Community keeping the arts alive

Reporter: Molly Davis.

Local and independent theatre companies are becoming increasingly reliant on community support and volunteer work to keep productions running.

The Victorian Government has introduced funding initiatives to support the creative industries.

But where does this leave smaller theatre companies?

Tegan DeClark, director of Warrandyte Theatre Company’s Boeing Boeing production, says support from the local community is vital.

“We wouldn’t be able to function without it,” said DeClark. “We do rely on people to volunteer their time.”

For creative organisations like Warrandyte Theatre Company, community support remains more important in keeping productions running. 

For DeClark, that support extends beyond financial contributions, with volunteers helping fill the many roles required to bring a production to the stage.

“My partner and I are both on the committee; we volunteer our time to do PR and media and radio interviews and direct and costumes.”

Reaching out through Facebook community groups has allowed DeClark to source props and furniture that the production otherwise may not have been able to afford.

“Donations of things like props, costumes and all of that, it just gives us the ability to compete on a new professional level.”

Community donations, including furniture and vintage decorations, have helped create a set that transports audiences to the Swinging Sixties.

Any profits from the production are reinvested into the Warrandyte Theatre Company.

 “We do turn a profit; that doesn’t go to anyone other than back into the company, because of how resourceful we are.”

Creative Victoria’s Creative Projects Fund provides one-off grants of between $10,000 and $30,000 to Victorian artists, creative collectives and micro-organisations.

The Boeing Boeing set came to life through community donations. (Image: Supplied by Tegan DeClark)