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

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.

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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

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

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



PORTFOLIO

bAKEHOUSE Community + Artistic Programs

2009 + 2012 StoryLines Festival: New work by diverse artists: theatre, dance, visual art, writing. Multiple partnerships: NAISDA; St Ignatius College; NIDA; Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Home; TRS + more

2012 Company in Residence, Critical Stages, Sydney

2013 Artist in Residence, Red Leap Theatre NZ

2013 - pres bACE (India): the bAKEHOUSE Artistic Cultural Exchange Partnership with multiple Mumbai-based theatre companies & venues. The establishment of an arts program in Kamathipura, India’s oldest and largest red light district. In partnership with AAWC Apne Aap Women’s Collective working with victims of trafficking click link for more JATINGA 2017

2015 I AM WE ARE bAKEHOUSE in Mt Druit: Development of new work with students of Loyola College. Launching a scholarship assisting tertiary education for most deserving new Australian citizens click link for more VIDEO

2016 - 2018 The Chesterfield at KXT: community engagement: rapid response to burning issues. Re-thinking the way we live. A program of live music, exhibitions, readings and conversations

2017 – pres KXTeethcutting at KXT A series of free play reads showcasing recent grads and emerging actors and directors.. 2017 – 2018 delivered by Danny Ball and Hugo Kahn // 2019 – pres delivered by Legit Theatre Co click link for more PLAY READING at KXT

2018 - pres Step Up at KXT KXT based formalisation of the bAKEHOUSE mentoring program offering support and opportunities to new companies, artists and work. Program includes but is not limited to the Step Up team click link for more STEP UP 2019

2018 – pres KXT Crossroads at KXT ~ Where art and community meet: A program of events and partnerships providing awareness and fundraising for NFPs and community based organisations click link for more CROSSROADS

2019 – pres Write Up with KX Hotel Providing time and space for new work at various stages of early development click link for more WRITE UP 2019

2019 – pres Popupstairs with KX Hotel A platform showcasing experimental and non-traditional work in a creative space sharing partnership with KX Hotel click link for more POPUPSTAIRS 2019

2018 – pres Storytellers Festival at KXT A 2 week pop-up celebration of playwrights and words, bringing the artistic community together in the presentation of full length plays, small pieces of writing and special events, curated by playwright Joanna Erskine click link for more STORYTELLERS 2019

2020 - pres The Laboratory at KXT A bAKEHOUSE / Montague Basement partnership offering peer support, networking and dramaturgical guidance to writers click link for more THE LABORATORY

2020 - the bAKEHOUSE 2020 Residencies at KXT / the bAKEHOUSE response to Covid. Offering time and space to 12 producers, 7 companies, 3 designers, 10 emerging writers and 6 directors for the further and ongoing development of their work

2021 - the KXT StoryLines Festival In partnership with GRL PWR Productions, kwento and Slanted Theatre, and led by Festival Ambassadors Renee Lim and Elijah Williams

