Episodes
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This week Bronte Charlotte chats with Jessica Stanley, an actor, writer and the co-founder of the artistic collective Spinning Plates Co. This episode was recorded the day after the Green Room Awards were anounced so Bronte and Jess chat about their collective surprise and excitement for each others nominations. They also dive into their experience collaborating with each other on Jess’s new one woman show Shut Up I’m A Vampire for Melbourne Fringe Festival in 2022, and the way they came to find the conclusion the show. They talk about Jess becoming a marriage celebrant and how its changed Jess’s life as a creative, wanting there to be more work in the industry for independent creatives, and how society has impacted peoples need for public recognition and validation.
During this episode we discuss:
[01:56] Pieces of Shit NOMINATED for 3x Green Room Awards, the joy of having your work recognised and how surreal it feels, Bronte’s experience finding out about the nominations[10:29] Shut Up I’m A Vampire NOMINATED for a Green Room Award, how unexpected the nomination was, how deeply impactful the live sound was in the production[14:29] How Jess and Bronte met, touring educational theatre, why Jess wanted Bronte to direct Shut Up I’m A Vampire, their collaborative experience working together, and how deeply important the end of a show is especially in a show that dives into triggering content[25:37] Jess’s experience of Melbourne Fringe Festival ‘22 doing two shows at once, sometimes doing 4 shows a night, what Jess learnt from that experience and how she would do things differently next time[35:30] How Jess got into marriage celebrancy, the time it took to get to the point of being able to leave retail and her experience being able work in an area that makes her happy and content[43:26] Wanting there to be more work and people in work in the industry, awards and accolades and how deeply our need for validation runs, Jess’s feelings surrounding recognition and awards and how our society has impacted her need for validation[54:11] Jess’s love of reading and the joy she felt working on Spinning Plates Co. most recent show The Crocodile at 45 Downstairs, and the joy of everything else in the creative worldRESOURCES
Spinning Plates Co.Howard Fine Actors StudioNu-Disco! at PIP Theatre in Brisbane, 4-6 MayPieces of Shit at PIP Theatre in Brisbane, 27-29 AprilHead over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Jessica Stanley on Instagram @jstanny
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This week Bronte Charlotte chats with Alexander Lloyd, an actor/producer from Adelaide of Greek/Cyprian and Egyptian decent. This conversation dives into financial stability and sustainability and how it supports your creative practice, Alex’s experience transitioning from law to performing, how deeply important it is to be gentle with yourself when self-doubt creeps in, and having other passions to fill up your life. We discuss the importance of recognising when you’re getting worn out. prioritising rest, and allowing yourself to let go from the pressure of a creative persuit for a moment. Alex has been a series regular on the Netflix Series Gymnastics Academy; A Second Chance. His other credits include NBC's La Brea, Network Ten's Five Bedrooms, and ABC/Netflix's Why Are You Like This.
During this episode we discuss:
[02:07] How Bronte and Alex met, Alex’s original training in law, transitioning into performing, how important the communication that is integral to law is in the performing world[05:22] Moving to Melbourne, the film & TV industry in Adelaide vs Melbourne, Alex’s favourite film and theatre experiences, Meisner classes with Impulse Company Australia[11:39] Working together on a feature film in 2022, how to handle the negative voices that creep up on you during filming, allowing yourself to breathe and focus on the job[24:41] Producing the short film Farrah, multi tasking in different roles on projects, Gruesome Playground Injuries (dir. Erica Chestnut)[29:07] Financial stability and sustainabilty supporting your creative practice, finding a balance between passion projects and everyday work, giving 100% of yourself to the moment you are in[40:01] The importance of curiousity as a performer, being okay with wanting other things and having other passions, allowing yourself to change your mindset in your approach to your work, prioritising rest if you’re worn outRESOURCES
Nu-Disco! at PIP Theatre in Brisbane, 4-6 MayPieces of Shit at PIP Theatre in Brisbane, 27-29 AprilHead over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Alexander Lloyd on Instagram @alexanderlloyd__
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This week Bronte Charlotte chats with Tehya Nicholas about theatre, writing, creativity, and the industry. A beautiful discussion interrogating the relevance of theatre in todays society, the validity of different stories and the importance of art. Tehya is a writer and performer who has just completed her honours, with queer ecological theatre as her focal point, after graduating from RMIT with a distinction for her Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing). Tehya has trained as an actor at 16th Street Actors Studio, The William Esper Studio and The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
