November 12, 2007

Briar Monro        posted 12 Nov 2007, 03:19 PM / edited 12 Nov 2007, 09:56 PM

To: Wellington’s Theatre Makers

From: Briar Monro

Subject: Wellington Independent Theatre Practitioner Support Programme

Dear All,

From now until July 2008 I will be piloting a support programme for Wellington’s independent theatre practitioners. This project came about through research into the current needs of the Wellington theatre sector and was backed up by observations at the recent BSide Forum. The key focus of the project is to support independent theatre practitioners in development of sustainable practice.

During the pilot Practitioner Support Programme I will work with a range of directors, performers, producers and designers. This will include

 – working alongside 6 theatre companies to help build capability/sustainability

– running group seminars and one-to-one professional development sessions with 30 or more other practitioners

– working with a group of theatre producers to look at the producer role and how this might be developed and supported

– carrying out general sector development – strengthening sector networks, supporting other sector-led initiatives [eg. The BSIDE Forum], and

– working with a reference group to strengthen links between the project and practitioners/organisations and to provide a strategic overview for the development of future theatre practitioner support.

The project has been funded by CNZ and Wellington City Council and has been made possible with the support of Playmarket and other organisations and individuals committed to creating fertile environments for theatre making.

And who am I? I’m a creative producer with a broad background in performing arts [contemporary theatre, circus arts, contemporary dance, public performance and participatory arts]. My work has encompassed project development and management, programming, sector development and capital, audience and organisational development – and performing, directing and producing!  I have recently returned to NZ after 8 years in the UK where, for the past two years, I have been involved in the local, regional and national development of street theatre and circus.

If you are a theatre maker [producer, director, designer, performer, manager …] and interested in being part of this project, or if you would like any further information, then please contact me on briarmonro@clear.net.nz or 021-271-1002.

With regards,

Briar