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

You are sort of on the right track but be prepared for a shock. Sydney or Melbourne really are the only places for you to start. As far as Adelaide goes I can put my hand on my heart and say that unless you land a "so rare as to be endangered" job at the Festival Theatre you will need a second income/job if you chose here. Additionally you will need to consider the cost of living. Sydney is expensive, to rent or buy, particularly if you want to live anywhere near your work. Check out realestate.com.au As Na suggests Alia is probably your best bet for work vacancies. The job market is very, very small here and culturally very different to your UK experience. I can also put my hand on my heart about that because I lived there for ten years so feel I can comment. Having said all that...welcome? If I haven't scared you away. "Life is too short to stuff a mushroom"

Hmm

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