bAKEHOUSE Production Portfolio

2008 her holiness by Justin Fleming at Seymour Centre

2010 the History Boys by Alan Bennett at NIDA Parade Playhouse                           

2012 Great Expectations by Nick Ormond for Under the Wharf at ATYP

2012 the StoryLines Festival at NIDA + Tamarama Rock Surfers

2013 Two Hands at CRACK Festival + ATYP

2013 Love Field by Ron Elisha at TAP Gallery Sold Out 

2014 His Mother’s Voice by Justin Fleming for Under the Wharf at ATYP Sold Out

2015 the Ishmael Club by Bill Garner + Sue Gore at Old Fitz Theatre Sold Out

2015 KXT Built and Launched

2016 Black Jesus by Anders Lustgarten at KXT

2016 Visiting Hours by John Harrison, Mike Costi at KX Hotel for Vivid Festival Sold Out

2016 The Invisible Circus Festival at KXT with Siren Theatre

2017 The Laden Table multi-writers at KXT Sold Out

2017 Jatinga by Purva Naresh and company at KXT with Aarambh, Mumbai Sold Out

2017 Night Slows Down by Philip Rouse at KXT with Don’t Look Away

2018 Visiting Hours reboot in partnership with KX Hotel Sold Out

2018 Dresden by Justin Fleming at KXT Sold Out

2019 Coram Boy by Helen Edmundson at KXT Sold Out

2021 Falling by Nikita Waldron at KXT in partnership with GRL PWR

2021 The Marriage Agency by Saman Shad at KXT in partnership with kwento

2021 3 Fat Virgins Unassembled by Olivia Yu at KXT in partnership with Slanted Theatre



 

We opened a show last night...

15 in the cast; a team of creatives almost equal to that; months in development and rehearsal; a story that encompasses human trafficking, Handel’s Messiah, and Christmas; 2 directors; a drowning, a cathedral, a forest, a ball, a burial, a hanging, and a glorious redemption; 672 sound and Lx cues; a score that includes woodkid’s Run Boy Run and original composition from Nate Edmondson; so much lighting gear that we’re moving and clearing road cases every day; an eye watering costume budget; 2 photographers; partnerships with Oz Harvest & Smith Family

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It’s been sold out previews and extraordinary responses:

“Holy shit! Do yourself a favour and go see Coram Boy at KXT. What a phenomenal piece of theatre. I am in awe of what this amazing cast created. Congrats to all!”

“Grab a ticket to this fabulous show before it sells out! Epic, powerful, spine-tingling, gut wrenching!”

“This entire beautiful production made me laugh, captivated me, made me lose track of how much I cried, still shaking after I left. I have not shed as many tears like that in a show in a long time.It is a privilege, to see shows like this”

Reviews will come and they will be what they are. We think there should be more big ambitious heartfelt shows that grab your heart and squeeze tight. Especially now, when we begin to celebrate a season that many may be unable to enjoy.

At its core Coram Boy asks us to care for those most in need with a love and generosity that can be hard to find in an increasingly cynical world. We’ve got a giving tree in the KXT foyer. Bring along a new toy or book and we’ll send it off to the Smith Family. Or carry in a can and we’ll deliver it to Oz Harvest. Or bring a few extra $$ and we’ll pop a present under the tree for someone who might not otherwise have a gift to open on Christmas morning

“...maybe no one else will be as moved like me, or maybe people will be more moved than me. But wouldn’t you want to share in witnessing something that has such a capacity to move others”


THE KINGS CROSS THEATRE PRECINCT

PRESENTED by bAKEHOUSE Co-Artistic Director

SUZANNE MILLAR

for THE POTTS POINT PARTNERSHIP SPRING NETWORKING


I am here to celebrate a thriving and vibrant theatre precinct.

When we opened KXT in 2015 across from the coke sign in the heart of the city in the heart of the Cross, we connected 4 venues, all delivering work of extraordinary quality, placing them all within walking distance of one another. Griffin theatre sits on Nimrod St and next year celebrates 60 extraordinary years. The Old Fitz down the hill on the edge of Woolloomooloo last year celebrated 30 years. The Hayes theatre ran its first season in 2014 and KXT launched in 2015. Last year the national arts editor of Time out Magazine declared the KX Theatre Precinct as the Sydney Theatre district that matters.. And it’s become known locally: the investment from council in fringe HQ demonstrates the accepted status and value of the area.

Its our own Off Broadway. Sydney’s Soho

So. what is that value? In practical terms: we drive incredible numbers of foot traffic into the area, building a base of grass roots tourism second to none. As an example: the past 2 years the combined audience numbers from the Old Fitz and KXT is 200,000. And that’s just a part of it. Griffin and Hayes theatre routinely run sold out seasons. If only a portion of that 200,000 buy a meal and a drink we’ve invested heavily into the viability of local business.

