Alfred Hitchcock’s THE 39 STEPS
March 22, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Fiery Angel in association with Edward Snape for Fiery Angel Ltd,
Andrew Kay & Associates and Tinderbox Productions Pty Ltd
present
The brilliant adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s famous 1935 film The 39 Steps, based on the book by John Buchan, is coming to Riverside Theatres for three performances only, from April 22 to 24.
Direct from triumphant seasons in The West End and Broadway, this hilarious, fast paced, action packed performance sees just four actors tackle 139 roles. The all Australian cast includes Mark Pegler, Octavia Barron Martin, Jo Turner and Drew Forsyth.
Directed by Maria Aitkin, The 39 Steps is a physical comedy, which follows the adventures of Richard Hannay (Pegler) a recurring hero in Buchan’s thrillers, as he uses his talents and quick wit to get out of a series of sticky situations. Hannay’s troubles start when he witnesses the murder of a foreign spy working for the British Government in his own apartment. He is then pursued across Scotland by police who assume that he is the guilty suspect. Hannay attempts to stay one step ahead of authorities whilst learning too much about a dangerous spy ring and trying to foil the villain’s dastardly plans.
Alfred Hitchcock is best known as a filmmaker of spine tingling thrillers and dark black comedies, including Dial M for Murder in 1954, Psycho in 1960 and The Birds in 1963. He was brought to international attention by the end of the 1930’s with The Man Who Knew Too Much in 1934, The 39 Steps in 1935 and The Lady Vanishes in 1938. After a move to America he went on to direct multi Oscar winning psychological thriller Rebecca in 1940. Alfred Hitchcock’s name is one that immediately evokes the thoughts of chilling, edge of your seat thrillers, and even after his death in 1980, his films have gone on to make millions of dollars with re-releases and theatre adaptations.
This classic old fashioned comic book style spy thriller is edge of your seat drama. The 39 Steps is jammed packed with action and incorporates trains, bi-planes, the Forth Railway Bridge, a Scottish bog and the London Palladium.
“…simply the funniest show I have seen in recent times. Wonderful, sharp performances, great clowning and fantastically lean writing. And to cap it all, a civilised running time that allows for a comfortable evening both ends.” Jennifer Saunders
The 39 Steps will be showing at Riverside Theatres from April 22 to 24 and at Glen Street Theatre from April 1 to 19.
RIVERSIDE THEATRES, Cnr Church and Market Sts, Parramatta
DATES: April 22-24
TIMES: Wed 22 April 8pm, Thurs 23 April 8pm, Fri 24 April 8pm
SINGLE TICKET PRICES:
Wed & Thu Adults $50, Conc $45, 30 & Under $37, 16 & Under $33
Fri Adults $53, Conc $48, 30 & Under $40, 16 & Under $36
RIVERSIDESAVER PRICES:
Wed & Thu Adults $43, Conc $38, 30 & Under $33, 16 & Under $29
Fri Adults $46, Conc $41 30 & Under $36 16 & Under $32
BOOKINGS: Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au
GLEN STREET THEATRE, Cnr Glen Street & Blackbutts Road, Belrose
DATES: April 1-19
TIMES & BOOKINGS: Glen Street Theatre Box Office 02 9975 1455 or www.glenstreet.com.au
Ozjam.com.au – Connecting Australian Musicians
February 18, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Ozjam.com.au – Connecting Australian Musicians
The Australian music scene is growing bigger by the second, captivating both local and international audiences with its distinctive and definitive sound, accompanied by unrivalled passion and immense talent. Unfortunately for many musicians the rise is often slow and accompanied by little or no support. At Ozjam we believe we can provide musicians with the tools to help unleash their talent and bring them to the forefront of the Australian Music Industry!
Ozjam.com.au is aimed at connecting Australian musicians no matter what instrument or genre of music they play, enabling them to work together as a community. . . .So that if you are looking for a band member – You can find one. If you are looking to join a band – You can join one. If you are looking to form a band – You can form one. If you are looking for exposure – You can get some. . . . All in the one place! No more playing alone, no more searching the classifieds, no need to use multiple websites to fulfil your music needs, and no more getting lost in space!!!
Ozjam.com.au was launched on the 22nd November following 12 months of development working very closely with a diverse group of Australian musicians. During this time we believe that we have determined what is needed to aid the Australian musicians journey to the top and from this we have incorporated the following features into the Ozjam.com.au site – Detailed member profiles including audio & video clips, intelligent search capabilities so you can find exactly who and what you are looking for, member interviews, gig guide, auditions noticeboard, for sale noticeboard, useful ‘How To’ articles, musicians forum, plus a monthly prize giveaway and a unique band name creation service.
