Introduce Yourself to Malthouse Theatre

We are a company that embraces new work and brings fresh vision to classics and rediscoveries. We are interested in all artists who are interested in us, and are always eager to engage the rich contemporary performance scene beyond the confines of our own building. Here are some easy ways to introduce yourself to us:

1. Invite us to see your work. We may not always be able to get there, but we will make every attempt to send one of our team, given plenty of notice. Three weeks in advance is optimal.
2. Come along to one of our informal get-togethers. Join us at 6pm on the first Wednesday of every month for a drink at The Malthouse bar and introduce yourself to us.  If you’ve already been, then bring a date who hasn’t.
3. Send us an email. If you believe you have a unique proposal which has a strong affinity with our artistic vision you are welcome to send an outline (2 pages max) to the appropriate Associate Artist. If you don’t know who best to contact, please email our office.
4. Look out for our spruik sessions. Twice a year we invite artists either to talk with us or do a 15 minute presentation about their project ideas. Opportunities are provided on a ‘first in first served’ basis, so keep checking our website for upcoming dates.

We receive an enormous number of proposals so we don’t always have the resources to give you direct feedback about your work. If we do see a possible connection with Malthouse Theatre we will make sure we contact you.

Malthouse is now a member of PostScript, PlayWriting Australia’s national script database. This exciting initiative enables playwrights to have their work read and considered by a national pool of readers across the entire sector. Due to our membership of PostScript, Malthouse will no longer accept submissions of plays directly. Instead, please now send your work to postscript@pwa.org.au or download a submission form from PlayWriting Australia.

Working Artistically with Malthouse Theatre

Once you’ve introduced yourself, artists whose work excites and inspires us can work with us in the following ways:

Besen Family Artist Program
This unique annual program of artist attachments and mentored projects supports artists from a range of disciplines to contribute to Malthouse Theatre. Placements are designed to offer opportunities for artists to work on Malthouse Theatre productions and to gain an insight into company life in a professional performing arts company. This program is proudly supported by The Besen Family Foundation.

Female Director in Residence
Annually, Malthouse Theatre offers a paid internship for a female director. Over a 6 month period the recipient of the internship will have access to company life in a professional performing arts company, and be given opportunities to assist the Artistic Director Marion Potts and/or Associate Artist (Direction) Matt Lutton. Recipients thus far are Anne-Louise Sarks and Adena Jacobs. This initiative is proudly supported by the CAL Cultural Fund.

Helium
In 2012, Malthouse Theatre will curate a season of independent new works in the Tower Theatre called Helium. Malthouse Theatre offers the Helium season as part of our dedication to provide a range of platforms for new work alongside our own.  It is also a recognition of the profound influence of Australia’s independent scene on Malthouse Theatre’s own evolution. While Helium provides a pathway for artists and ensembles to present their own work in an established and supportive contemporary performance venue, it also begins a relationship between these creative teams and Malthouse Theatre.

Company in Residence
This significant opportunity provides a residency at the invitation of Malthouse Theatre culminating in the production of a new work. Previous companies include The Black Lung Theatre (2008), My Darling Patricia (2009), The Hayloft Project (2010), Ride On Theatre (2011) and Four Larks (2012). In 2012, our Company in Residence is supported by Danielle & Daniel Besen and Moritz.

The Engine Room
The Engine Room is the main development arm for Malthouse Theatre. It provides a range of different platforms for newly commissioned work and bespoke development process to meet the unique needs of each project. Works-in-progress may present at various stages of development and while they feed the company’s mainstage work, they are not programmed before they reach maturation. Works are selected for development by invitation.

 

General Auditions

Malthouse Theatre will be holding General Auditions in early April 2012. Applications close March 23.

If you are interested in being considered for a general audition here are the criteria.

1. You must not have auditioned for Malthouse Theatre in the past eighteen months and you must be a resident of Victoria.
2. You must have trained at a recognised drama school or have relevant experience in professional theatre.
3. You must be legally able to work in Australia.
4. You must be a current MEAA member.

If you are represented by an agent then your agent should get in touch with us on your behalf.

What you will need to do

Provide us with a copy of your headshot and CV via email along with a brief note requesting a general audition. If you are represented by an agent then they should do this on your behalf.

You or your agent will be contacted if you are selected to do a general audition. If you are not selected for a general audition this may be because you have not satisfied the above criteria or because we may already know you and your work so a general audition is not necessary.

Please be aware that Malthouse Theatre receives numerous requests for general auditions throughout the year. We try to see as many new actors as possible during our general audition day but there are only so many hours in the day so please don’t be too disappointed if you are not selected for a general audition this time. We work on a ‘first in first served’ basis so if we are unable to see you in this round of general auditions then we will keep your details on file for when we schedule our next round of general auditions.

It is also a good idea to let us know if you are performing in a professional play as we do try to see everything that is going on in Melbourne.

Email us with all general audition requests.