Beginners...

Hi guys, I recently decided I really loved drama in its various forms and want to start acting basically as much as I can. I live in St. Kilda, Melbourne and just want to know about any good places to begin for somebody with basically no experience that are (hopefully) not too many miles out of my area. I don't mind the idea of (more) acting courses of course, but I'd also like to jump in the deep end as soon as I can; meaning plays and play groups. Any suggestions? Thanks

You might want to try attending Red Stitch in Chapel St, who offer weekly Sat classes. There's plenty of places around, just do a search. Off the top of my head - Swinburne Uni (Prahran) do short courses, and so do most of the other uni's who offer acting, ACOPA in Nth Melb, and Acting Up (search for Sally Mclean on this site), all do classes. You can also try National Theatre near Acland St. As for jumping in the deep end, try getting involved in some amateur productions; but if you want professional theatre, there is plenty of fringe and co-op productions and companies out there. Go to a lot of performances, introduce yourself. But the classes will be the best way to start and meet others. If you're really keen to get involved, you may also want to try volunteering to help local venues; Red Stitch, Gasworks (in Albert Park, but they're always keen for help), 45Downstairs (who are absolutely lovely!), etc. Also try volunteering for the comedy and fringe festivals - the best way to meet like-minded folk and see what is going on in our city. The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne

Hi there, i am trying to find a group of guys to work at the australian open in a performing/character capacity for a major sponsor. Does anyone out there know where i should start to look. The tennis runs from 15th - 18th Jan 2007 so i don't have a great deal of time to get it together. I need 40 performers to carry out acts of good deeds whilst dressed as a genie. Has anyone got any ideas?