It’s about time Australian musicians had their own way to search, connect, share ideas, get noticed and create more of what they love most – awesome music! So check out Ozjam.com.au today and join the Australian Music Revolution!
BSJ Recommends you check out www.ozjam.com.au
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
Tech Production Scholarships
January 9, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Julius College
Seven young people have been awarded a new scholarship to study technical production fulltime in Sydney through 2009. The new scholarship scheme at Julius College was made possible through the generous support of a number of suppliers, including industry leaders like Chameleon, Bytecraft, Jands, TDC, Lots of Watts and Norwest. The technical production course includes training in live audio, lighting and video and has produced graduates now employed across the Australian and worldwide production industry since 2005. Julius College is a private educator, which although heavily audited, attracts no government funding for its fulltime program. Accredited to the same level as a TAFE college, Julius has developed its own courseware and learning strategies with all texts and teaching aids specifically written by the firm for its courses.
Scholarships in 2009 were decided on criteria including community and schoolwork, education background and personal circumstances of applicants. A high number of applications were received which were then culled to the final seven, a number based on viability at a small boutique college with a typical enrolment of fewer than 45 students.
The support that made this possible comes from ongoing relationships with many production houses, equipment distributors, and venues, which the college has forged since it, commenced in 2003. That support ranges from the loan of equipment, through provision of facilities and placement of interns.
“There isn’t a business case to buy what is needed for this level of training”, says Julius Grafton, “I know some of the TAFE colleges and universities have done the numbers and discovered they need 600 students to make it pay. That’s why we only exist through the generosity and support of the industry. I never get a ‘no’ when I pick up the phone, as everyone knows that new talent is the life blood of the industry”.
Having launched this first round of Scholarships, the next program is due to open for nominations in February. A scholarship nomination must come from a third party, such as a school or a community or industry stakeholder. When they nominate a willing participant, an industry panel assesses the potential student.
“The selection process was stressful for all of us in 2008 due to the strength of many of the applicants”, says Julius. “We managed to bring final selection forward a little, to ease the suspense that we are sure they were feeling. It was a relief for us, and I’m sure for them, when we chose the final seven”.
The Advanced Diploma of Technical Production runs from February 16th in Sydney.
Media Source : www.juliusmedia.com Written By : Julius Grafton
BSJ News Team check out the SOH Backstage Tour
November 11, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Backstagejobscomau was given the opportunity check out the Backstage tour at the Sydney Opera House last Saturday Morning 8th November 2008.
We arrived at the Stage door entrance at the Sydney Opera House at 7.00am and were greeted by our very well dressed tour guide with a great big friendly smile.
You get a very quick briefing and you fill out your breakfast menu (will get to that later) then we headed thought the security gates with our personalised backstage access passes which you get to keep at the end of the tour.
From the moment I walked though the security gates our tour guide made me feel like a very special guest to the Sydney Opera House.
Our first stop was the Opera Theatre. Getting to stand on the conductor’s podium for a picture, being taken up to light rigging and walking through an underground backstage connecting tunnel that is literally below sea level were the parts that stood out most for me! But rest assured there is much more you will see!
As I don’t want to give away all of the tour, I will say that at the end of the tour we were treated to a first class breakfast in the famous green room. As the backstage tour is intimate with 8 people, this allows you as a group to sit back and chat about the tour and talk to your tour guide in a more relaxed atmosphere. And don’t forget your camera.
Trevor White
I loved this tour! You get to see the all parts of the Opera House and main stages from the perspective of performers, conductors and stage hands alike. The lovely tour guide will take you through the halls and under-ground areas telling anecdotal stories of some special performance moments and showing you the clever and unique inner designs of this incredible Australian icon. You will see parts of the Opera House that not even many of the staff get to see, you can even get your picture taken posing on the conductors podium in the beautiful Concert Hall!
I had a feeling of excitement knowing I was standing in areas where some of the world’s greatest performers have stood, or where the next Australian Idol will be standing in just two weeks time!
For anyone with a passion for fine music, Australia history or even unique architecture, this is a must and something I definitely won’t forget!
Rowan Elsey
Tour information
The 90 minute tours are conducted by experienced guides who share some of the secrets of the House and the real-life dramas that have more twist and turns than the average opera.
Backstage Tours operate daily, beginning at 7am. The early start ensures visitors can access the areas which are restricted later in the day when performers are rehearsing or technical crew are at work.
Bookings can be made online at sydneyoperahouse.com, by calling +61 2 9250 7250 or in person at the Guided Tours Desk in the Sydney Opera House Box Office Foyer
BSJ are giving you the chance to experiance this tour as we have one backstage pass to give away to be in the draw log on to our website www.backstagejobs.com.au and head to our competitions page. Terms and conditions are available.