In keeping with being in the heart of the city, KXT joins with the other venues as a birthplace for careers: Did you attend Lord of the Flies at the Ros Packer for STC? Almost the entire cast, plus lighting designer and sound designer have worked at theatres in the area. And many will return. In the process we have created close ties with govt subsidised venues STC and Belvoir and have now become an essential cog in the economic and artistic well being of our city.

Lets get a little esoteric. Theatre entertains, distracts, informs, elaborates on the political conversation. But in broader terms: it records the world we live in and tells us about the world we want to live in. And here in KX, theatre is

the link to a long history of performance and a pathway towards the future.

We can talk about a city’s developments, infrastructure, services, suburbs. But theatre and art is the thing that gives a place heart, that demonstrates what we value, that gives where we live and where we work it’s personality and it’s purpose and it’s pulse.

Small to medium theatres like the ones in this precinct - as well as Fringe HQ here til Christmas - speak directly to their audience. We are in touch with them, telling them what’s on, hearing from them what it is they like, extending the conversation begun with our plays. Our combined eDM’s are distributed to many many thousands. We offer to you a 7 days a week, 52 w a year marketing machine. At any given time each of these venues is promoting what’s on, what’s coming up, and telling people why they should come to the Cross. We’re on TV, radio, in newspapers and all over online with digital content.

So let’s think about how a community works. Core to the work at KXT is partnership with local orgs. NFP’s like Acon, the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, Chris O’Brien Lighthouse, and Mary’s house. We also partner with business: an upcoming show about vulnerable young women is supported by XFighting, who will run a free workshop for women in self defence. We can talk about competition of course. But the thriving communities are those that understand the philosophy of I Am We Are: if you do well then we do well. And if I’m doing well then likely you will too. So what we have here in the KX Theatre Precint is an opportunity to support and grow and build our community.

There’s more we can consider: Visiting Hours our immersive theatre experience inspired by a local doctor from the 50s. nomnomnom an interactive experience on the streets of KX that was written to address isolation in cities. Popupstairs, our creative space sharing partnership giving support to experimental work that otherwise wouldn’t have a home. The art wall in our foyer showcasing the work of early stage artists.

Like all arts organisations we are much more than the thing you see.

We know it’s not enough to do it, we also have to be talking about it. And talking about Kings Cross is fraught. However, KX is more than the 80s or the golden mile or the underbelly, or a coward punch... yes this is certainly part of its history, and the plaques in the footpath demonstrate the value we must place in that, and the lessons we learn. But as we move forward let’s do that together. And lets talk - together - about all that this wonderful area holds

So what am I here to do?

I’m here to advocate for champions. If you haven’t been to one of those theatres then go. If you’re interested in engaging and partnering, if you want to talk about reciprocal opportunities, hit us up. If you want to invest in this thing that brings such value to your area then get in touch. It costs minimum $100k to keep the doors of a theatre open, and fringe HQ and Griffin are the only 2 venues receiving substantial operational funding. The rest of us are largely doing it on our own.

Help us help you.

The KX theatre precinct is unique and valuable. Let’s all work more closely together so that we can - together - tell the story of the real kings cross as we move into the future.

Photo Credit: Clare Hawley

Photo Credit: Clare Hawley

Griffin Theatre + Old Fitz Theatre + Hayes Theatre + KXT

the Sydney theatre district that matters”
— TIME OUT MAGAZINE

bAKEHOUSE and NEW WRITING

bAKEHOUSE has long committed to the development and support of new work. Since launching KXT we have produced World Premieres of 8 new plays, including the world premiere of Philip Rouse’s first full length play Night Slows Down, international collaboration with Jatinga by Purva Naresh and the exciting epic story of The Laden Table, a script in development for 8 years. The partnership of playwright Justin Fleming and director Suzanne Millar has brought to life some of our most exciting work including acclaimed seasons of Junction (TRS 2012), His Mother’s Voice (ATYP 2104) and Dresden (KXT 2018). New work at bAKEHOUSE is generally large-cast, epic in scale, and built in partnership with community, often creating a platform for diverse and unheard stories.

