Let’s Work Together

Essence Theatre Productions is an independent production company (with Charity DGR1 status) based in the outer west of Melbourne.  We are looking for a producer for our production ‘The Yellow Line’ a new work that has had two successful seasons 2025.

ABOUT THE YELLOW LINE

Synopsis:

This play is based on a true story.  Set in a prison, present time - a young Māori prison guard is given the task of teaching haka and music to a group of inmates as part of a Waitangi Day program.  When privileges are stripped away, the inmates (and their respective cultures) come together to challenge authorities. It has a cast of 9 plus 9 ‘ancestors’ gathered (well in advance) from the community connected to the venue. The ‘ancestors’ join the cast on stage to perform the final defiant haka. Community engagement is a unique and vital part of the tour. 

It has been described – “It has the raw energy of ‘Once Were Warriors’ with the hope and heart of ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. 

Background:

The writing was funded by The Malcolm Robertson foundation 2024.  The Yellow Line (TYL) was written by Alaine Beek (Artistic Director, Essence Theatre Productions) and Berne-Lee Edwards – Nana (head tutor at Māori performing arts group Nga Mātai Pũrua - NMP).

TYL had 5 performances at The Bowery Theatre, St. Albans and 3 at Wyndham Cultural Centre.  Every show had standing ovations, response haka from audience to cast plus many sold-out shows.  The show has proven broad appeal with feedback and interest still continuing six months on.  

Current status:

We have applied for Touring Victoria through Creative Victoria.  Outcomes announced February/March. We have a number of venues already interested including

• Albury Entertainment Centre

• Wagga Wagga Civic Centre

• Frankston Performing Arts Centre

• The Round, Nunawading

• Bunjil Place, Narre Warren

We are sending a delegate to New Zealand to be part of PANNZ (March 3-6) with the sole purpose of creating networks for a New Zealand TYL tour.

We have a film company in the process of trying to gain funding for it to become a feature film.

We will apply for Showcase Victoria (opens January 2026 and is usually held in May).

THE TOUR

The touring party would be 11 – (9 cast members plus Stage Manager and Tour co-ordination/backstage assistant).

Community engagement connections would be instigated through our Māori leaders in the TYL team. The ‘ancestors’ are planned well in advance to become part of the final scene at the end of the performance.  Adjustable ancestor costumes travel with the team.

Fee

Up to $10,000 to set up tour plus built-in producer fee for each performance/venue. 

Application Closing Date – January 4th.

For more information, and/or applications to be sent to:

Alaine Beek

Artistic Director

info@essenceproductions.com.au

www.essencetheatre.productions

ABN 80 653 224 689

0439 690091

BRIEF

Essence is seeking a person to fulfill a role in building philanthropic support for our company.

Essence is an independent theatre company based in Werribee, Victoria that has been running since 2003.  We have DGR1 status. We write and produce our own work, run youth drama programs and the yearly event WOMPA (West of Melbourne Performing Arts) one act festival.  Essence has a theatrical residency at Werribee Mansion running shows there each weekend all year round.

Essence Potential

• We have proven quality work with our latest (and largest) production The Yellow Line opening new doors

• We are based in outer west of Melbourne.  Wyndham has a population of over 300,000.  There is a massive gap in support and resources for performing arts. A gap we can fill.

• Essence is well respected, well connected with local business and the diverse multi-cultural community

• Essence has a strong team of highly skilled, experienced theatre practitioners, and educators

What we are looking for:

Someone to increase our philanthropic support to increase our ongoing viability as a company – strengthening current connections and creating new ones.  Assistance with grant writing would also be part of the task undertaken.

The scope:

This is funded project based work with a fee of $8000 for an agreed time period.  We envisage this could be 8 hours per week @$40 per hour for 25 weeks.  Note, this is a guide only, we would work with the successful applicant re timelines.

Realistic targets will be agreed upon with successful applicant with specific reporting periods and update.

The Essence team give ongoing support where needed providing information to successful applicant, attending meetings with potential supporters etc.

Specific Philanthropic is required to cover

• Ongoing operational tasks

• Specific projects, e.g. touring our new production The Yellow Line

• Business inkind support (e.g. a business offering rehearsal or storage space at no cost to the company).

• Methods of setting up potential ongoing support through e.g. our website, ticketing, events.

We would work with the successful applicant to create reasonable targets.  This would include bonuses on top of paid work if targets are exceeded.

Ongoing work

Essence is very keen to give ongoing paid work for philanthropic support that has built in bonuses when targets are reached (for grants and philanthropic support).

Attributes of a successful applicant

• Experience and knowledge in the philanthropic world with particular focus on the arts

• Good communication skills both verbal and written.

• Strong initiative, ability to think outside of the box.

Applications and communications be sent to:

Alaine Beek

Artistic Director

0439 690091

info@essenceproductions.com.au

Www.essencetheatre.productions

Brief

This is funded project based work with a fee of $8000 for an agreed time period.  We envisage this could be 8 hours per week @$40 per hour for 25 weeks.  Note, this is a guide only, we would work with the successful applicant re timelines.

Project Overview

Essence Theatre Productions is a small independent theatre company with charity and DGR1status based in Wyndham, outer west of Melbourne.  We have a theatrical residency at Werribee Park Mansion with weekly shows running since 2003.  We create and produce our own work and run youth drama programs.

Essence is seeking an experienced Marketing Project Manager to lead a comprehensive marketing initiative. The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing our current marketing landscape, developing a tailored marketing strategy, and implementing a suite of targeted actions to promote our theatre shows, enhance the company brand, and grow participation in our theatre programs.

Whilst the initial budget is capped at $8,000 if KPI’s are reached, the company is willing to discuss ongoing work beyond the project end date.

Objectives, Actions

• Conduct a thorough assessment of Essence Theatre Productions’ current marketing activities, assets, and positioning.

• Develop a detailed marketing plan addressing our core activities: theatre shows, company branding, and theatre programs.

• Implement a practical blend of marketing actions, tailored to each activity and its target audience.

• Increase audience engagement, ticket sales, and brand awareness.

• Set clear metrics for success and key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Provide regular updates and a final report on campaign performance.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in marketing project management, preferably in the arts or theatre sector

• Strong communication and organisational skills

• Proven ability to work flexibly and independently

• Familiarity with an up-to-date range of marketing channels and tactics relevant to the performing arts

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a brief proposal outlining relevant experience, approach to the project, and availability.

Contact and applications sent to:

Alaine Beek

Artistic Director

Essence Theatre Productions 

Info@essenceproductions.com.au

0439690091