English lighting designer with query

Hi I'm a lighting designer from the UK with an Aussie girlfriend. We're currently living in London but we're considering relocating down under. At the moment, work in the UK is pretty easy for me to find on the freelance circuit. There are so many theatres, dance companies and fringe theatre groups, I'm rarely out of work. Although I know where to go to get work in the UK, my fear is that in Australia, I won't have a clue where to look! I'd like to live in Sydney (or possibly Melbourne), and I'm hoping such a big cultural city would have a healthy theatre network. Can anyone advise me on this? What's the theatre network situation in Australia, especially Sydney? Is is easy for non Aussie theatre professionals to get work? Forgive my ignorance on this subject - it's just that this is something I've never looked into before. Also, are there many contemporary dance companies in Sydney/Australia? Lighting for dance is what I have the most experience in. If anyone could give me any advice I'd be really grateful. Many thanks

Please see the following threads: http://www.theatre.asn.au/blog/frances_firth/working_for_you http://www.theatre.asn.au/green_room_gossip/hallo_lovely_peoples_nathan_is_in_the_lounge_im_new http://www.theatre.asn.au/book_page/best_places_to_look_for_professional_theatre_auditions_and_tech_admin_work 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 See also www.alia.com.au for jobs in the lighting area. There are a lot of tech jobs here, but not as many as in the UK (example: for one week there are roughly 100 new arts jobs - including auditions, etc. - posted, in the UK, there are twice, and sometimes three times, that many). You'll find more fringe theatre (ie. co-op, profit-share) in Melbourne than in Sydney. There are dance companies, but only a handful, in each city, that would provide full-time work. Additionally: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use the links at the top of the page (companies, 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. I am refusing to add any more to the conversation, as I am now thoroughly sick of answering these posts, and will now only provide a stock-standard cut-and-paste answer. If you have more specific questions, I'll try and answer them. Sticky Apple Legs www.thepromptcopy.com/sal Puppets in Melbourne www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

Please see the following

Thread (3 posts)