WHILE WE WAIT

A suite of programs in the time of COVID offering artist support, designed to continue the important KXT investment in Sydney’s Arts ecology.

Pay It Forward ★ The Laboratory ★ BounceBack ★ Step Up Online ★ Phone a Friend

Anni Stafford in from Betty Breaks Out by Liz Hobart KXT Popupstairs 2019

We’re a busy theatre. KXT is where you can head in to see established companies programmed alongside new and emerging producers. We back that up with a whole heap of community and artist support programs: Write Up supports work in development; Storytellers is a platform for new writing; Step Up provides opportunities to emerging artists; KXTeethcutting lets a bunch of actors loose on big plays;  Popupstairs is home to experimental and non-traditional work; KXT Crossroads is where community and arts meet. We prioritise representative and inclusive work, women-led projects and new work from new companies.

THE COST OF COVID

KXT provides unmatched support for the artistic community in Sydney. Our closure has meant the cancellation of the following • 10 full scale productions • 9 pop up seasons • 3 platform programs for new writers • 2020 mentoring team • 6 scheduled play reads (in partnership with Legit theatre) • 6 networking events (in partnership with Panimo) • Step Up: A year long program of mentoring including 9 production placements (internships); 10 foyer meet-ups; 4 artists networking opportunities

In 2019 a total of 21,928 people attended productions at KXT. 475 artists participated in productions with additional artists participating in our many industry support programs and events. Also in 2019: KXT provided opportunities for 103 working artists in production support and technical design. KXT2020 was on track to exceed these figures. So while we wait …

#PAY IT FORWARD

KXT2020 is not cancelled. Rather all shows that would normally be running during this lockdown period have been postponed to a later date. So: using the hashtag #payitforward we’ll be promoting shows that would otherwise be in production. We’ll announce teams, celebrate opening nights, remind you about Thursdays $20 for 20s, roll out Early Bird deals and promote show drinks. And you can buy tickets to all shows.

#payitforward means that you’re purchasing a ticket now for the future season of the show.

THE LABORATORY

Over the last few years there has been an explosion of new work across Sydney’s independent stages. As the quality and quantity of the sector grows more and more original voices are beginning their careers at independent venues like KXT, where they benefit from the support of a dedicated and local artistic community. Not only is the creation of this work absolutely vital in it’s own right; in creating an original, local and contemporary voice for our theatre but it also serves as a launchpad for the next generation of major playwrights. Mainstage companies simply do not have the space available to program and support the amount of writing talent that is emerging in Sydney and the independent sector is vital in nurturing this talent. However the lean and streamlined workflow of an independent production can be an unforgiving process for emerging artists, with little formal support between an idea and a first presentation.

This is why bAKEHOUSE and Montague Basement are teaming up to run the The Laboratory, a writer’s circle program for developing work, peer networking and dramaturgical support. The Laboratory seeks to mirror many of the opportunities provided by mainstage programs and drama schools but with a focus on the particular demands of the independent sector as well as nurturing the wonderful artists that finds themselves on the out of these programs.

KXTEETHCUTTING / Legit theatre 2019

BOUNCE BACK

Producer upskilling: BounceBack is a digital program of personalised meetings guiding producers through budgets, marketing and promotional campaigns, design, personnel, and product delivery. By running these during the Covid closure, we’re equipping producers and production companies to quickly deliver quality productions when trading recommences, and investing in the success of their seasons

STEP UP ONLINE

a personalised mentoring program connecting emerging artists with industry leaders, to assist with continuity in their career paths

BLOOD ON THE CATS NECK / Montague Basement 2019

PHONE A FRIEND

Staying connected in the time of COVID. We’re about to launch a funky little program that helps us all keep in touch. Coming in June 2020 | open to all

keep an eye on the socials to register