Opening a performing arts company during coronavirus

A new company The Performing Arts Collective launched in January 2020, with Benjamin May starting it out of his bedroom.

The collective has already taken "time off', having to delay and postpone rehearsals for its first musical theatre production Heathers The Musical due to COVID-19 restrictions.

READ MORE

"Anytime there are no shows in rehearsal it's disheartening, but for the safety of our local performers and community I fully support the restrictions," Mr May said.

Although COVID meant shows were postponed it also was an opportunity to set up a building in Bomaderry.

"The pandemic for us in a way has helped reshape the theatre company into a performing arts company," he said.

"We have used the time to sign a lease and renovate our very own home studio now giving us purpose built rooms for dance, drama and singing tuition as well as an amazing rehearsal facility."

Benjamin still hopes they can go ahead with the production of Disney's Moana Junior, set for March 2021 at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

"There is a constant thought in the back of my mind about what's going to change as we've seen things change overnight, but I think it is honestly about using restrictions that are put into place to make your productions stronger.

"I have an amazing creative team at TPAC and we are constantly working ideas to continue while complying with the restrictions and getting the most out of what we do."

As of September, The Performing Arts Collective will open its Bomaderry studio and start doing COVID-safe auditions and rehearsals for its junior production of Moana.

Benjamin is looking forward to local theatre continuing again and said creatives had been adapting through the restricitons.

"I think everyone involved in the local theatre scene have been amazing with the things that have being done since March.

"We've seen online shows, concerts and live streams. We've already seen dance studios and theatres go back to live classes and rehearsals.

"It's now a matter of the arts community binding together to support each other into what will be a new normal for us all."

To find out more about the collective you can visit: tpacollective.com.au.