2 February 2012
This Week's Feature - Potato Shed Launches 2012 Season!

The Potato Shed, Drysdale’s much beloved multi-arts venue and the Bellarine’s exciting local artistic hub, enables hundreds of people to regularly participate in classes, performances, workshops and events. The themes of The Potato Shed’s 2012 Season is ‘Elements’, which reflects all the different parts that go to make up the venue – the diverse Bellarine community, the great national shows which tour at the venue and the Shed’s beautiful rural location. There are so many highlights in the Potato Shed’s programme that it’s hard to pick just one. Kicking things off on February 25th is the first Victorian final of the Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns. Budding comedians get expert tips from industry professionals before testing their funny bones in front of a live audience. The workshop and performance are free for students. In the first half of the year, the main season includes Let The Sunshine starring popular actors Peter Phelps and Ally Fowler. One of David Williamson’s funniest plays, the piece is set in Noosa and focuses on the battle of egos between left wing radicals Ros and Tony and shallow socialites Natasha and Ron. This production is not to be missed and will include two shows at the Shed at 8pm on Tuesday March 6th and at 11am on Wednesday March 7th. The ever popular 2012 Morning Showtime Season starts on March 13th with Geelong Through The Newsreels. From Drop Of A Hat Productions, this multimedia presentation combines nostalgia with high technology, witty commentary and live music from the times. Later in the year you can catch Trapped by Collision Dance, Shellie’s Story with award winning Aboriginal chanteuse Shellie Morris, Hit Production’s Diving for Pearls and saucy fun with Finucane and Smith’s Caravan Burlesque. Also back by popular demand is the Schools Season and our FREE Family Fun Day, both of which have oodles of fun for kids of all ages. Remember, group discounts are available for all shows. Keep an eye on the fantastic new look Arts Bulletin for more info and to book, call the Potato Shed today on (03) 5251 1998, drop in to 41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale or check out geelongaustralia.com.au/potatoshed

Performing Arts

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company
The 39 Steps opens Geelong Rep’s 80th season!

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company is thrilled to present The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow from the book by John Buchan and directed by Kelly Clifford. This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action! This blissfully funny show follows the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay (Ed Dolista), complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents (Lachy Joyce & Jules Hart), and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women (Cassia Webster). See what the New York Post calls “the funniest show on Broadway!”

Geelong Performing Arts Centre (Multiple Listings)

A ‘Merry’ start to Musical Mornings

Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s ever-popular Musical Mornings program returns with a stunning tribute to one of the country’s most accomplished performers in The Merry June Bronhill.

This wonderful concert stars two coloratura sopranos – Alison Rae Jones and Amy Letts – and traces the career of an Australian icon of opera, operetta, musical theatre and television, June Bronhill.

It’s a fascinating story of a young girl from Broken Hill, who travelled overseas after her entire town raised funds to get her there, to make her debut for the Saddlers Wells Opera Company in London in Marriage of Figaro. She went on to become an overnight sensation for her portrayal as Maria in The Sound Of Music on London’s Westend. But it was Lehars The Merry Widow that catapulted June to fame right around the world and the beautiful "Vilia" was quickly dubbed as "June’s Tune".

Who can forget her hilarious portrayal as Mrs Slocom in The Australian television version of Are You Being Served or clashing swords with Jon English in the Broadway version of The Pirates of Penzance?

This Australian legend comes to life for Musical Mornings audiences for two performances on February 8 and 9 at 10.30am in The Playhouse.

Local comics to sweat it out in Raw Comedy

Every year, fledgling comedians all over the country sweat it out on stage as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Raw Comedy competition heads out in search of the next biggest and brightest comedy star. Amid the tears (of laughter), the tragedy and triumphs, only one newcomer can emerge as champion, and pocket the ultimate prize of a trip to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Local comics will have the chance to strut their stuff in the Geelong qualifying heat at GPAC on Saturday 18 February.

Hosting the event will be Josh Earl – the hip, smart, loveable comedian known for his solo shows including Josh Earl is a Librarian, which toured through Adelaide and Melbourne, and Josh Earl vs The Australian Women’s Weekly Cake Book, which toured through Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. He is also a regular performer on radio and television around Australia. Raw Comedy is Australia's biggest and most prestigious open mic comedy competition, and has been running as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival since 1996. Past Raw winners and finalists include Chris Lilley, Josh Thomas, Hannah Gadsby, Wil Anderson, Peter Helliar, Claire Hooper and Tim Minchin.

The qualifying heat of this national competition will expose the good, the bad and the ugly of Geelong’s comedic talent, all vying for a berth at the Grand Final as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival on 15 April.

Visual Arts

*NEW*
Exhibition - Shearers Arms Visual Arts Centre and Gallery

The Geelong Art Society is pleased to present two very special Exhibitions for the month of February. “IMPRESSIONS of 3 “ An Exhibition by three local Artists, Sue Robinson, Michele Karakasch & Sculptor Jacinta Leitch. Sue, painting in oils indulges her passion for Urban Skylines. Michele also painting in oils enjoys portraiture and unusual subjects while Jacinta creates wonderful thought provoking sculptures in Geelong Sandstone.