[04:36] How Tehya and Bronte met, Tehyas journey into acting after finishing school and finding creative writing, and her honours year writing a play and an exagesis on that play which was an eco dramatic text about the climate crisis[14:59] The Crocodile by Tom Basden, the joy of lighthearted intelligent theatre, when art speaks directly to you, and being able to view your own work objectively[21:14] Tehya’s transition from performing to writing, having other passions, collaborating as a playwrite, not being condemmned to working completely alone for the rest of your career, [24:51] The Western narrative structure and the need for society to move away from it, the relevance of theatre, what is relevant, what are we saying in our work, the argument of whats valid and what has the right to take up space[34:01] Constructive feedback, how to set healthy boundaries, and the need for synthesis between the independant world and main stage world[46:26] Taking yourself seriously as a creative, not having a structured daily practice and allowing yourself to indulge in creative practices in whatever ways work for you[51:09] Completing projects, seeing good theatre, and seeking out the things that bring you joy
During this episode we discuss:RESOURCES
Nu-Disco! at PIP Theatre in Brisbane, 4-6 MayPieces of Shit at PIP Theatre in Brisbane, 27-29 AprilHead over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Tehya Nicholas on Instagram @tehya_nicholas
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This week Bronte Charlotte chats with Ellen Marning, a writer and performer from Wollongong, New South Whales. In 2022 Ellen Marning wrote and performed in two new works, Shticky Business (MICF) and Nu-Disco! (Melbourne Fringe). Ellens other credits of co-creation and performing inclue Matraphobia, Stocktake: Bitches in Business and the web series incarnation of Stocktake: Bitches in Business. She is also a core member of the 5Am performance group and has been touring the physical theatre show The Bells for several years. In this episode we chat about Ellen’s process writing and devising new shows, kicking on after a massive year, teaching as a side hustle, and the constant search for balance between financial stability and creative fulfilment. For this years Melbourne Internation Comedy Festival Ellen is playing Ned Kelly in the new musical Ned Kelly: The Big Gay Musical, written by our amazing former guest Kaine Hansen.
[01:51] Teaching school aged children and holding onto your energy[06:03] How Ellen and Bronte met, Ellens first experience of something wonderful going wrong on stage, Bronte and Ellen reminiscing about their childhood sports experiences and how it has impacted them today[19:19] Ellens acting teacher Fiona Finley, crying competitions, throwing back to Gloria Jeans and the bubble lids that fit extra cream on top of your caramel frappe[24:44] Ellens dream to go to drama school after having seen theatre in London, including The Woman In Black - the second longest running show in the West End - her search for life experience, a gap year in Germany and beginning an arts degree at Sydney Uni[33:19] The making of Ellens one woman show Nu-Disco! and how important an audience is to a performance, dealing with hecklers and rowdy audience members, how a venue encourages a certain behaviour from different audiences[54:25] Finding the comedy in what’s already there, how Ellen made her comedy cabaret Shticky Business[1:00:14] Functioning as a creative in a field that doesn’t necessarily financially support us, feeling behind in all the markers of a capitalist society, having a creatively successful year and it’s impact on you financially[1:06:18] Real Housewives, the physical theatre performance The Bells and Ellens impressive physical capabilities for performance, and the joy of collaboration
During this episode we discuss:RESOURCES
Ned Kelly: The Big Gay Musical at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 17-23 AprilNu-Disco! at PIP Theatre in Brisbane, 4-6 MayPieces of Shit at PIP Theatre in Brisbane, 27-29 AprilThe Bells, 5 Angry MenHead over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Ellen Marning on Instagram @ellen.marning
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This week Bronte chats about two things she’s been thinking about lately. Essential workers and identity!
During this episode we discuss:
[00:20] Living in the city with the longest lockdown in the world due to COVID-19, and eating a delectable banana muffin[03:34] Diving into the concept of essential workers, questioning your place in society, Virginia Gay’s monologue from Cyrano and how impactful it was to watch[09:31] Grappling with the concept of identity[16:17] How society requires us to work and earn money to survive[18:08] We’ll always be working to understand ourselvesGET IN TOUCH!
Email me or flick me a message, I’d love to hear from you.
Who are you?
How do you identify?
Has that changed at all since the pandemic started?
Head over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
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This week Bronte reflects on last week’s episode and the response she received about the way that we speak to ourselves. She challenges herself by sharing kind words said about her and the podcast, and shares how she is working to build kindness and self compassion into her life.
