The Show Must Go On…

Australia’s $15-billion performing arts industry has been at a standstill, leaving well over 200,000 arts workers out of work with little to no support, thanks to COVID-19.

The arts have been an integral part of our society since the beginning of time: bringing creative expression, joy, entertainment and much-needed distraction from the daily demands of life; whilst delighting and inspiring our minds.

This long standing tradition can easily be recognised across our Victorian capital and throughout the state. Yet, like many industries, when COVID-19 emerged the performing arts took a massive hit. Rendering the industry almost non-existent, literally overnight. The gig-economy, common for most performers of all genres, came to a sudden halt. According to the Grattan Institute, an estimated 75% of those employed in the creative and performing arts lost their jobs.

Sadly, while many workers of other industries found solace in the initiatives and support offered by state and federal government, for many of our state’s talented artists there was little to no support – leaving them to fend for themselves.

“I have never seen such a nose-dive of our industry in all my 25 years in show business,” says Todd Patrick, an international performing arts industry veteran and founder of Melbourne’s acclaimed Patrick School of the Arts.

“With cancellations of everything from community events, through to major productions all over the world, it’s been challenging for performers to stay motivated and excited about the future. However, at Patrick’s, we’ve been able to continue working with our students by adapting to online teaching and keeping students engaged and focused”, he says.

Housed at Swinburne University in Prahran, with ongoing support from the local government, and the use of the latest technology; the 15-year long established performing arts school was able to continue teaching their students, including recording a mid-year showcase; within Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines.  This not only helped them progress over the long months of lockdown, but for many students it was a much needed lifeline to maintain good mental health.

As Melbourne’s leading industry Performing Arts school, Patrick School of the Arts has produced a string of talented Alumni; having already made their mark appearing in 70+ shows both here and abroad. With the likes of SA-born Euan Doidge landing lead roles in the stage adaptations of A Chorus Line, Pricilla: Queen of the Desert, Les Miserables and Saturday Night Fever and NZ-born, Elandrah Eramiha being chosen as ensemble in Aladdin,  cast as leading roles in the musicals Memphis and Bring It On, and playing the role of Marta in MTC’s Kiss of the Spiderwoman.

Elandrah has most recently been cast in the supporting lead roles of Peggy Schuyler / Maria Reynolds,  in the Australian production of Hamilton. We can see that the sought-after Patrick School of the Arts is an important springboard to creating industry ready performers for Australia and the global theatre scene.

This is also evident through Patrick School of the Arts Alumni, such as Karli Dinardo. Who is the current dance captain for the Broadway adaptation of Moulin Rouge; opening in Melbourne in 2021.

“It is really sad to see such a downturn of the arts, especially in a city like Melbourne, which is known for its thriving arts scene and its amazing talent that has taken to stages across the world. Be it in dance, theatre, acting or choreography,” says the school’s founder, Todd Patrick. 

“It’s incredibly exciting to see musical theatre coming back around the country and it’s now time to support it and look at ways to reinvigorate the industry. Starting with the local community and then spreading around the country”, says Patrick.

The founder and director of the school expressed his gratitude for the support they have received from Swinburne University, local government, and the unwavering commitment from both students and their parents through this challenging time.

Patrick hopes that come the new year we will hopefully be seeing a recovery of the industry back into something near its former glory. Which, according to Performing Arts Connections Australia (PAC), was generating an estimated $115 billion in revenue and employing over 600,000 artists; before the pandemic hit.

As the industry rebuilds, it is the demand for the arts that plays a key factor. Bringing it back to each and every one of us to do our part in supporting our artists and to rebuild one of the hardest hit industries. For those endeavouring a career in the performing arts sector Patrick School of the Arts is still taking enrolments for their 2021 intake, including The Academy, Acting and Musical Theatre programs.

For more details log onto their website: www.psarts.com.au

Whilst we support our artists, we can also directly make an impact on the hospitality and catering industries and literally help rebuild two of our most devastated and essential industries all at once – with our love for the arts.