Running concurrently will be an Exhibition of Textiles and miniatures by Shirley McNaughton, a well known identity of Geelong.

*NEW*
Open Air Art Sale

Paintings and sculptures by Portarlington artists will be on display and sale to the public in the relaxed format of a Sunday afternoon garage sale. Just pull up in your car and have a browse.

*NEW*
ART@WINTERGARDEN
Exhibition, Somewhere between; the identity transformation...

Somewhere – Between is the recent collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures by Mirjana Margetic, inspired by landscapes from Echuca. These contemporary artworks consider the pursuit for identity as an endless inward and outward creative process where the landscape is a vehicle for discussing identity and identity transformation. Mirjana uses an exquisite palette of complementary colours based around Byzantine Blue. Australian earthy colours are assimilated into her beautiful landscapes images. She creates a soft luscious painted surface balancing intricate details with broad evocative spaces. Nature and the human form translate emotion into sensitive art works.

GEELONG GALLERY – Multiple Listings

Recent Acquisitions

This exhibition at Geelong Gallery includes newly-acquired works by Raymond Arnold, Dean Bowen, James Flett, George Johnson, Allan Mitelman and Andrew Seward, among others.

Nicholas Chevalier – Australian Odyssey

This exhibition is the first comprehensive survey of work by the Russian-born Swiss artist Nicholas Chevalier produced during his fourteen years in Australia from 1855 to 1869. The exhibition brings together some of Chevalier’s most significant paintings along with sketches, studies and lithographs. Nicholas Chevalier – Australian Odyssey is a Gippsland Art Gallery travelling exhibition.

NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM (Multiple Listings)

Submerge Yourself In Summer Fun!

What does the ocean tell us about life in Australia? As part of the National Wool Museum’s Summer of Discovery, Wrecks, Reefs and the Mermaid offers three exciting exhibitions in one and delves deep into the ocean’s mysteries for some serious summer fun! Beneath the water is a world few of us can imagine, let alone experience – not only are the images presented in these exhibitions stunning, but what they tell us about our surroundings is surprising, revealing and thought-provoking. A full education programme is available. For details please contact the NWM Education Officer on (03) 5272 4706.

It’s A Jungle In Here!

Do you know your Hoary Sunray from your Delma Impar? Find out what lies beneath the pavers in your back garden and experience life from an ant’s perspective with this summer’s blockbuster exhibition from the National Wool Museum. This hands-on exhibition, which is part of the National Wool Museum’s Summer of Discovery season, features 18 interactive exhibits and touch screen games which explore the unseen science in our backyards. Highlights include a magnificent ride-on nectar-collecting bee, dress-ups, a garden shed, a food web pond and an electronic giant pumpkin vegetable garden. From garden biodiversity, to the mechanics of play equipment and the physics of the tool shed, Amazing Backyard Adventures allows visitors to get onboard with science in the most thrilling and accessible way.

Festivals and Events

WILDFREESIAS presents
'Beyond The Gate' Mural Team unveiling their first mural: "Butterflies At The Gate"

'Beyond The Gate' Mural Team was formed in 2010/11 by local artist Melissa Harvey, to create an innovative public installation for the City of Greater Geelong. Melissa partnered with ten people with disabilities supported by Gateways Support Services, who came together as a wonderful dedicated group, to add their artistic expression for the creation of our 'Butterflies At The Gate' Mural, situated in Albert Street, Geelong West. Mavia Justyn, a quilt artist in Geelong, added the concept of quilting into the design phase. This multi-media body of work consists of painting, mosaic and painted quilt art forming a colourful inspirational multi-media mosaic. The Launch is an invitation only event.

This project was supported by the City of Greater Geelong through its Community Arts Grants Program.

Opportunities and Employment

*NEW*
Production Team Positions - Blunt Productions - 2012 Production of The Drowsy Chaperone

Blunt Productions are pleased to announce their 2012 production of The Drowsy Chaperone to be directed by Derek Ingles. Calling for persons 18+ interested in applying for PRODUCTION TEAM positions for the production to be staged at the Potato Shed Drysdale from July 24 – 28th and August 1 – 4th.

Submissions to be emailed by the 14th February 2012.

*NEW*
Information Evening and Auditions

Blunt Productions are pleased to announce their 2012 production of The Drowsy Chaperone to be directed by Derek Ingles. An information evening will be conducted for those wishing to audition for a part in this Tony Award winning show in its first Amateur Production in Victoria.

Information Evening and Auditions - Bellarine Jongleurs Inc. 2012 Production

Bellarine Jongleurs are pleased to announce 2012 production of Camp Monster to be directed by David Greenwood. Calling for persons interested in performing in this production ages 5 to 17 years and also those interested in a production role. Camp Monster will be staged at the Potato Shed Drysdale from 29th august to 1st September. Further information can be obtained by contacting Lorraine Hall (Artistic Director).

