ACTT’s – Actors College of Theatre & Television
January 31, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Have you ever wanted to work backstage ? Then BSJ News Australia recommends you check out the ACTT’s Technical production courses.From Lighting and Sound and Stage Management check out the course below ;
TECHNICAL PRODUCTION
LIGHTING AND SOUND OPERATOR
This course is ideal for someone who loves live performance and would prefer to be behind the scenes. The course covers all aspects of preparing and operating a show from making props and basic staging, setting up the show’s staging, lights and sound equipment and operating the show. It is a very practical course that prepares graduates to work in many aspects of the entertainment industry or go on to further, more specialized training.
The course is run in association with the ACTT’s extensive production program so all students gain valuable hands-on experience in real performance and presentation situations in more than one venue including the professional theatre space at ACTT’s theatre campus the Cleveland St Theatre. Subjects include basic Stage Management, Rigging and Operating Lighting and Sound, Occupational Health and Safety, First Aid, Prop Making and Procuring, Stage Installation and Set Design and Manufacture. All work is taught and supervised by ACTT’s technical staff and by guest industry specialists.
The course is designed to provide maximum interface with those working in the industry from a range of professional organisations, companies and venues. There is a strong emphasis on safe work practices and industry expectations. Study consists of attendance at regularly scheduled production tutorials / workshops, a variety of practical exercises, rehearsals; supervised administrative activities, production meetings and performances, tours and on-site visits to a range of facilities and venues and up to two weeks on secondment/ work experience. Students in recent years have spent time with the Sydney Theatre Company, The Ensemble Theatre, The Lyric Theatre, The Sydney Festival and the Sydney Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre. Past graduates have gained varied employment in the industry including work on concerts, television shows, and a range of live indoor and outdoor events.
Click here to Apply and check out the ACTT’s Website http://www.actt.edu.au
Western Sydney Dance Action Appoints new director!
January 27, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
It is with great excitement that the board of Western Sydney Dance Action appoints Olivia Ansell as their new director.
Olivia Ansell’s involvement over the past decade, as a producer, director, choreographer, teacher and performer, demonstrates her diversity and versatility within the NSW arts sector, making her a valuable asset to an organisation such as Western Sydney Dance Action. Sydney based and a graduate of Queensland University of Technology’s Academy of the Arts, her recent experience includes producing the inaugural season of Short Sweet+Dance 2007, launching the Fast+Fresh Dance series for WSDA in 2008, directing Short Sweet+Dance 2009 and producing, directing and choreographing a range of events and dance activities for companies, organizations and institutions such as Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s Kids in the Park, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Cracker Comedy Festival, Dreamworld Themepark, Entertainment Alliance, College of Fine Arts UNSW, Sceggs Redlands, The McDonald College, Ecole Dance Theatre, Luna Park and the Conservatorium of Music.
Western Sydney Dance Action is a not-for-profit organisation that develops and nurtures the cultural fabric of dance in Western Sydney and beyond. The WSDA mission is to provide support and mentorship across it’s four core areas-Dance Development, Artist Support, Education and Audience Development.
WSDA was established by founding director, Kathy Baykitch, in 2000 as a partnership between Ausdance NSW and Riverside Theatres-and in 2004 commenced as a non-profit association. Under Kathy’s visionary direction, WSDA created, mentored, supported, and produced numerous artistic programs and initiatives that have consolidated Western Sydney Dance Action as an incubator of dance activity and opportunity in Western Sydney. These projects include Dance Bites-an annual program that produces four works per year by emerging and established choreographers, Westbound-a work experience initiative for secondary school students, ConnectEd Workshop series for primary school teachers, Fast+Fresh Dance for aspiring young choreographers and most significantly the establishment of a newly renovated, permanent 5 studio complex in Parramatta City called the Connect Arcade.
After six years of lobbying by Kathy for much needed rehearsal space in western Sydney, Connect Arcade was given funding approval by former NSW arts minister, Frank Sartor, on the 12th June 2008.
Newly appointed director, Olivia Ansell, said, “I am looking forward to consolidating and expanding upon the achievements of WSDA to date, maintaining the nurturing and unwavering support of Riverside Theatres Parramatta as well as projecting a new, self sustainable vision and pathway for WSDA to move in to it’s next generation of dance development.”
By supporting the development of both new and established work, cultivating exchange between fellow emerging and established Independent practitioners, strengthening Western Sydney Dance Action’s relationships between established artists and organizations, and pursuing opportunities that enhance dance education and community participation –Ms Ansell believes she can further expand western Sydney’s reputation as a centre for excellence in dance facilitation.
The 2009 program shall deliver an exciting partnership with Kay Armstrong’s youth dance company, YouMove, who are taking permanent part-time residency at the Connect Arcade. YouMove will be presented as part of the annual Dance Bite series staged at Riverside Theatres, and plan to feature their work at neighbouring arts centres, various community events, showings and educational workshops.
Olivia Ansell will commence in the role part-time, whilst she fulfils her commitments as festival director of Short Sweet+Dance 2009, before commencing with Western Sydney Dance Action full-time at the end of March.
High School Musical Sydney Closing Night.
True Stories – Bangarra Dance Theatre
January 21, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Bangarra Dance Theatre is internationally acknowledged as one of Australia’s most exciting contemporary dance companies. Riverside Theatres is honoured to have Bangarra performing their new work TRUE STORIES on Tuesday 3 March and Wednesday 4 March, two performances only.
Inspired by two diverse Indigenous cultures, TRUE STORIES is composed of two fascinating dance pieces by the superb and talented choreographers Francis Rings and Elma Kris.
Emeret Lu (“Very Old Things”) uncovers the passion and energy of the traditional people of the Torres Strait Islands. Debut choreographer Elma Kris explores her peoples’ love of the land, the sea and their unique culture with an exuberance handed down from generation to generation.
In the 1950s on a test site code named X300, a series of atomic explosions were conducted on Maralinga, Tjarutja traditional lands. Frances Rings’ work, titled X300, powerfully and spectacularly explores a landscape assumed vacant but which in reality became a contaminated desert which poisoned the people. Rings’ work is known for its theatricality and inventiveness.
Bangarra Dance Theatre is one of Australia’s most unique and innovative dance companies. Blending traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture with international contemporary dance, Bangarra creates a uniquely Australian dance language.
“True Stories shows precisely why Bangarra Dance Theatre is consistently the most challenging of the country’s dance companies” – The Australian
Artistic Director: Stephen Page
DATES: March 3-4
TIMES: Tues 3 March 8pm, Wed 4 March 8pm
SINGLE TICKET PRICES:
Adults $50, Conc $45, 30 & Under $37, 16 & Under $33
RIVERSIDESAVER PRICES:
Adults $43, Conc $38, 30 & Under $33, 16 & Under $29
BOOKINGS: Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au