During this episode we discuss:
[00:20] Reflecting on last week's episode, a quick check in with Bronte post show cancellation, and a moment to say thankyou for your kind words and support.[06:54] The way we speak to ourselves can tear us down instead of building us up, what Bronte can offer at this time, and finding connection.[09:57] What is our knee jerk reaction to kind words and compliments, how Bronte responded to the messages she received from last week’s episode, and challenging herself by saying those kind words out loud.[18:17] Doing something to lift your spirits and still finding it hard, but persevering for yourself[24:31] Checking in with those you think may be struggling, and reaching out when you need supportGET IN TOUCH!
Email me or flick me a message, I’d love to hear from you.
How are you coping with your close contact relationships throughout lockdowns?
How is your head and your body and your heart?
How are you? Really?
Head over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine -
This week Bronte chats about life, sharing her recent experiences and discoveries about her personal practice, her mental health, and her motivation. It is a short snippet into the life of the host of Chats with Creatives, at a time where we all need just a little more connection in our lives.
During this episode we discuss:
[00:00] An introduction to Chats with Bronte while she rambles[03:16] How Bronte is currently moving through the world, and discovering the need for sharing time and space with different people to help break up the monotonous energy of the everyday that takes over in lockdown.[07:34] The instagram post that reminded Bronte about the global trauma we’re all experiencing, and that healing will come later.[15:07] This Way Up, the Aisling Bea Netflix series that EVERYONE should watch![16:49] The feedback from Chats with Creatives and how important connection is at a time like this.
GET IN TOUCH!Email me or flick me a message, I’d love to hear from you.
How are you coping with your close contact relationships throughout lockdowns?
How is your head and your body and your heart?
How are you? Really?
Head over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
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This week Bronte Charlotte chats with Alex Hines, an actor, theatre maker, comedian, voice over and teaching artist. She was the co-lead in Monster & Bears’ comedy series Dee-Brief that was picked up by channel 10. She has created and produced several shows as the character Juniper Wilde and is currently developing her show To Shapelle and Back for this years Melbourne Fringe Festival which you can buy your tickets to right now! We delve into the making of these shows, how she got into making theatre, our similar journeys working in the industry as freelance actors, and how she is currently feeling about the industry in this moment.
[02:18] How Alex and Bronte met, reminiscing on decisions we made as teenagers, moving to Melbourne and a gender flipped Macbeth[13:03] How Alex got into stand up comedy and creating her own work, the birth of Juniper Wilde, being diagnosed with ADHD during a whirlwind year of creating several shows[22:03] Making Dee-Brief, the improvised web series that got picked up by channel 10 and the process of filming[26:00] Saying YES[28:10] Functioning as a freelance actor in Melbourne for nearly a decade, dealing with the impact of feeling undesirable to agents, and learning how to monetize your creative work [38:09] With Pieces of Shit on the horizon, Alex asks if Bronte and Leigh Scully have ever worked together in a creative capacity before this and we flash back to the web series King of the Crossing that they made as a duo in 2020[41:30] The difference between text work and improvisation, and the hybrid structures that can be incredibly freeing for an actor, To Schapelle and Back, Alex’s Melbourne Fringe show this year that is a homage to Schapelle Corby[48:30] The struggle of being an actor in such a draining industry, and the power of being a creative working on your own work, the Australian industry and capitalism[52:15] Morning routine, sustainable practices and getting through each day[56:26] The joy of making people laugh, comedy, and the electric energy that travels between actor and audience
During this episode we discuss:RESOURCES
To Schapelle and Back 30 September - 17 OctoberJuniper Wilde UTOPIA 15 October One Night Only!Pieces of Shit 11 October - 17 OctoberDee-Brief webseries, Monster & BearHead over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Alex Hines on Instagram @hines.sight @juniper.wilde
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This week Bronte Charlotte chats with Kaine Hansen about his show Wonderwall that was on at the Melbourne Comedy Festival ‘21 earlier this year. We talk about his experience creating his first solo show, how our attitudes towards death and loss and our own mortality can change suddenly, and the new exciting show he is working on for the Melbourne Fringe Festival, Close Encounters of the Murdering Kind with Sabina Gerardi!