Cloverdale Community Centre
Community Singing Leader wanted

Cloverdale Community Centre is seeking an experienced and committed Singing Leader to facilitate (and inspire) weekly community singing sessions with the Cloverdale Singers. The singers currently meet on Tuesday afternoons during term time to develop their singing techniques, learn new songs and rehearse for public performances.

For the past three and a half years the Singers have been lead by Lucy Jones and during this time have developed a large and diverse repertoire of songs and performed at numerous community events in Geelong. The Singers have approximately 15 members and new members are always welcome.

The Singing Leader position is ongoing and conditions are as per the Neighbourhood Houses and Adult Community Education Collective Agreement (2010). The rate of pay and hours of work are open to negotiation. We are seeking expressions of interest from interested singers, musicians or performers via email, or phone for more information.

*NEW*
Geelong Academy of Performing Arts
Dance Teacher

Permanent part-time Teacher required for children's Hip Hop/Funk classes each Saturday morning. Must have experience teaching children 3-16yrs, be creative, enthusiastic, reliable and a great communicator. Salary negotiable.

*NEW*
Bread and Butterflies – Community Theatre Arts Project

Bread and Butterflies is a collaborative community theatre production project auspiced by Theatre 3222. The project incorporates the work of local artists; dancers, actors and mosaic artists, culminating into a final stage performance that will be performed for children at the Potato Shed in April 2012. This fantastic project is driven by local artist Sally Pearson who is seeking keen local dancers and actors aged 16+ to audition for a role in the show. This project will appeal to community focused people with a passion for contemporary or lyrical dance and actors wishing to participate in an enchanting production of children’s narrative. Community mosaic workshop programs are offered to people of various ages and abilities in the Geelong community who wish to contribute their skills or gain new skills in mosaic sculpture under the tuition of local artist Rose Kviz. The final works by all participants will construct the mystical stage set of Bread and Butterflies. There are no fees to participate in the Bread ad Butterflies arts project, however places are limited.

* Bread and Butterflies is a City of Greater Geelong Community Arts Grants Program funded event.

Education

COURTHOUSE ARTS
Acting, Dance, Writing and Voice Workshops. Very. Special. Deal.

Our short courses begin next week – come and train as a serious artist in the hottest venue in town. All our tutors are practicing artists and have designed courses to challenge and excite anyone between the ages of 12 and 26. Build confidence, learn skills and grow your opportunities. Jump on the website under Skills Development and feast your eyes. SAVE UP TO $150 – buy one – get one free – spread the word!

ADULT BALLET CLASSES STARTING SOON

Have you always wanted to do Ballet but thought it was too late? Think again! New classical ballet classes for adult dancers in a friendly and relaxed environment. Great for beginners and those returning to dance. Please contact Lyndel for further information.

GEELONG YOUTH CHOIR

Let’s Make Music! for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Every child is born a musician and Let’s Make Music! provides the perfect environment for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and the adults that love them to make music together. Classes are full of singing and dancing and utilise quality instruments and engaging props. Parents love sharing in the fun of music with their kids and learn the skills and confidence to make music an integral part of their everyday lives. Taking term 1 enrolments now.

QUEENSCLIFF NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE – Multiple Listings

*NEW*
Design Basics Course (2D focus) part a

Enjoy learning to work with your inspiration for visual art forms. Find out how to develop your ideas, select and decide how to gather resources, to plan and to design for art work. You will be introduced to basic elements and principles and guided through the creative process in methods that can be applied to layout for graphics and to the composition of a broad range of visual art. No previous design experience is needed, however the ability to visualise through drawing and to handle cutting and measuring tools will be necessary. Tutor: Jenny Darling.

Mandala Worshop

The name "Mandala" means circle. The creating of a Mandala assists our Inner being to express I itself. Judy Stickland is a Yoga teacher & artist who has been practicing the art of Mandala's for over 10 years. She will guide you through a relaxing day meditating, drawing, writing & painting, She says "exploring the Mandala allows us to be free to be ourselves with no judgement.You don't have to be artistic, its for everyone to explore!"

ACCABELLAS DRUMMING CIRCLE

acabellas drumming circle & acabellas singing with strings & things
Enjoy exploring, creating and learning a variety of rhythms in fun supported group sessions with the Djembe Drum and percussion. Come away feeling exhilarated & recharged. All experience levels welcome.
acabellas singing with strings & things
Why not dust off your chosen musical instrument/s and bring your lounge room session out of the house! Enjoy learning and developing songs with others, with variety from week to week. Bring along your musical instrument for a community singing experience with a difference. All levels and abilities are welcome. ALL INSTRUMENTS ARE WELCOME

Contact Lisa for enquiries & to book your place

** This publication is intended as a general guide and is published on the basis of information provided to the City of Greater Geelong by third parties. It does not substitute for professional advice on laws and regulations in individual cases. If readers still have doubts, they should consult legislation or seek professional advice. The City of Greater Geelong accepts no responsibility for any errors or ommissions that may have accidentally occured within the publication. Council does not neccessarily endorse the views expressed by the contributors or endorse events, photographs or information contained within.

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