JOHN HARRISON spoke with Audrey Journal

about the 2018 STEP UP FESTIVAL AT KXT

Every production at KXT in the Step Up program has been informally developed and mentored by Suzanne Millar and John Harrison, co-artistic directors of bAKEHOUSE, and Andrew McMartin, the company’s production manager and resident stage manager. As senior artists, they believe it’s vital to invest in the next generation and new work, literally “stepping it up”.

“From our point of view, there is nothing like being thrown into the cauldron of having to produce work to learn and develop your practice,” Harrison says. “We are providing a space where you can make that step up to producing world-class work, particularly if you have the right team on board.”

"...Harrison says (Martin) Kinnane and (Benjamin) Freeman (designers on Are We Awake?) bring a wealth of experience to a show. “It’s a great thing for young artists to draw on. There is always some point in a bump-in where everything feels like the train is going off the rails. Having people who have seen everything and made every mistake you can make … their wisdom is invaluable.”

Harrison casts an eye over the crowded room. “It blows my mind,” he says. “I feel like we have the lucky end of the bargain, an amazing pool of up-and-coming talent that is going to rule the Sydney theatre scene in the next 10 years and we’ve had the chance to work with them right at the start. It makes me really happy.”

In March 2018 we're dedicating a month to The Next Big Thing. Come meet our Step Up team and take a peek at their work. Discover new plays in development. Take a first glance at the work of some of Sydney's newest and most exciting emerging artists: writers, directors, producers, designers all testing their wings.

At KXT we're investing in risk.