BAKEHOUSE PREMIERES


@ KINGS CROSS THEATRE

at KXT, bAKEHOUSE invests in the development of new work. World Premieres showcased at KXT include

Visiting Hours (2016, 2018) - The Laden Table (2017) - Jatinga (2017) - Dresden (2018) - Night Slows Down (2017) - Youth + Destination (2017) - Good With Maps (2016) - The Angelica Complex (2016) - Tiny Remarkable Bramble (2016) - Transience (2016) - Atlantis (2016) - Rhinoceros (2016) - Shut Up and Drive (2016) - Between the Streetlight and the Moon (2017) - Before Lysistrata (2017) - Puntilla/Matti (2017) - A Christmas Carol (2017) - Two Hearts (2018) - Omar and Dawn (2019) - Rosaline (2019) - Shandy’s Corner (2019) - Good People (2019) - Australian Open (2020) and more

2018 IN REVIEW

Another remarkable year, with KXT presenting more 4-star reviewed shows than any other independent venue, and two SOLD OUT seasons. KXT hosted 12 women directors; 10 women producers; 8 shows designed by women; 8 plays written by women. Our support of new work was taken to another level with the  Storytellers Festival, which featured the first staging of 3 full length plays & pieces from 26 other new works, including 14 women playwrights and 13 women directors and with 69 actors participating. It was the year of our first Step Up Festival.  In addition, work at KXT in 2018 included 42 actors from non-anglo backgrounds.

CELEBRATING THE WORK OF WOMEN

Erin Taylor (A Girl is A Half Formed Thing) ★★★★ Audrey Journal

Kim Hardwick (The Walworth Farce) ★★★★ Audrey Journal ★★★★ Sunday Telegraph

Suzanne Millar (Dresden) ★★★★ Sydney Arts Guide

Claudia Barrie (You Got Older) ★★★★ Audrey Journal ★★★★ SMH ★★★★ Sunday Telegraph

Lucy Clements (Yen) ★★★★ Audrey Journal ★★★★ Arts Hub ★★★★ Sydney Arts Guide


HIGHLIGHTS

DRESDEN “Exhilaratingly theatrical... stirring, enthralling and surprisingly funny.” Diana Simmonds, Stage Noise

A world premiere by acclaimed Australian writer Justin Fleming, the play was another critically acclaimed sold-out season for bAKEHOUSE. Featuring a cast of some of Australia’s finest actors, and a brilliant design team, Dresden cemented the reputation of bAKEHOUSE and KXT as a home for audacious, global theatre on a grand scale. The production featured on the Sydney Morning Herald’s Best-of-the-Year list.

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YEN “It is very gripping drama, and under the astute direction of Lucy Clements, entertaining and immensely involving. Clements has us breathless for the show’s two-hour entirety…” Suzy Wrong, suzygoessee

One of several emerging companies offered a season in KXT2018, New Ghosts staging of Yen was delivered in spectacular fashion, with outstanding reviews and audience response. This was the company’s first fully produced play, and the mentoring and support provided by KXT and bAKEHOUSE enabled the team to present their work in its best possible light and its success is the embodiment of the KXT / bAKEHOUSE philosophy. The production was mentioned in the Best-of-the Year list of Suzy Wrong and Kevin Jackson.

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2017 IN REVIEW

The 2017 season established KXT as one of the most exciting venues in Sydney, and a national leader in programming, with a strong commitment to emerging artists, gender parity, experimental work and culturally diverse work. KXT hosted - 15 plays; 2 festivals; 4 world premieres; 9 Australian premieres; 8 female directors; 14 female writers; 4 script developments; 6 female producing teams; 3 major diverse projects; 2 international co-productions.

