StGiles wants to grow its Studio Space Theatre Company after last Sunday night’s successful showcase at the Princess Theatre.
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Chief executive Ian Wright said StGiles was committed to providing exciting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be part of Tasmania’s dynamic arts community through Studio Space.
Since StGiles piloted Studio Space during 2017, it has grown from less than 10 participants to almost 60. Participants are people of all abilities and all ages.
“The youngest performer in the showcase was five and the oldest didn’t want their age mentioned,’’ Mr Wright said.
Inclusive dance and drama participants performed alongside pupils from Perth Primary School with the expertise of a host of volunteers from Launceston’s generous arts community– from sound to stage management – to bring the production together.
Artistic director Gerard Lane said Sunday night’s audience of just over 300 guests, showed Launceston has an appetite for diversity of theatre participants and multi-ability performance opportunities.
“It was a giant effort by 50 performers and our backstage support teams, but effort equals reward and we were abundantly rewarded by the audience’s enthusiastic reaction to our first showcase,’’ Mr Lane said.
The evening was funded Arts Tasmania, with plans already underway for the 2019 production.
StGiles general manager profile and engagement Danielle Blewett said the organisation was keen to discuss sponsorship to help keep Studio Space financially sustainable.
“We would hope there is a Tasmanian business or institution that can see the value of its brand alongside the quality StGiles brand and the values of diversity and inclusivity that Studio Space demonstrated so beautifully on Sunday evening,’’ she said.
The Studio Space calendar of classes for 2019 is now open and includes photography, sound, theatre, music, singing and dance.
Some of the highly regarded arts practitioners involved in Studio Space include Melissa Wimmer, Sarah Rhodes, Malcolm Levett, Ashlee Prewer, Chris Bryg, Bindy Stephens, Mudlark Live Theatre, Launceston Musical Society, Launceston Players, Three Rivers Theatre and Bent Eared Records.
More information about Studio Space is available from gerardlane@studiospacetheatreco.org.au.