Is There (Theatrical) Life After High School??

We all remember seeing the school production when we were growing up. We either wanted to play that lead role we didn’t get, or we couldn’t really be bothered with it, but because our little sibling wanted to do it, we were dragged along. We may have even written part of it. Regardless of what hand we had in it, if you are reading this, the chances are good that you’ve either passed (or are attempting to pass) Year 11 or 12 Drama, Theatre Studies, Music or any other combination of the bunch.

The question I’d like to ask you is what are you going to do once it’s all said and done?

While I’m sure that we’d all love to shoot up to Bris-Vegas and have a bit of shameless Schoolies fun, the reality is you probably have had that niggling thought in the back of your mind for some time already, maybe even for more than the past eight months of the year.

I’ve had the opportunity to explore a few different tertiary options in my years, and I can reassure you that the world of Theatre you think you know is much larger and more wonderful that you will ever imagine!

Firstly, as a Deakin Alum, BuST Co always reminds me of the fun years I had at Burwood, and earlier at Rusden Campus.

BuST Co. (Burwood Student Theatre Company) is student run theatre company based at Deakin University, Burwood Campus. Founded in 1988, and initially known as ‘The Burlesco Troupe’, the company aimed to provide quality theatre for the Deakin student base. Since then, BuST Co has evolved, having staged over 50 productions in all manner of styles and scope. The company prides itself on it’s openness toward theatre in all it’s forms.

BuST Co requires that all of their participants be at least 18 years of age, although they do invite anyone and everyone to join. You don’t have to be a current student of the University to be involved, and they encourage anyone with an interest to take part. They are always glad to receive suggestions or pitches for new shows and productions, and usually look for those wishing to be part of the production teams to apply upon the announcement of any project.

While DUSA (the Deakin University Student Association) supports and promotes BuST Co, the company itself is not funded by Deakin. All of the financing for every production comes mostly from the profits of the show before it, as well as any events and fundraisers the company runs. BuST Co is promoted through open days at the Uni itself as well as ‘O’ Week - Orientation Week for the selective few who aren’t trying to graduate this year - they also utilise an email list and print and online advertising.

But it isn’t all jut about the next big production at BuST Co. They provide many events across the social calendar, including Musical Trivia Nights (‘Spicks and Specks’ style, may that wonderful gem of television rest in piece) peppered with acts and routines from their Comedy Show, as well as Karaoke Nights and other fundraisers designed to keep the fun flowing. Participants can, of course, audition for the yearly productions the company presents, or apply for all manner of production roles, including Production Team, Set Design, Crew & Stage Management just to name a few.

The next big event for BuST Co is their late September Production of Jason Robert Brown’s ’13’, which tells the story of a young boy trying to adjust to life after moving from New York to Appleton, Indiana. It will be performed at the Kel Watson Theatre, Forest Hill Secondary College, and presents a large, youth ensemble, and is Directed by Tyler Hess, a BuST Co veteran, known for his innovative conceptual designs.

BuST Co also aims to introduce and provide training for any inexperienced performers in all facets of theatre, primarily by suppling a mentor to any person undertaking a new role they might not be familiar with. While BuST Co has many regulars, they always love to see new faces, especially younger first time performers, and they welcome everyone who is interested with open arms.

Whatever you decide to do after you graduate, Uni, further education, a trip up north to let your hair down (see my Bris-Vegas comment above), you can be sure that no matter what, there will always be a place for any young person with a keen interest in theatre. There are so many companies out there, both amateur and professional, that there will always be something to help you get your daily theatre fix.

And if this isn’t enough to keep you going, why not click that link that reads ‘TP Talk’?