During this episode we discuss:
[02:30] How Kaine and Bronte met, high school bullies that impact your life, and how fascinating it is to see people change[07:45] Having all the time in the world to practice your art but still not having time to perfect anything, the confusion and pressure of labels and wanting to just focus on one thing, how Kaine got into acting and music and performing[15:41] Losing friends and family and how everyone deals with loss differently[20:53] Experiencing those existential moments of life and death, understanding death in different ways through cultures and religions that aren’t your own[27:36] Making Wonderwall, getting on stage after Melbourne lockdowns, writing music and comedy[30:23] Moving out of an institution learning with the same theatre makers for 3 years and into a solo show, the normalcy of procrastination, allowing your peers to inspire you, the fluctuations of creativity and being kind to yourself[38:47] Fringe 2021 and what's coming up for both of us, Close Encounters of the Murdering Kind, Pieces of Shit, poo stories and Bluey[50:42] Understanding the industry and knowing that so much is out of your hands, but finding your contentment in the creations you make[55:34] Creative joy and excitement, being proactive and interested in your mental healthRESOURCES
Lousical the Musical by multi award winning comedian, Lou WallClose Encounters of the Murdering Kind at Melbourne Fringe Festival ‘21Pieces of Shit at Melbourne Fringe Festival ‘21Head over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Kaine Hansen on Instagram @kainejhansen
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This week Bronte Charlotte chats with Declan Furber Gillick, an Arrernte man from Central Australia. His practice spans writing, theatre, music, film, poetry, rap, community education, and mentoring. Declan was a writer-in-residence as part of the Melbourne Theatre Company's Next Stage Writers Program, and is the writer, producer and actor behind the Green Room Award winning production Bighouse Dreaming. We have a conversation about Declans journey into the arts, and how important collaboration and solidarity is for communal growth and connection. We dive into Declans varied writing and performance experiences, the success of Bighouse Dreaming, his new piece coming out at the MTC, his passion for rap and poetry getting him through Melbournes extended lockdown, and how deeply connected you can feel to people just by sharing and being vulnerable.
[03:12] Declans journey into the arts, committing to the study of creativity, and coming from a background of storytellers[10:03] Brontes experience finding her voice after an extended time working with people who tore it away, building yourself back up with community, support, and creativity[15:33] Support solidarity and peer appreciation[16:43] Finding that creative obsession and the perks for writers working over zoom[18:50] Writing for commission and how the audience can inform your writing, MTC and how its supporting new work[21:48] Bighouse Dreaming, its journey, its story, its future, writing with awareness about your audience, healing from an intensely draining experience, resting well[33:05] Declan’s morning routine he has been following for the last 4 years, learning about yourself by observing your consistent practice[38:45] Experiencing creative joy working with collaborators, reading a scene and feeling it land, sharing stories, music, experiences and connection[44:06] 16 Bars Every Day for 16 Days, an instagram creative project Declan did through his rapping moniker, Knomad
During this episode we discuss:RESOURCES
Masters of Writing at the VCANext Stage Writers Program at the MTCThe Great Emu War by Declan Furber GillickBighouse Dreaming directed by Mark WilsonJacky directed by Mark WilsonCybec Electric at the MTCHead over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Declan Furber Gillick on Instagram @dfurbergillick
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This week Bronte Charlotte chats with Alex Ridefelt about the making of his one man show Protein, the Messy Musings of a Queer Vegan. Alex is the creative behind Autonomous Inventions, Post A New Musical, and Tied Up with Strings. In this episode we dive into the ever-present moral angst that we feel moving through the world in its current climate, being vegan, and the constant pressure we place on ourselves to be perfect at everything we do. We talk about the importance of being kind to ourselves, the difficulties we face in actively affirming our work and our art, and those microorganisms on our skin that dance when we touch dirt!
[02:05] Finding new work in time where work is scarce, meeting each other for the first time, and reflecting on a previous episode with Salty Theatre[07:52] Alex’s journey into writing, his different works that led him to writing Protein, and the convenience of writing a one person show for remounting purposes and touring[12:25] Sustainable practices as an artist, connecting with others, knowing what you need to continue moving forward[15:19] The constant moral anguish of every day life, being queer, veganism, and how Protein touches on our own hypocrisies and all of the things that we ruminate about in the current climate of modern life[19:44] Getting on stage post lockdown, the making of Protein, how important seeing theatre has been post lockdown[24:25] Bronte’s upcoming show at Melbourne Fringe Festival Pieces of Shit, and the importance of communication and support within a creative partnership[26:53] Having an eclectic practice, learning to be kind to yourself, and understanding your fluctuations in creativity and how you function in the world[39:17] Autonomous Inventions’ why that drives Alex to create, and the joy in telling stories
During this episode we discuss:RESOURCES
Post A New MusicalThe MC ShowroomTied up with Strings developed through Hope New WorksHead over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Alex Ridefelt on Instagram @autonomousinventions and @a.j.ridefelt
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This week Bronte Charlotte chats with award winning playwright Kim Ho, the Asian-Australian creative who wrote the viral short film Language of Love. We chat about the internal battle of feeling like not having anything important to say, moving from writing with your brain to finding the heart and emotion of the story, and how creativity manifests differently for everyone during an experience like an extended lockdown. Kim talks about writing The Great Australian Play, his interest in Australian mythology and its inherent colonial heritage, how the conversation around representation in the arts covers up the deeper issues that racism presents, and the interconnectedness of individual struggles.
