Happy New Year!

Welcome to January, that crucial part of Summer where we transition from the full five day meditative test match to the intensity of the short forms of the game. After the fun of the festive season it’s time to start looking to the year ahead… But not just yet!. I hope you are reading this e-news sitting by a pool in the shade somewhere listening to the dulcet tones of ‘Marco … … Polo’ being shouted nearby.

At ATYP of course we don’t really believe in easing our way into the year. We prefer to hit it like a mosquito that’s been biting our ankles for half an hour. Rob and Claudene leapt into the first holiday woshops last week armed with a team of exceptional industry professionals. Rowan is flying down to Melbourne to audition and rehearse our schools touring program Monologues Now. Amy will be jetting off to LA with the 2017 Rose Byrne and Rebel Wilson Scholarship winners Julia Patey and Thomas De Angelis to catch up with the famous folk at the G’day USA Gala before showcasing their work at the Australian Theatre Company. Rachel Chant and the team from Intersection 2018:Chrysalis have started rehearsals while I get to catch up with Rachael Coopes, Guy Webster and Stephen Champion for a week of development on The Climbing Tree. It’s just going to be (another) one of those years.

If there’s a young person in your life that needs a little creative energiser before going back to school, you’re not too late for the holiday program. Check the website to see what’s on and get in quick to secure your place. It IS selling fast. Early bird tickets are also on sale for Intersection 2018: Chrysalis so get onto the website now to ensure you get the day you would want. Once again this is a rare chance to see some of the future success stories of Australian stage and screen at the beginning of their career.

For emerging artists aged between 18 and 26 around the country, remember that applications will open soon for the Fresh Ink National Playwright program that will be running this year in Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and Perth. Applications will also close at the end of this month for the 2018 Rebel Wilson And Rose Byrne Scholarships. Check out the website for details.

Wherever you are in Australia we look forward to catching up with you in 2018.

Until next month
Fraser