Grads Boost Regional Theatre

Graduates from Charles Sturt University have built their own regional theatre company – right in the heart of Wagga Wagga in the NSW Riverina. The Freeroam Theatre had its inaugural production in June.

A global pandemic couldn’t keep Charles Sturt performing arts alumni Sally Jackson, Jhi Rayner and Natasha Shimpf from reviving professional theatre in their community. And so Freeroam Theatre was born. 

The inaugural production was the Australian play Speaking in Tongues, which took place in the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.

Sally credits the supportive staff and students at Charles Sturt as a catalyst for Freeroam.

“The education and support we received at Charles Sturt – especially through our lecturers – was instrumental in us starting, and we continue to be close with our lecturers,” Sally said.

A feature of the Bachelor of Creative Industries Arts at Charles Sturt University is that it focusses on collaboration.

“We’ve collaborated with animators, as well as production, design and TV production students – it gives you professional experience and networking opportunities,” says Sally.  

In mid-2020, members of the local theatre community and industry leaders held a meeting to discuss the revitalisation of professional theatre in Wagga Wagga.

Sally recalls the conversation that led to Freeroam’s formation. 

“When the question was posed of who should start it, eyes turned to the young people in the room and it just kind of snowballed from there!”

From there, the wheels were set in motion, and it was official – Freeroam Theatre would bring professional theatre to regional areas, giving locals a platform for creative expression without having to relocate.

“We’re trying to build a professional platform for regional creatives, where they can live regionally and still produce professional work. These were the opportunities we didn’t necessarily have, so we’ll be the ones to provide those opportunities to others.”

The networks Sally formed at Charles Sturt have gone beyond professional connections.

“It’s such as close group. After I graduated, I came back to watch all the shows and meet the new students coming through. It’s a very close-knit cohort.”

Jhi agrees. “It was all about comradeship. One big family... there are no big dogs.”

A 2021 study of employment rates for graduates (across all disciplines) saw Charles Sturt University score the highest rating for its students getting jobs (90.8%) among all of Australia’s Universities.

Building strong industry connections is a feature of the Creative Industries course.

“The hands-on learning was the best thing – that contextual learning. We’d work on shows and were expected to behave as if in professional productions. That’s invaluable experience,” Sally says.

“We were lucky that our lecturers would bring in industry professionals they knew. They were quite happy to set up those connections for us.”

Natasha Shimpf enjoyed the access to hi-tech equipment which she said complemented her theatre training.

“We had access to state-of-the-art professional level materials. It was awesome to get experience in an industry setting,” says Natasha.

Today, Freeroam Theatre faces a bright future. Supported by a board of directors, the group has set a five-year plan that aims to produce three shows each year. They’re also looking to offer internships to Charles Sturt creative arts students. 

And Sally’s best advice for making the most out of your university experience.

“There’s nothing more valuable than working with other people. So, get involved and immerse yourself in all that you do – you’ll learn so much.”

Turn your passion into a profession with the Bachelor of Arts (with specialisations) from Charles Sturt University. Learn more about the performing arts specialisation study.csu.edu.au/arts

* QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021

Image: The Freeroam Theatre performers take to the stage in Actors Without Worlds.