HIGHLIGHTS

THE LADEN TABLE “One of the most ambitious and logistically complex efforts you’ll see in an independent theatre this year.” Jason Blake, Sydney Morning Herald

This was a hugely successful venture artistically and financially. The play was hailed as a new Australian classic with rave reviews, industry buzz and sold-out houses. Twelve artists from culturally diverse backgrounds were present on stage and – rarely for such a big cast in independent theatre - all artists were paid a fee for their service. The Laden Table appeared on the Best-of the-Year lists of leading Sydney reviewers Suzy Wrong and Kevin Jackson.

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JATINGA “An irresistible blend of music, movement, puppetry and arresting performances... For one of our smallest companies to reach out so far beyond themselves to make a difference in the world is remarkable. One of the most ambitious companies in the country.” Cassie Tongue, Time Out

Another hugely successful culturally diverse production both artistically and financially. A brilliant new Australian-Indian collaboration - the result of an international artistic exchange, developed over 4 years and resulting in rave reviews and another sold-out season. Eleven artists from different cultural backgrounds appeared on stage. The production featured in the best-of-the-year lists of leading reviewers Jason Blake, Cassie Tongue and Kevin Jackson.

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DRY LAND “It may well be that this production is remembered for its shock value and the visceral reaction it pulls from its audience members. It’s significant and rare. But it’s also a play that’s worth much more than that, and one that paints a picture of young women’s lives rarely seen on stages.” Ben Neutze, The Daily Review

Another critically acclaimed, sold out season. Dry Land became the show to see in Sydney after an audience member fainted on opening night, and on the back of brilliant direction and performances garnered 8 nominations at the Sydney Theatre Awards, including Best Independent Production, Best Director, and Best Actress – with Sarah Meacham (first seen in bAKEHOUSE’s The Laden Table) going on to win Best Actress.

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2016 IN REVIEW

In 2016, our first full year of operation, KXT hosted 17 female producers 11 female directors; 10 female writers. Our season included 9 World premieres, 6 Australian premieres, 17 female producers, 11 female directors, 10 female writers.

HIGHLIGHTS

BLACK JESUS “It’s the type of production that’s rarely seen here and it certainly shouldn’t be missed.” Alana Kaye, Theatre Now

The first African story seen on a Sydney stage in over 10 years, with 4 African-Australian actors in the cast. Hugely successful artistically and critically, and established early that KXT was a venue where risky, diverse work would be programmed. Elijah Williams was nominated Best Newcomer at the Sydney Theatre Awards, and went on to appear in multiple Sport for Jove productions.

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STRAIGHT “Endearing and laugh-out-loud funny.” Matthew Raven, The Buzz

This was a high-profile team bringing a hard-hitting comedy to KXT. This project gave the industry confidence in the venue and brought the theatre from a “fringe” venue into the top rank of independent theatres. The season was an artistic and commercial success – the first sold-out season at KXT.

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VISITING HOURS ★★★★ Hugely successful artistically and financially. Another sold-out season with queues in the street waiting for last minute tickets and tickets being auctioned on-line!

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THE INVISIBLE CIRCUS

A huge Festival celebrating the work of women, with 4 of Sydney’s leading female directors tackling new Australian work by women with all-female design teams. Three fully produced plays played in rep across the 3-week festival, plus another three plays in development by bAKEHOUSE Co-Artistic Director Suzanne Millar. In addition, an art exhibit displayed the work of over 5 female artists for the duration of the Festival. Good With Maps earned Kate Gaul a Best Director nomination at the Sydney Theatre Awards, was invited to perform at Edinburgh Fringe, and is currently on a national tour. The Laden Table and Jatinga – both developed by bAKEHOUSE during the Invisible Circus – went on to highly successful fully produced seasons as part of the KXT 2017 season.

