RED CARPET

As a theatre practitioner and professional arts consultant who has had the good fortune to have worked with, and be nutured by, both KADS & Scarp I would firstly like to express my support for the important work that both companies have done, are doing and will continue to do. Their dual presence in the hills area makes it the most dynamic of arts communities in Perth, covering a range of ages and interests in the performing arts. Their contribution to performing arts training and production is highly commendable, in the face of ongoing funding and operational challenges.I would be saddened (and astonished) to see the relationship between the two organisations become adversarial because of building access (!). As I see it, the depth of experience that exists within the steering committees of the two groups should enable KADS & Scarp to negotiate an arrangement that is fair and equitable for both parties. Surely the Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre and the KADS buildings could become the dual residencies of both KADS & Scarp and that regular cross-tenure could be programmed in advance to allow for the venues to be used by both groups, depending not on out-moded notions of territoriality but on the style and scale of the productions.
KADS cannot afford to hamper the efforts of Scarp because it would be in conflict with its own vocalised desire to foster new and emerging talent (Scarp's reputation in the Youth Arts area is growing rapidly). Furthermore, Scarp will essentially be providing flow through casts and crew for future KADS membership. Scarp needs KADS support too because KADS has survived in difficult circumstances for many years and can provide essential advice and moral support to nuture the future that Scarp represents.I expect to hear that Scarp & KADS have resolved what I believe are actually minor logistical issues, and are getting on with what they are both good at and that's producing excellent, well-supported, community-minded performing arts works. I will be very dissapointed if this does not eventuate - for all our sakes.Jamie Cant
Director of Drama - Helena Rising