APR - JUL
2015 SEASON
INFORMATION PACK
SUPPORTING INNOVATIVE, INDEPENDENT AND NEW
LIVE PERFORMANCE & THEATRE
ABOUT THE BLUE ROOM THEATRE
The Blue Room Theatre thrives on supporting, presenting and advocating for independent theatre and live
performance artists in Perth, Western Australia. Performing Arts Centre Society Inc (now trading as The Blue Room
Theatre) is a membership based organisation, established in 1989 originally called the WA Actors Centre by a group
of artists dedicated to providing performance and production opportunities to artists in Perth.
We have grown to not only support those in the local community but also support and advocate for all independent
Australian performance artists. Standing beside our two core seasons presented April through December is our
award-winning hand-crafted performance season, Summer Nights.
THE DEVELOPMENT SEASONS
The Blue Room Theatre presents approximately 14 Season productions annually, through a year round program,
with applications called for twice a year. The Blue Room Theatre Seasons produce new work, discover and nurture
new talent, and target and develop new audiences. The Blue Room Theatre Seasons aim to support the artistic
development of new performance, innovative ideas and exceptional performing artists in an affordable, accessible
and creatively supportive environment.
For Perth audiences, the Seasons provide a continuous, innovative and eclectic program of original, live
performance.
WHAT
Artists whose work is selected to be produced through the Seasons are offered four weeks access to a fully equipped
venue, with a three-week production season in either The Blue Room Main or Studio space. Both venues are
intimate and flexible black box theatres (73 and 50 seats max respectively). The small scale and intimacy of The
Blue Room Theatre venues make them ideally suited for new and emerging producers to develop and showcase new
work. Risk is minimised and artists are given the freedom to work with a high level of artistic autonomy.
- Exclusive use of either studio or theatre for a three week, 15 or 16 show season.
- $2000 cash production funds
- Access to a $500 mentorship fund
- Free rehearsal space
- 8 day bump-in to your production venue
- 90% of your box office (exc ticketing fees $2.00 per paid ticket, 15c per complimentary)
- Production and Marketing support including a professional marketing campaign for the whole season
- Technical support including use of lighting and sound equipment
- Artistic freedom in a supportive and professional theatre environment
FAQS
Can I apply if I live interstate? Yes
Can I apply if I have already presented the work in WA before? No - your Blue Room season needs to be the WA
premiere of the work. (Some exceptions apply to extremely limited seasons and / or significant re-developments of
work.)
Can I apply with a dance work? Yes - we accept dance works under the same conditions as theatre and performance.
How long does my show need to be? It needs to be at least 45 mins long.
Will you find me a director and cast or do I need to source my cast and crew myself? You need to source everyone
yourself. We exist to support independent companies.
Do I need to be a member to apply? Yes, the contact person for the application needs to be a BR member at the
time of application.
HOW TO APPLY
STEP ONE - SET UP A MEETING
Applicants are required to discuss their proposed production with The Blue Room Theatre Producer Susannah Day
prior to submission, where you will discuss your project and the application process. If you are located regionally or
interstate, meetings are welcome via skype or phone.
Times are available to discuss Season 2015 April - July applications with Susannah from Monday 22 Sept - Friday
17 October during regular office hours. Contact [email protected] or call 08 9227 7005 to schedule a
meeting. Applicants who have not discussed their proposal with The Blue Room Theatre by Friday 17 Oct 2014
cannot be guaranteed a chance to apply.
STEP TWO - APPLICATION DEADLINE
Apr - July season applications are due Monday 27 Oct 2014. Information about the application format and more
can be found in the application pack you will receive only after you have had your initial Producer meeting.
SELECTION PROCESS
Works are selected by an independent panel consisting of three industry professionals. The assessors look for
a balance of productions, from both emerging and established artists, as well as bold and innovative ideas. All
applicants, succesful or otherwise have the opportunity to ask for feedback post the assessment process.
Assessment is based on seven criteria:
* Artistic Merit: The cultural value of the work with particular regard to supporting cultural diversity and/or
providing opportunities for the professional development of the artists involved.
* Suitability: The extent to which the production forms a cohesive season of new works and is able to be produced
realistically with the resources available through The Blue Room Theatre.
* Planning: The extent to which the creative team have thought about all aspects of planning including production
management, audience development and promotional strategies.
* Experience: The collective experience of the artists involved and the level of opportunity that this production
provides in supporting and developing the practitioners involved.
* Innovation: The extent to which the ideas, form or content of the work is approached in a new and fresh way that
is responsive and reflective of contemporary society.
The peer selection panel is chosen by the Producer and Executive Director, with a new panel chosen for each
season. Panel members are chosen for a range of skills and experience and each panel will include at least one
person who has been part of a previous selection process and at least one younger practitioner.
CONTACT & FURTHER INFORMATION
To coordinate an initial meeting contact producer Susannah Day via email [email protected] or call The
Blue Room office on (08) 9227 7005.
Checkout the season page: http://blueroom.org.au/artistic-program/seasons/
Remember times are available to discuss applications up to and including Friday 17 October 2014.