A record number of Australia’s children’s theatre companies are appearing at the International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY) Showcase, the world’s premiere gathering of performing arts professionals for young audiences, in Pittsburgh, USA.

The four day event, opening Wednesday 20 January, is an opportunity for artists, producers, agents and managers from around the world to mix, exchange ideas and view works selected for presentation.

Four Australian companies – Arena Theatre Company (Vic.), Polyglot Theatre (Vic.), Terrapin Puppet Theatre (Tas.) and Windmill Theatre (SA) ñ are presenting work at the prestigious event.

Representatives from six other Australian performing arts companies ñ Circa (Qld), Monkey Baa (NSW), Slingsby (SA), Spare Parts Puppet Theatre (WA), Strange Fruit (Vic.) and the Tom Tom Crew (Vic.) ñ are also attending.

All 10 companies tour extensively throughout Australia and many regularly perform overseas.

“There’s a demand for their work, both in Australia and internationally” says Fenn Gordon, Director of Market Development at the Australia Council for the Arts, who is speaking at the opening night.  “Being able to have such a strong contingent of Australian companies at the IPAY Showcase is a really great opportunity to show what’s happening in the Australian sector, but also a fantastic opportunity to see what the rest of the world is doing and to bring some of that back home.”

The large contingent of Australian companies attending the showcase reflects the success of the sector in reaching out to young audiences and their families.

“Across these companies, there’s an incredible blend of dance, theatre, music, circus and puppetry. And while the productions are aimed at young audiences, they really respect the audience, speak to them and interact with them. We’re seeing that we can engage with, entertain and inspire children in so many different ways.”

The Australian presence at IPAY is coordinated by the Australia Council’s Market Development division.

For more details on the touring companies visit the OzArts website. www.ozarts.com.au

Media contact

Cameron Woods, 02 9215 9030, 0412 686 548   c.woods@creative.gov.au