During this episode we discuss:
[02:22] Finding time to be in nature, the creative orbits that we float in, the benefits of meeting new people and broadening your circles[07:12] The Language of Love, Kim Ho’s viral short film he wrote in his final years of highschool with ATYP, working with Tommy Murphy, and being unexpectedly successful at a young age[09:45] Finding the emotional crux of your story, being an incredibly cerebral writer wanting to learn to write a more focused play, playing with form and finding your voice through training and study[15:05] Writing The Great Australian Play, and the foolhardy mission of searching for important and useful things to say about Australian mythology as a non-indigenous Australian[18:21] The pressure of writing under the name of Patrick White after receiving an award named for him, and the pressures we place on ourselves as writers to write ’important’ content[25:30] Writing a “G’day fantasia on national themes” delving into sovereignty, colonial Australian mythology and the way we valorise deceitful men[29:25] Holding a mirror up to our own ugliness, taking responsibility, removing our self-importance from our work, and the backbone of Australian literature being built off violence, myth and colonialism[33:17] Allowing yourself to have no creative impulses during periods of trauma, Kim’s experience transitioning from playwriting to screenwriting, and having a second adolescence playing video games.[46:00] How the industry and gate-keepers of the industry exclude Asian-Australian creatives and all non-anglo creatives, and the changes that companies and professionals are slowly making to celebrate diversity and cut down structural racism within the industry[48:33] How the discussion around representation in the arts has almost become a conversation that hides the deeper issues that racism presents[57:34] The joy of collaboration, creation and shared experiencesRESOURCES
The Language of Love by Kim HoAustralian Theatre for Young People (ATYP)Head over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Kim Ho on Instagram @maybekimho
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This week Bronte Charlotte chats with actor Alex Donnelly, director & choreographer Miranda Middleton, & producer Ashley Taylor from Salty Theatre’s Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody. We delved into the behind the scenes and making of the show, how the three creatives all dealt with the show being postponed several times due to COVID restrictions, the changes in cast, coming in as a fresh director, who the show is for, & just how perfect the casting is! It is so clear that these creatives are so ready to get out there and show audiences this quirky, queer, magical world that they’ve been building since late 2019. Alex Donnelly is our Tom Riddle in this musical parody. Miranda Middleton is the director and choreographer who jumped on board just a few months ago. Ashley Taylor is one of the two who make up Salty Theatre, a production company that introduces fresh new works into the Australian arts community.
During this episode we discuss:
[02:37] Where the Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody originated, bringing the show to Australia, and COVID changes made.[07:03] Playing into the intimacy of the theatre and creating a more cabaret style performance, the benefits of the shifts in the performance requirements and things changing for the better.[09:06] Alex’s re-discovery of his love of Harry Potter, finding the characters through exploration, exaggeration and accepting that they were creating their own world.[11:34] A queering of classic characters, a declaration of unconditional support of the LGBTQIA community, and part of Salty Theatre’s mission being honouring the landscape of all humans in Australia and the world.[14:16] The audition process for Alex, being in a role that feels like it was made for you and you for it, the joy of feeling excited about performing and feeling so completely ready after such a long theatre void.[17:42] How the creatives kept energised throughout long COVID lockdowns and the show being postponed, the Hatch Lab Musical Theatre Residency Program, and celebrating coming back into the rehearsal room.[20:58] Building a new ensemble energy, Miranda becoming the director of the show during the Melbourne lockdown and while moving interstate.[23:54] Forging ahead when times get tough, finding the space for laughter and comedy, and knowing that what you do is important and can make a difference in people's lives.[31:12] Some of the most joyful moments in the show to look forward to, being transported to a whimsical, magical time of teenage years, insecurity, friendship and being a misfit.Resources:
Sponsors: Theatre Works & Aintree GroupHatch Lab Musical Theatre Residency ProgramHead over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date & follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guests on Instagram @saltytheatre @alexdonnelly1158 @mirandajanemiddleton @ashtaylortickell
Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play. -
In this episode Bronte Charlotte chats to Nick Clark, an ex-actor who made the choice to take a step back from the creative industries and study psychology. Nick speaks on the importance of non-judgment, empathy, different ways of defining yourself, finding joy every single day, and understanding human behaviour and mental health. We delve into the types of changes that need to happen within society to remove the stigma of mental health, our experiences of the Australian education system and where we truly believe it needs changing. We dig deep into Nicks’ transition out of acting, the moments that brought him to the decision, how his life has changed since, and the power of gardening.
