Welcome to Local Stages
The Bathurst Performing Arts Development Program

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THE VISION ...
By providing opportunities for local performing artists to practice their craft, through workshops, creative developments, and exposure to a variety of processes we aim to develop the Performing Arts in Bathurst.  Local Stages utilises pre-existing relationships, develops new ones, and encourages professional performing arts practice in Bathurst by supporting local artists and engaging professional outside artists to help develop the strengths within the community.

 THE FIRST YEAR
In 2006 BMEC was chosen along with two other regional arts centres to be a part of the ‘Local Stages' initiative a federal, state and local agreement to support the growth of regional theatre making.

Local Stages supports projects at different stages of development, and from a wide range of performing arts practices, as long as they have a theatrical element.  In this first year, the PADP supported contemporary approaches to classical music, clowning, script development, audience development, unusual and exciting cross art form collaborations, and a workshop program.  On top of this we held five sell out cabarets, showcasing local talent.

CABARET KITE   
With an aim to unearth talent and give locals an opportunity to try performances out we decided to produce a regular cabaret.  Not knowing at all how this would be received, we were delightfully surprised to be rolling out extra tables at each one, with full houses.  Local talent came bounding out of the woodwork.... singing, tap dancing, joke cracking, and more than a few dramatics! We hosted 5 Cabarets over 2007.  If you have an act, or if you haven't yet been to one of these nights of hilarity and "the best night out for this much money, in the world" come along; dates in 2008 are

Saturday 3 May
Saturday 30 August
Saturday 8 November

SOIREE - anyone can come along and try out an act, sing a song, recite a poem. Wednesday 22 October 2008 7pm in Wattle Foyer BMEC. Bar open, no entry fee.

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Twice a year we offer artists a chance to ask for support from Local Stages.  This support can be space in the theatre, creative advice and support, pairing groups or individuals up with professional artists, and setting up mentorship relationships.   Applications are due Mid March & Mid August.  If you have an idea or need some help with a project out of these times, contact the Creative Producer, at BMEC on 6333 6144.

To further information about Local Stages please contact the Creative Producer no 6333 6144. to book tickets to Cabaret Kite please call BMEC box office 6333 6161.

 Local Stages is supported by Australia Council for the Arts, Arts NSW and Bathurst Regional Council