The HotBed Ensemble
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Black Swan's youth arm was established in 2001. Its objective - to encourage participation by young people in theatre - has been highly successful, with a growing program and increasing numbers of participants and audiences. Productions such as Striptease, Mountain Language and Crave in 2004, The Visit and Heart's Desire in 2005, Falling Petals and Woyzeck in 2006 have been remarkable for their strong direction, innovative design and committed performances.
In 2006 Black Swan introduced two new programs as part its youth arm: The HotBed Program, an emerging artist development program, and Thrills and Skills – skills development classes for performers and theatre artists. For more information about Thrills and Skills courses, visit Thrills and Skills
The HotBed Ensemble
The HotBed Ensemble is Black Swan Theatre Company's professional development program for emerging Western Australian artists. It was initiated in 2006 to provide a bridge to mainstage work for talented theatre artists making their mark in the independent theatre scene or recently graduated from training.The program includes exclusive training and mentoring opportunities, close contact with Black Swan artists, and creative opportunities in HotBed productions. There is also the opportunity to be involved in play readings, secondments to Black Swan Theatre Company mainhouse productions and exclusive master classes with national and international visiting artists. As artists of the future, The HotBed group also keeps Black Swan in touch with new ideas and trends in the performing arts.
The HotBed in Past Years
The HotBed Program enjoyed critical and popular success in 2006 and 2007 with the shows Falling Petals and Woyzeck in 2006 and The Laramie Project (Perth season and regional tour) in 2007. The Laramie Project attracted particular critical acclaim from the Perth media:"...one of the finest, most accomplished pieces of theatre I have seen in recent times... This is without doubt a play that everyone should see" Pip Chirstmass, The West Australian.
"The Laramie Project is a challenging play, but the young actors from Black Swan Theatre Co's Hotbed Ensemble make it worth seeing" Jennie Fitzhardinge, PerthNow.
Productions scheduled for 2008
The program for 2008 includes the productions The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht and the World Premiere of Portraits of Modern Evil by Melbourne writer Robert Reid.| Principal Sponsor - The HotBed Ensemble |
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Black Swan Theatre Company's HotBed Ensemble is supported by RAC, the Holmes à Court Family Foundation and the Sony Foundation.
