Stage Briefs

A Little Yiddle Audition

David Spicer was a long shot at getting a role in the now cancelled season of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. He reports on the joy of  growing a beard and learning tongue twisters for the audition.

In March I reported in the column Musical Spice - which is usually at the back of Stage Whispers -  that I was about have an audition for Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. The suspense has been killing our regular readers. None of them have been have been talking or tweeting about COVID-19, but how my audition went?

Premiere of Head Over Heels at Hayes Postponed.

BB Arts Entertainment, Two Doors Productions and Hayes Theatre Co have announced that the Australian Premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS in July 2020 has been postponed due to ongoing advice issued by the Federal Government to prevent the spread of COVID-19. HEAD OVER HEELS, a bold new musical comedy from the creators of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q, Next To Normal and Spring Awakening, will be rescheduled for the 2021 Hayes Theatre Co season, with specific dates announced later this year.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Update

The producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child have a continuing commitment to the safety and peace of mind of all its audiences, cast and company, and theatre staff.

In line with the latest government advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the suspension of performances at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre will be extended by a further month. 

Funding To Support South Australian Artists During Covid-19

A total of $50,000 worth of grants that will assist South Australian artists impacted by the COVID-19 crisis is now available as a result of a new partnership between Adelaide Fringe and the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation.

Ensemble Conversations

Ensemble Theatre has launched ‘Ensemble Conversations’ for people to stay connected to the theatre during this period of isolation and this week you can hear much loved Ensemble Theatre Ambassadors, Georgie Parker, Kate Raison and Brian Meegan.

Led by Ensemble Theatre’s Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry, each week people can tune in on Facebook for Ensemble Theatre’s latest news and a glimpse behind the scenes.

State Theatre Company South Australia Announces New Executive Director

The Board of State Theatre Company South Australia has announced Julian Hobba as its new Executive Director.

Originally from South Australia, Mr Hobba brings a wealth of experience from a range of theatre and arts roles, most recently as Executive Director of The Blue Room Theatre in Perth.

State Theatre Company South Australia Board Chair, Joe Thorp, says the Company is thrilled to welcome Mr Hobba.

Broadway Staying Closed Till June

UPDATE: It has now been announced that Broadway will not re-open until September.

The Broadway Producer's League has announced that  "in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and under the continued direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Broadway shows in New York City will extend the current suspension of all performances through June 7, 2020."

Fishlace Jones: This is Acting

This is Acting is a new independent 5-part Comedy Web series created and shot in Melbourne.    The story revolves around Australia's Best-Known Unknown Actor, Fishlace Jones, as he runs a Masterclass with 5 specially chosen actors.   

Arts Educators Warn of Collapse

Arts educators have warned the industry needs urgent new funding, or risks facing collapse from the twin pressures of COVID-19 and funding cuts.

The warning follows the announcement on April 3 that dozens of arts organisations have missed out on four-year funding from the Australia Council.

The National Advocates for Arts Education (NAAE) is calling for a significant increase of the Australia Council’s budget as part of a larger set of stimulus measures.