Content Warning: At moments we do mention suicide in relation to mental health, and talk pretty openly about our own experiences of anxiety and depression.
During this episode we discuss:
[01:57] A wide vocabulary and its power, feminist young adult books, sexisim and women using alias’ to be respected as men are.[07:51] The shortcomings of the Australian education system, sexual health and queer education in schools, the discrepancy of education levels between public and private schools and between states in Australia.[16:10] Understanding addiction, suicide, and mental health, how equipping people with the tools to deal with whatever comes their way will always have a better outcome, and supporting those who need it in the way that they need it.[28:12] What drew Nick to the creative arts in the first place, the Launceston Competitions, and moving to Melbourne to study at the VCA.[35:01] Why Nick left the creative arts, expression and storytelling taking a back seat as human behaviour comes to the foreground.[41:34] The three experiences that pushed Nick to psychology over horticulture, the lack of skills/knowledge/money/time those in charge of a creative process have to properly support creatives through a high-stress experience.[47:59] The power structures that need to shift, the responsibility of those who put on a show needing to change, the all-encompassing experience of the performer and the far too common experience of not being taken seriously.[53:30] Stepping out of the circle of theatre and suddenly being able to vocalise the political issues within the circle.[57:11] The stigma of leaving your creative profession, the idea of ‘failure’ or ‘giving up,’ and others forcing their opinions onto you.[1:05:54] Creating a robust sense of who you are, filling your day with joy if you face a hardship, and being content with every single part of your journey because you are exactly where you are because you are meant to be.[1:09:35] The concept of ‘Self,’ of not defining who you are by what you do, of being okay with your actions in a day and letting that be your personal measure of success.[1:14:32] Creativity synthesising into other parts of Nick’s’ life, gardening, cooking and studying being their own outlets, finding what truly satisfies him.[1:17:08] Lighting designing and operating for Stock Take: Bitches in Business by The Daughters Collective and Poopie Tum Tums by Hot Department.Head over to the @chats.w.creatives
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Nick Clark on Instagram @mrnickclark -
In this episode Bronte Charlotte chats to Lou Wall, multi-award winning comedian, composer and writer. They are the winner of Melbourne Fringe’s Best Cabaret 2020, best Emerging Ensemble 2019, and Best Emerging Artist 2018, and have several nominations to their name. We chat about the power of comedy and Lou’s experience transitioning stage to screen since the Coronavirus impacted theatres and the creative arts. We talk a lot about mental health and the pressure of being funny, continuing to fuel yourself with those things that bring you joy while also taking time to distance yourself from the work. We chat about actively making the work that you want to see, creating roles for yourself, and working with creative partners.
During this episode we discuss:
[02:56] Our collective wellbeing at times of crisis, Lou discovering their comedic talent at a workshop in year 12, having the confidence to create their own shows and not overthinking things.[09:13] Lousical the Musical, adapting to the screen for Melbourne Fringe Festival during Melbourne’s Stage 4 lockdown, and the liberation from the confinements of stage.[12:44] Working and devising with Jean Tong and why the two of them are such incredible creative partners.[14:08] Lou’s two goals in every piece they make, keeping a little of yourself for yourself, allowing mental health content to be real and normal and accessible, not over exaggerated and dramatic.[17:57] Using comedy as a tool to connect, deal with tragedy, and release stress and pain.[19:35] Making the work that you want to see, funding your own shows, how social media can impact your perceptions of your success, ‘social media depression’ and becoming addicted to the screen.[26:19] Being limitless in what you create, the excitement of collaborating with other artists, and the freedom of making an online show without having to perform every night.[30:01] Perfectionism and how it manifests differently for different people, still writing a show right up until walking on stage, setting goals to challenge your creative habits.[34:23] Dealing with the level of personal criticism you receive on the spot as a performer, feeling low being completely okay, and recognising that it’s not healthy to be constantly evaluated.[36:21] Distancing yourself from the work, fueling yourself with stuff that makes you excited, finding what you are truly interested in and not allowing others to make that decision for you.[38:54] Being able to recognise and appreciate your personal efforts and successes, working with Liam McGuire on his show Wrath, reflecting on how you run spaces and experiencing other rooms.Head over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Lou Wall on Instagram @thelouwall
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In this episode Katie and Michelle chat with Bronte Charlotte about the making of the show Grand Gesture. We delve into the concept, how it all began, different moments in the rehearsal room that built the show, working with Kat Cornwell & Morgan Rose of The People Theatre Company, getting back into performing after the long silence that was Melbourne’s COVID lockdown, and how romantic comedies influence us and the way that we perceive relationships and love. You can catch Michelle and Katie with the rest of their gorgeous cast in Grand Gesture when it opens on Tuesday the 9th Jan at La Mama in Carlton. It runs until the 21st as a double bill for La Mamas Love Fest and will be opening the gorgeous theatre after Melbournes lockdown. It has almost been a year since we had shows at LaMama so please come along and support local theatre, local artists, new work and good art!
