Shows on the Go: So much more than just a show

Regional Arts WA

“Thank you so much for bringing such an important message about kindness, friendship and feelings in a culturally appropriate way. The kids LOVE IT!” – Kookoo Kookaburra audience member, Broome

We love to see communities throughout WA come alive with laughter, fun and excitement. Friends and families spending time together, enjoying high quality performances right in their own towns.

This year we supported communities all the way from the northern ranges of Kununurra down to the southern edge of Esperance to present three incredible performances with Shows on the Go. Kookoo Kookaburra taught us about kindness, Barbara and Barry’s Sweet, Sour and Saucy reminded us about love and Marty’s Party got the Dads on stage to show the kids how fun is done!

People come from far and wide for these shows. They involve the whole community, inspiring people creatively; sharing messages of love, kindness and health and nurturing human connections between neighbours, distant and near.

A local Paraburdoo dad rocks out on Marty’s stage. Picture by Cristina Dias

“So funny and it was a great way to get kids active. My throat hurts a lot from screaming so much.” – Marty’s Party audience member, Southern Cross

Presenters running the shows jumped on the opportunity to create something even bigger for their communities and expanded the performances to include fashion shows, dinners, singing and much more.

Barbara and Barry really stoked the creative fire as venues prepared for the show’s arrival. The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder partnered with a local vintage clothing store for a stellar “Finest Frock Competition.” The local paper even ran an Agony Aunt column they’d pulled from the archives, dating back to 1950. Once the show arrived a local jazz band provided incredible house music and the local CWA catered refreshments.

Other towns on the tour had a similar schedule of awesome community activities. These shows go so far beyond performance – they bring all the different parts of WA’s vibrant culture together, to celebrate what makes us special.

The finest frock winner in Esperance poses with her prize, Barry and two other attendees from the show. Picture by Janie Davidson

“Met my husband at a play. He’s never been to another one until today. Celebrating 30 years this year.” – Barbara and Barry audience member, Kalgoorlie.

We work with Presenters and their communities through the entire process. From selecting the right shows, to marketing, technical support, and even helping set up activities for community engagement. We also help the performers bring workshops into towns on the tour, varying in artistic form depending on what skills and knowledge can be shared by the traveling performers – always offering a new experience for anyone keen to have a go!

Country Arts WA’s Christmas Giving campaign is now open: Give the gift that keeps giving this Christmas. Let’s make more laughter, fun and joy next year – give to regional arts and culture for a better WA for everyone. Click here to donate.