Fiona De Garris Interview Notes

Introduction

  • Interview with Fiona De Garris, Director of the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC) in WA.

  • Discussion on career pathways, roles in the entertainment industry, and skills required.

Fiona's Career Pathway

  • Education:

    • Studied at the University of Western Australia, Bachelor of Arts majoring in English. Didn’t seem relevant initially but proved helpful later.

    • Enrolled in the WA Academy of Performing Arts for stage management; a rigorous three-year course.

  • First Job:

    • Started career as a stage manager at West Australian Opera after sending letters to many organizations searching for work.

  • Role of Stage Manager:

    • Acts as a middle management position within productions, tasked with making decisions based on the management's directives without having say in the initial decisions.

    • Creates a safe and functional rehearsal environment, handles scheduling and pressure in the room to allow for the creative process.

Skills Required for Stage Management

  • Resilience: Ability to deal with difficult situations and people.

  • Creativity: Combine technical tasks with creative roles, necessary for problem-solving in productions.

  • Research Skills: Essential for navigating unfamiliar situations and gaining necessary context.

Various Roles and Experiences

  • Fiona's freelance career included working with numerous organizations:

    • Black Swan State Theatre, Malthouse Theatre, and National Institute of Circus Arts, showcasing a variety of art forms.

  • Transitioned into production and project management due to frustration with stage management limitations.

Producing and Project Management

  • Associate Producer Role at Unima World Puppet Festival:

    • Experience in significant project management for a large international event, including logistical challenges.

    • Highlighted the complexity of managing diverse stakeholders and resources for events.

  • Performing Lines WA:

    • Took on the role of producer, focused on supporting independent artists and creating sustainable artistic practice through federal and state funding.

    • Emphasized long-term relationships with artists and flexible project approaches.

Current Role at BREC

  • Director Responsibilities:

    • Ensure smooth operations, maintain community relations, manage facilities.

    • Diverse program including performances, community events, and conferences.

    • Awareness and strategy around corporate and artistic programming, aiming for a balance between profitability and cultural engagement.

Future Vision for BREC

  • Cultivate a culturally diverse audience and support local artists.

  • Build on community engagement and accessible programming for various demographics.

  • Enhance the venue's role as a community hub, merging entertainment and corporate functions to foster connections.

Advice for Students

  • Networking: Engage with industry professionals; internships and volunteer positions can provide experience and connections.

  • Professionalism: Being reliable and punctual is vital.

  • Resilience and Flexibility: Understand this industry involves significant highs and lows, requiring emotional and operational resilience.

  • Passion: Find a deeper motivation beyond the paycheck; believe in the impact of your work in the arts.

Theatre management offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the arts industry. One key learning is the importance of adaptability, as the roles within this field, like stage management and producing, require quick decision-making and resilience in the face of challenges. This dynamic environment highlights the necessity for creativity—not only in artistic presentation but also in problem-solving logistical complications during productions. My perspective is that strong partnerships and networking are vital; forging relationships with artists and stakeholders enhances the collaborative spirit essential for successful projects. Moreover, understanding diverse audience needs enables effective programming that can bridge cultural gaps, fostering a loyal community. I argue that the balance between profitability and artistic integrity is crucial; while finances support operations, truly enriching experiences should take precedence, ensuring that the arts remain a vital, engaging part of society.