‘THE WEATHER AND YOUR HEALTH’ IS TOURING NATIONALLY IN 2012

Love theatre? Got $5 to spare? You can help keep this show on the road!

Hello, my name is Bethany Simons - a trained actor, playwright and independent theatre producer from country NSW who now calls Melbourne home. I invite you to partner with me as I take my work on the road…and off the beaten track!

My two-time Green Room Award-nominated play, The Weather and Your Health, is currently touring nationally. Funded in part by Arts Victoria, this project requires an additional $4000 to ensure the successful completion of the tour. Funds raised will be used for travel, accommodation, artist fees and various costs associated with presenting a growing tour itinerary.

The Weather and Your Health is my first play. Inspired by my grandmother’s life, it paints a touching portrait of regional Australia through one woman’s stories of young love, war times, local dances and home-made sausage rolls.

The play was recently selected for the 2012 VCE Drama Playlist, has been nominated for two Green Room Awards (Best New Writing for the Australian Stage and Best Independent Female Performer), toured regionally in 2011, and is soon to be published by the Australian Script Centre’s online resource – australianplays.org.

It's all been very exciting, but this extra attention means that more towns want to see the play. Which is why I need YOU to help me take my work to the 'next stage'!

The Weather and Your Health will be performed over 30 times in regional and metropolitan venues across Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria this March - May:

12 Mar Wesley Performing Arts Centre, Horsham VIC
13 Mar Nhill Community Centre, Nhill VIC
14 Mar Wesley Performing Arts Centre, Horsham VIC
15 Mar Dimboola Day Centre, Dimboola VIC
16 Mar Eventide Homes Hall, Stawell VIC
17 Mar Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Home, Horsham VIC
21 Mar Plenty Ranges Arts Centre, Morang VIC
24 Mar Beaufort Town Hall, VIC
11 and 12 Apr Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah WA
14 Apr Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland QLD
20 Apr Darebin Performing Arts Centre, Preston VIC
21 Apr Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham VIC
4 and 5 May Dubbo Christian School Hall, Dubbo NSW
15 - 27 May La Mama Theatre, Carlton VIC

Suitable for all ages, the performance is almost always followed by a supper in the foyer. Mingling with our audience over a cuppa, we invite them to share their own stories, making this more than a show - it’s a community experience!

I grew up in a town that didn’t have ready access to professional theatre, which is why I am passionate about taking my own work back to the regions. For this reason, any amount raised over and above the target will go towards extending the national tour, developing future tours and creating works that are centred on celebrating our stories.

In partnering with me on this project, you will be playing a vital role in the presentation of quality Australian theatre.

Please help me spread the word, make a pledge and be sure to check out the rewards section for more goodies! (NB: EVERY supporter goes in the draw to win the famous 'The Weather and Your Health' raffle!!)