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ABOUT bAKEHOUSE

WE ARE bAKEHOUSE … bAKEHOUSE Theatre Company at KXT is a not-for-profit independent theatre company based in Sydney, producing work that showcases new voices. We provide opportunities and mentoring to young and emerging actors, writers, directors and designers, with a special focus on showcasing the talents of artists from diverse cultural backgrounds

KXT, A SPACE FOR ARTISTS… We took the blueprint. And we shredded it. KXT is intimate enough to truly connect with artists and grand enough to put the world on stage. At KXT we can make a major commitment to telling the global and cultural stories we want to tell, we can provide more opportunities to our artistic community, and through our Step Up and Popupstairs programs we are now able to extend these opportunities to many more artists. At KXT we're giving artists the chance to grow and flourish. We provide the resources that help to make their work beautiful, we give them time to develop and polish, we make it easier for them to meet the financial bottom line. We are a truly sustainable theatre.

WE PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES… We hothouse young talent. As our name suggests, the purpose of bAKEHOUSE and KXT is to provide an environment in which talent can not only grow, but flourish and be transformed through the process. Being part of a KXT production allows artists to stretch their wings and hone their craft. Artists who have worked with us have gone on to study at NIDA, WAAPA and VCA, and to work with some of Australia’s leading companies such as Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir, Griffin, Bell Shakespeare and Melbourne Theatre Company

WE PROMOTE DIVERSITY… We don’t just talk about the need for cultural diversity on our stages. We put our money where our mouth is. In terms of contributing to the diversity, vibrancy and sustainability of Sydney’s rich cultural life, we are punching well above our weight. Through our StoryLines initiatives, we have provided opportunities for over 100 culturally and linguistically diverse artists to showcase their talent to the industry and Sydney audiences. Our commitment to this work is changing Sydney’s theatre landscape.

KXT, A COMMUNITY CULTURAL HUB… We’re creating a new Soho in Sydney. Kings Cross has been a community meeting-place for thousands of years. It’s a crossroads where journeys intersect, where possibilities diverge. Our community knows that coming to KXT means they get to see the best independent theatre-makers in Sydney telling stories we don’t hear anywhere else, stories that make us think about our place in the world. At KXT we’re extending this connection through our Chesterfield and Crossroads series - programs of satellite events, performances and exhibitions that ignite community conversations.




 

It take an army…

We have a bAKEHOUSE closing night tradition. A shout out to absent friends and unsung heroes. Cause it takes an army to put on a show. And it takes a world of people to run a theatre. We’ve had incredible support this year from a heap of people, and we couldn’t do it without every one of you! But we’d like to acknowledge a couple in particular, two people who have stepped up this year and filled some pretty big gaps.

Charlie Vaux stepped in as KXT PRODUCTION INTERN earlier in the year and he’s helped us at bump ins, bump outs, key handovers, inductions, FOH, opening nights… an abundance of tedious tasks that keep things ticking over. Then, as Stage Manager on Dresden he had his hands full going from the rehearsal room, to set build, operating,  and running the show. It was a baptism by fire (if you saw the show you’d appreciate that…!) and we couldn't have got the show on without him. He’ll be on occasional box office during the Storytellers Festival, if you see him say hi.

Rebecca Blake (Cub) is a member of the inaugural Step Up team. This year she stepped into the directors chair during the Step Up Festival, driving through an awesome development of Rotterdam by Jon Brittain, working with Ella Prince, Travis Jeffrey, Phoebe Lane and Bobby Jean Henning. We were excited to have her in as Assistant Director on our production of Dresden, after filling the AD role on the Brevity production of A Girl is Half Formed Thing

ANNOUNCING: Rebecca Blake is the KXT ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE. 

We're thrilled to have Rebecca join the KXT Management team. Many hands make light work, and there's a lot going on at KXT: in the short few days she's been at the job, we've already seen the benefits of the shared load. She’s a keyboard warrior, getting the work done after hours when she’s done with the day job as Festival Co-Ordinator for Festival of Dangerous Ideas. Cub’s on the way up and we’re super excited to have her on the team