Concert to launch Essential partnership
Friday, September 28, 2007
A star-studded concert will help launch an exciting new partnership between Geelong Performing Arts Centre and local theatre company, Essential Theatre.
In a rare public performance, Geelong band, Madhouse, will take centre stage and groove the afternoon away. Special guests include leading lady of musical theatre Marina Prior, award-winning actress Libby Tanner and Geelong’s own tenor Tim McCallum.
The concert will be held from 2-5pm and bookings are essential as limited tickets are available at $20 each. For bookings phone 5225 1200.
The partnership will see Essential Theatre become GPAC’s professional theatre company ‘in residence’. The company will make its home at GPAC, using the venue for rehearsing and previewing its new works prior to Melbourne and national touring seasons.
Founded in 1997, Essential Theatre has developed a successful arts business model ‘Shakespeare in the Vines’, taking the bard’s works to some of Australia’s most spectacular wineries and gardens. As the company has expanded, its need for a base for auditions, rehearsals and performances became critical.
GPAC General Manager Sally Beck said she was pleased to welcome Essential Theatre to the venue.
“For GPAC it fits with our strategic goal of nurturing professional arts organisations and generating employment for performing artists,” Ms Beck said.
“Our support enables Essential Theatre to remain based in Geelong, which is important from the point of view of contributing to arts development in the region. We’re also excited about the potential benefits from Essential Theatre’s national exposure, which helps to promote Geelong and GPAC on a broader stage,” Ms Beck said.
Essential Theatre partners Amanda LaBonte and Sophie Lampel said the company was excited to be “in residence” and was looking forward to contributing to the thriving arts community within Geelong.
The partnership will be launched with ‘Stage Days’, an afternoon of entertainment on Sunday October 14 in the GPAC foyer.
In a rare public performance, Geelong band, Madhouse, will take centre stage and groove the afternoon away. Special guests include leading lady of musical theatre Marina Prior, award-winning actress Libby Tanner and Geelong’s own tenor Tim McCallum.
The concert will be held from 2-5pm and bookings are essential as limited tickets are available at $20 each. For bookings phone 5225 1200.