Full Circle Theatre Company, a new professional musical theatre company in Adelaide, Australia, has launched with a mission to fill a gap in the local arts scene. Founded by Artistic Director Jo Casson, the company aims to provide opportunities for local artists to work professionally without the need to relocate to major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane. This is a significant development, as Adelaide has a thriving amateur and semi-professional musical theatre scene, but lacks a dedicated professional company.
One of the key challenges Casson highlights is the struggle to produce and showcase new works. She mentions the difficulty of getting new musicals published and funded, especially in a state like South Australia, where the arts industry faces unique challenges. This is where Full Circle's strategy of starting with well-known, existing musicals comes into play. By producing shows like 'Catch Me If You Can,' based on the popular Hollywood film, they aim to build recognition and support for their company.
The company's patron, Dr. Pamela Wall, a renowned philanthropist and former nurse, emphasizes the importance of making musical theatre accessible to new audiences. Casson also believes that growing local audiences is crucial, as South Australians currently only account for 9% of the state's live entertainment audience, compared to up to 17% in other states. This disparity is due to the lack of opportunities for professional musical theatre in Adelaide.
To address this, Full Circle plans to forge partnerships with community groups, businesses, and educational institutions. Their goal is to make major works more accessible and affordable, ensuring that musical theatre is not just for the elite but for everyone. This approach is particularly exciting, as it challenges the traditional notion of what constitutes 'professional' theatre.
The company's ambassadors, including writer, critic, and theatre director Peter Goers, vocalist and arts advocate Libby O'Donovan, and leading performer and educator Rachael Beck, further emphasize the importance of local support and recognition. These ambassadors play a crucial role in promoting the company's goals and connecting with industry professionals.
In conclusion, Full Circle Theatre Company's launch is a significant step towards enriching Adelaide's cultural landscape. By providing opportunities for local artists, promoting new works, and making musical theatre more accessible, they are contributing to a vibrant and diverse arts scene. As the company continues to grow and develop, it will be fascinating to see the impact it has on the local community and the future of musical theatre in Adelaide.