During this episode we discuss:
[02:59] Where the idea for Grand Gesture came from, the stories that we are fed by romantic comedies and how they influence our life.[06:10] Working as an ensemble, the conversations the ensemble had about their experiences with love, romantic comedies being a type of flawed “guide for life,” building the structure by using a tool called the “playground” and long form improvisations[12:02] Moving through difficult choices, constant open communication, learning that nothing is personal and each choice is being made for the betterment of the overall piece.[15:37] Working with two female identifying directors, the male gaze, how romantic comedies are generally made from a male’s perspective, lessons from Sex and the City, and the ways that we are taught to think about romance[20:52] The moments that informed the style of the show, Director-a-day rotating roles throughout rehearsals, finding your voice as a theatre maker.[24:58] Who Grand Gesture is for, why is it we immediately think romantic comedies are only for women, how heart warming it is to have non-theatre-goers come to the theatre and seem truly engaged and affected.[28:45] Getting back in your body after 9 months in lockdown, how COVID has affected artists as they were legally forced to not do their trade[31:52] Answering an essential question for the show, the question that Grand Gesture investigates, how art can make you reflect on your perceptions of the world.[36:14] Movies and TV shows that resist the usual representation of love, relationships, sexuality, gender[39:51] Grand Gesture as a great way to experience theatre for maybe the first time, re-shifting how we make romantic comedies and how we represent love as a society.Head over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Katie Rowe on Instagram @katierowey
Follow this week's guest Michelle McCowage on Instagram @michenaccomplished
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In this episode Bronte Charlotte is joined by the incomparable Leith McPherson, a world-renowned voice and dialect coach, acting teacher, and sometimes-director. During this discussion we delve into Leith’s history training as an actor and moving to London to study her Postgraduate degree in Voice at Central School of Speech and Drama. We chat about prejudice, and how learned beliefs can impact an audience's perception of character, language, accent and realism. We chat about Task mode vs. Approval mode, it’s life changing effects on both mental health and perceptions of the world around you
During this episode we discuss:
[02:18] Living in New Zealand for lockdown, and realising that even as an anxious human Leith has moved several times to different continents and started again from scratch, seeking the next exciting thing.[06:41] Growing up in Queensland, the beginning of Leith’s journey in the arts, knowing within herself that acting was not right for her and her temperament and her mental health and having to make the decision to cease acting.[10:48] Moving to London alone to study the Postgraduate Voice course at Central School of Speech and Drama, the best year of Leiths life to date.[14:43] The very first job Leith had lined up after graduation and how it all fell to pieces, the unnecessary pressure of Showcase and just how much it truly doesn’t define your career, persistence as a key ingredient to success, and giving yourself wholeheartedly to everything you do.[20:15] Leith’s crazy experience ‘interviewing’ for Once the Musical, and ending up running two 2 hour long accent workshops – IN ACCENT! How Leith snapped up her role as vocal coach for Melbourne’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the power of first impressions.[24:44] Mimicking voices as a kid, realising that people would think you were different if you changed your voice, how our idea of what places should sound like impacts the perception of audiences and enhances our continued programming by society.[35:56] Task Mode vs Approval Mode and how deeply it changed both of our lives, the impact our perceptions have on our mental health, and Leith’s observation of actors on set re-auditioning for the role they already have due to being in Approval Mode.[45:36] Bronte’s experience of switching into Task Mode, taking care of yourself and being kind to yourself because you are your own companion in lifeHead over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Leith McPherson on Twitter @leithmcp
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In this episode Olivia Satchell and Bronte Charlotte chat about developing work from the ground up, arts fundraising,community development, the impact of theatre, and aligning your values with your collaborators. We delve into the Grief Trilogy, a trio of shows exploring vertical time, the relationships between women, and how these women can be changed from a single encounter in a public space. Liv explains her work in community development and her interest in finding pathways for artists to become less reliant upon government funding.
