Nate, 22, Perth
1. How are you involved in an arts scene/community?
In every way and no way. I studied film/performance at Curtin university so I am trained and interested in this field of work. I have written, directed and acted in both film and live performance. Unfortunately it is hard to make any real money this way (why did I study this?! WHY?!) and at present this interest simply remains a 'hobby' in comparison to a 'career' because I can't make a living off it. Luckily my 'actual' (monetary based) jobs are also arts based which keeps me going off the deep end: I am a role-player for Chevron Texaco in their drama based safety programs, I am an actor for Perth Playback Theatre company (who do shows for schools, staff training and development days etc.), I'm a drama tutor for highschool and primary students at Stage Door School of the Arts in Subiaco and I work as bar/front of house staff at the Playhouse Theatre.
2. What do you like & what don't you like about your arts scene?
It's exciting, growing, changing and constantly manifesting upon itself. It's impossible to pin-point and highly unpredictable. This suits me fine because I hate routine. One morning you could be running off to an audition, then work, then another audition ARR! It's a crazy fast paced life style but I love it. The arts scene (more than any other scene I know) greatly reflects and embodies the constant vicissitudes we all face in our lives. At the same time however, what I don't life about the scene is strongly linked to what I do like. Sometimes I think it would be good to have direction. A career. Money. I'm 22 and don't really know what I'm doing at the moment and that worries me. It scares me to think five years from now I could be in the same situation with no real development, yet it remains an ever-growing possibility. I hate the lack of opportinites. Graduate with an engineering/nursing/business degree (etc.) and you will more than likely find a job. Not so in this scene. Upon graduation last year I have found my hard earned double-degree to be completely pointless for creating opportunities as I flounder directionless and spasmic through the Perth arts scene. Maybe next year will be better...
3. Think Big! What arts programs would you love to see in your community?
More mentorship/training programs from industry professionals. The hot bed ensemble and that new artist development program at Deckchair are on the right track but I think every professional theatre company in Perth should be doing this kind of thing (Barking Gecko & Perth Theatre Company for instance). I'm also a keen writer so I think more writing programs/mentorships are a must. For instance hot bed has places for performers and designers but no scriptwriters! (I know they are performing already scripted work but this is an issue they should still address). No wonder there is a distinct lack of new work being produced by young Australian playwrights... I think the Government should support a new program where older, more established playwrights help foster and promote the growth of the new generation. I can tell you from personal experience how soul destroying it is to be stuck behind a desk for months (without pay) only to have your piece promptly rejected without constructive and critical feedback.
In every way and no way. I studied film/performance at Curtin university so I am trained and interested in this field of work. I have written, directed and acted in both film and live performance. Unfortunately it is hard to make any real money this way (why did I study this?! WHY?!) and at present this interest simply remains a 'hobby' in comparison to a 'career' because I can't make a living off it. Luckily my 'actual' (monetary based) jobs are also arts based which keeps me going off the deep end: I am a role-player for Chevron Texaco in their drama based safety programs, I am an actor for Perth Playback Theatre company (who do shows for schools, staff training and development days etc.), I'm a drama tutor for highschool and primary students at Stage Door School of the Arts in Subiaco and I work as bar/front of house staff at the Playhouse Theatre.
2. What do you like & what don't you like about your arts scene?
It's exciting, growing, changing and constantly manifesting upon itself. It's impossible to pin-point and highly unpredictable. This suits me fine because I hate routine. One morning you could be running off to an audition, then work, then another audition ARR! It's a crazy fast paced life style but I love it. The arts scene (more than any other scene I know) greatly reflects and embodies the constant vicissitudes we all face in our lives. At the same time however, what I don't life about the scene is strongly linked to what I do like. Sometimes I think it would be good to have direction. A career. Money. I'm 22 and don't really know what I'm doing at the moment and that worries me. It scares me to think five years from now I could be in the same situation with no real development, yet it remains an ever-growing possibility. I hate the lack of opportinites. Graduate with an engineering/nursing/business degree (etc.) and you will more than likely find a job. Not so in this scene. Upon graduation last year I have found my hard earned double-degree to be completely pointless for creating opportunities as I flounder directionless and spasmic through the Perth arts scene. Maybe next year will be better...
3. Think Big! What arts programs would you love to see in your community?
More mentorship/training programs from industry professionals. The hot bed ensemble and that new artist development program at Deckchair are on the right track but I think every professional theatre company in Perth should be doing this kind of thing (Barking Gecko & Perth Theatre Company for instance). I'm also a keen writer so I think more writing programs/mentorships are a must. For instance hot bed has places for performers and designers but no scriptwriters! (I know they are performing already scripted work but this is an issue they should still address). No wonder there is a distinct lack of new work being produced by young Australian playwrights... I think the Government should support a new program where older, more established playwrights help foster and promote the growth of the new generation. I can tell you from personal experience how soul destroying it is to be stuck behind a desk for months (without pay) only to have your piece promptly rejected without constructive and critical feedback.
posted by ArtsMAP Collective at
9:05 AM
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