Jan 7, 2010

Life, the BAT and Everything

As some of you may know, I've been working very hard over this past year or so to help the Brisbane Arts Theatre improve its financial position. After finishing 2008 facing the very real possibility of closure, we head into 2010 with some money in the bank, and more importantly, a brighter, more optimistic year ahead. Because of a collective effort to save our beloved little theatre, we should make it to 2011 - our 75th birthday and a very important anniversary.

I'll be frank - at times 2009 was very hard. I'm by no means an expert in business, or management, or business management. I've just been trying to do things that I think will help - particularly on the media/promotions side, where I've used my experience as a journalist and media contacts to draw as much attention to the theatre as possible. I've also tried to assist by throwing myself into our ImproMafia performances at the BAT (particularly our flagship show Prognosis: Death! ); and of course He Died With a Felafel in His Hand. Sometimes things worked; some things didn't.

So it pleases me greatly to see a positive buzz about the theatre at the moment. Today's Courier-Mail features an article about the BAT's direction and prospects in 2010, which is just fantastic. It's page 44 if you have the actual paper version!

We also had a positive review in the Courier-Mail yesterday; and a glowing review from local critic Eric Scott from Absolute Theatre.

If you live in Brisbane, or are interested in the arts, comedy, theatre and performance wherever you are, then I have the following links to suggest to you:
I know this is a lot of information, and I don't mean to be self-indulgent. But while I pimp my stuff quite regularly (and have no shame in doing so), it's rare for me to stand back and actually try to take some pride in the personal work I've done over the past year or so. I have a tendency to feel quite useless, unremarkable and easily replaceable, and I get very down. But the BAT and ImproMafia are my two creative joys, and so by reflecting on 2009 and the state of things at the moment, I hope I can claim that I have made a contribution to both.

For any John Birmingham fans or "Burgers" reading - I'm going to declare next Friday 15 January as our special group get-together night. JB's very busy writing at the moment, so while I'm going to try to convince him to come along, I cannot guarantee it at this stage. But it would be lovely to catch up with all you others if you're keen. So book your tickets now!

12 comments:

  1. The ghost investigation video the Sunday Mail did (as found on the facebook page) is pretty damn interesting.

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  2. Ooh! I forgot about that one... will go add that in!! Thanks, Doyle!

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  3. Done and dusted. Row C seat 8. See you then.

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  4. As much as I would love to be there on friday, watching you play Dom Inatrix while imagining that I'm the moontanner sitting next to you, I have doubts that I'll actually turn up. But, if I do turn up, it'll be for drinks afterwards.

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  5. Apologies to Jen in advance, but c'mon: You would want to be a moontanner too.

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  6. Medway, why would you not turn up? I'm sure you'd really love the show. Go on, give it a go. ')

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  7. Ah, but previous plans with my mates, a regular event, MAY prevent me from doing so. That's the unfortunate thing that is preventing me from making certain plans.

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  8. I would kill to be there. I have an idea to be there in spirit though ... If I buy a ticket (online) will you place a stuffed rhino in the seat and take it along for the before/during/after drinks and take a bunch of pics for me?



    How about that?

    R

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  9. Wish I too could join you alas,

    well done you for 2009. Brilliant effort.

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  10. Game on. Convinced my mates to come see it friday.

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  11. Community theatre is a lot of work no matter what part one plays in it-from acting to sets to promo to popcorn selling. Commendable work-wish I could see 'Falafel'. Break a leg!

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