go at the lot.



How does this compare with other places, say Brisbane?


Craig

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hi just on this topic is there anywhere specific you can go on the net to find out about upcoming auditions in perth only?
ty for any help xoxox manda

amanda wrote:
>
> hi just on this topic is there anywhere specific you can go
> on the net to find out about upcoming auditions in perth only?
> ty for any help xoxox manda


This is the only place I know of online.

crg

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