During this episode we discuss:
[01:38] The loneliness of a global pandemic, how it changes your outlook on relationships and the quality time that you spend with people you love[07:04] A different way to apply for grants, using applications to fine tune your ideas and to truly reflect on what it is you are creating.[10:50] Livs experience working in arts development (fundraising) and the need for a new understanding of funding if the arts in Australia is to continue to grow[14:07] The origin story of Small & Loud, creating a safe space for facilitation, feedback, community and growth, and aligning your values with your collaborators before you begin a project[21:30] Creating a feedback loop for artists to build an understanding of how their work is being received at its very beginning stages, and the power of articulating your thoughts[26:53] Dinner and a Show, the ritual of sharing food and how it impacts a creative space, and the connection between those sharing in that experience[32:42] Livs journey into the theatre world, moving from performing to directing to developing and writing her first show[43:43] The beginnings of The Grief Trilogy, Toni Morrison’s impact on Liv’s work, and embracing vertical time[50:10] Integrity in the rehearsal process, and creating a space of respect and appreciation for each other's work[54:04] Writing from place, knowing the actors you're writing for, and Livs step-by-step rehearsal process for My Sister Feather.[59:24] Knowing when it's time to move on to the next project and the relationship between the very small and very epic[1:05:25] Honouring what people are bringing to the process and to the room, the bird & the worm, the pleasure of writing, and how important it is to be with those you love.RESOURCES
Odin Theatre Company, the theatre company Liv was observing as the Pandemic hitSmall & Loud, the Melbourne monthly development meet ups that Liv started in 2016National Young Writers FestivalLeisa Shelton, the teacher who would start each lesson with a shared pot of teaMy Name is Truda Vitz by Olivia Satchell, Somersault Theatre CompanyOlivia’s Theatre Company: The Voice In My Hands
@thevoiceinmyhandsThe Grief Trilogy by Olivia Satchell
Chats with Creatives @chats.w.creatives
Bronte Charlotte @bronteandsunshine
Olivia Satchell @ojsatchell -
In this episode Emily Goddard and Bronte Charlotte chat openly and honestly about the ups and downs of being actors, theatre makers, and generally empathetic humans. Emily talks about her life changing experience training overseas in Paris at Ecole Philippe Gaulier, discovering the joy in theatre, learning the multi-faceted Clown, creating her one woman show This Is Eden, and the impact such a strong, political, historical piece had, both on her own life and the lives of audience members. We delve into constantly being challenged and having to justify your creative path to those who don’t comprehend or understand how the arts can impact society, and an experience we had together in a poorly run workshop that is just one example of taking advantage of an actors willingness, vulnerability and openness.
During this episode we discuss:
[03:39] Melbourne lockdown emotional recap (how can we even begin to articulate our lockdown experience?!) and theatres opening back up and leading the way into Melbourne’s ‘COVID normal’[08:47] Emily’s journey into performing, discovering the pleasure of theatre, taking herself to Paris to study at Ecole Philippe Gaulier, coming out of drama school overseas to enter the Australian theatre industry, clowning, failing, fear, and laughing at yourself.[17:39] Training overseas, the isolation and freeing aspects of that, the absolute un-competitiveness of training with people from all over the world, and the difficulties of entering the industry after leaving Australia for a time.[20:53] How Bouffon influenced the making of This Is Eden, discovering the early history of female convicts in Australia, discovering and developing the play that has been successful for 5 years now.[28:16] The link between the transportation debate of the 1850s and our Asylum Seeker catastrophe, history repeating itself, Australian citizens’ lack of education around Australian history, and how audience responses have changed over the 5 years the show has been on.[36:22] How we met, inappropriate expectations for actors, separating ourselves from the job, and how fear creates stressful environments not conducive to creativity.[42:29] How can we feel valid in our choices as creatives when all around us people question if the arts are relevant, knowing that we are needed, making your own work [50:00] Daily meditation, shaking out of lockdown energy, having space, downtime, and an ability to let go to create a sustainable practiceRESOURCES
Ecole Phillipe GaulierThis is Eden by Emily GoddardCascades Female PrisonMess by Caroline HortonSusie Dee (Dir. This is Eden)Dione Zanotto at Performance Based Meditation - Find meditations on the arts wellbeing collective pageAmy Carmody YogaHead over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!
Follow our host Bronte Charlotte @bronteandsunshine
Follow this week's guest Emily Goddard @emmyjgoddard
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