Every now and then, and this has happened for decades since I’ve been an actor and in the actor-training game, someone tells me they’re thinking of becoming an actor too. It usually comes with a hopeful look and the slightest wince, as if they’re waiting for me to deliver bad news gently. And yes, the
Continue reading ...
It’s been quite a while since I wrote this little piece for the QTC’s 1975 newsletter No 2. I found it today as I was researching materials for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Company. Touring around the vast distances of this country is still a way of life for actors – some things never
Continue reading ...I heard a great interview this morning on ABC612 Brisbane with Sam Strong, the ‘newish’ (since last November) Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre Company. Among other things, Sam sketched out some of his ideas to make QTC a national theatre leader. Anyway, it was exciting and refreshing to hear Sam hint at his plans and talk up his
Continue reading ...As always, read the whole post Why They Don’t Come Back (yes, on audiences and theatre) from a newly-discovered US-based blogger. This is a snippet that resonates with me right now. I think it’s in our interest to be a lot harder on theatre-making. How many of your friends are working on a bad show
Continue reading ...Read the whole post by Travis Bedard from Cambiare Productions in Austin in the US. It was focussed on writers, but holds equally for all artists and creatives in the theatre … or elsewhere. Everyone wants a comfortable job at a comfortable salary at a nurturing artistic home. And a unicorn. Too bad. Quick Thoughts
Continue reading ...Worth a complete read but here is the nub of the matter : No matter your geographic focus, social networks are fundamentally about forming a community and having conversations. Therefore, having a clear purpose in mind when you choose your networks is essential. We’ve all heard the adage “the medium is the message.” It means
Continue reading ...There’s a Twitter discussion happening right now hashtagged #artsed . The hashtag acts as a search key for tweets that have anything to do with arts education, but this particular thread of the discussion is focussing on the issue of professional training for artists – more particularly theatre artists, and especially actors. The originating posts
Continue reading ...The theatre and I have had a love affair for many years now; my Actors Equity membership card notes 13 March 1973 as my joining date, but that is just the marker of when it became a day job for real; the affair began long before then. During this – my first, official year of
Continue reading ...I came across John Clancy‘s blog yesterday via a recommendation from an actor acquaintance. Scrappy Jack’s World-Wide Theatricals and Dime Museum – how could I resist – is a treasure trove of stuff, witty, well-written and full of wise saws and observations. John’s post Making Shakespeare Dull is a beauty. Here’s an extract, but please
Continue reading ...My professional life has been pretty much spent in and around theatres big and small, indoors and out. When I am away from home I tend to gravitate towards theatre venues either to see a show or just lollygag at the architecture, design, the posters – in general soak in the atmosphere and ponder on
Continue reading ...