
Our first production is a beautiful new play called "Love, Sarah" by Kathryn Goldie - we're super PUMPED about it! Our venue is Scratch Warehouse, an exciting new art space in North Melbourne.
But making art in Australia is difficult. We are very lucky to live in a country in which we have the freedom to make art. However for young, independent companies there are limited funding options and applying for funding is a very long process that requires a body of work to prove yourself.
Every company has to start somewhere, and so we are raising the funds to put on our first play.
Our playwright Kathryn Goldie has had her work described as "writing that brings the audience closer to the characters’ hearts" (Anne-Marie Peard, Sometimes Melbourne). Her latest play is "Love, Sarah":
A young woman travelling around the world maintains a lifeline back home through a series of postcards written to her grandmother. Separated by 16,000km and by a generation, this is a story of the impact people can have on your life and the value of memories.
We were introduced to Constantin Pilavios' beautiful and simple short film "What is that?" (Τι είναι αυτό;) (2007) and after we saw it we got curious about exploring the relationships in our lives that span generations.
After contacting Kathryn Goldie and asking her if she'd like to write something for us, we discovered that this was also something that she was passionate about exploring. In this case, Kathryn's inspiration was her relationship with her grandmother. After a few weeks of feedback and notes, and several subsequent drafts, we find ourselves at the beginning of rehearsals this week!
We are also working with fellow Scratch Warehouse artist Cameron Silman who will be utilising his incredible talents to design our set. We are so excited to bring someone as incredibly talented as Cameron on board this project and know that his work is going to add so much unique character and really help breathe life into "Love, Sarah".
Hang on, I hear you say, what is this Scratch Warehouse that we keep talking about? Scratch is a community minded mixed art space, with a gallery, theatre, private art studios and library based in North Melbourne.


Scratch Crew (L-R): Timothy Christopher Ryan (Theatre and Events Manager), Xanthia Walker (Art Studios and Gallery Manager), Tash Mills (Bar, Live Music and Shop Manager) & Amelia Mulqueen (Workshops, Live Music and Shop Manager).
How The Funds Will Be Used
With your support, you will be actively participating in building a company that is dedicated to telling original Australian stories.
We have been very fortunate to have some talented artists come on board to help us create this show at reduced rates and have received some much appreciated in kind support.
However there are still upfront costs that make it tough to get a production off the ground. We are only able to pay a small number of the artists on our first project, however we are committed to working toward paying all our artists in the future.
But to do this we need to establish ourselves as a company - with your help we can raise enough money to put on this new Australian work.
FUNDING will be used for:
- Venue hire: 1st-5th July
- Rehearsal space hire (60 hours): 2-3 rehearsals a week over June
- Artist Fees
- Set Building Materials
- Lighting design and equipment
- Costume and props
- Marketing and printing promotional material
Our target amount is the basic amount needed to cover our costs. If we are lucky enough to make over our this figure, this will significantly improve the value of our production and enable us to put on the best show that we possibly can!
The Challenges
All of the artists involved with this project work multiple part-time jobs to pay our bills so that we can do what we love. It makes it difficult and very stressful for us to get better at what we're doing. Our passion and determination keeps us going, but we are struggling financially and that what's brought us here!
Getting connected to our audiences and opening up to the fourth wall. Hello! Let’s PLAY! We really are passionate to tell stories that resonate with our community. Without the support of the community there is no reason to do what we are doing. We want to open a line of communication and support our supporters to have a voice in the work we are doing. Help create our work with us by telling us what you think, sharing your stories and experiences. We want everyone to walk away having an incredible experience and feeling like they have helped to create something magical. This will be a challenge, but we are so incredibly excited about the potential of expanding to the reason we make art - to come together as a community.
Social Media Shout Out!
So many high fives and love coming your way via facebook, instagram and twitter. We want you to know we appreciate your support so much that every time you need some support, you know that someone is there to high five you.
Program Loving.
We want to show your support by showcasing your name in our program. YES, you will be personally thanked in the program, on Facebook, instagram and twitter. Don't forget those high fives of support from our team.
The Golden Ticket
A Ticket to the show has your name on it! We will be sending you a personalized postcard signed by the cast and crew to thank you for your support and generosity! If we see you at the show, you might even get a cheeky high five!
You Bloody Legends!
On the night of the performance we will personally give you a shout out before the show starts (unless you feel uncomfortable being singled out as a legend in real life and in that case your identity will be safe with us). Double pass to the show. Double mulled wine. We will send you or your special someone a postcard from NY or CANADA with a personal thank you! Your support will be shouted to the world through facebook, instagram and twitter + your name in the program!
Session of your Choice
We will shout out to the world your name via facebook, instagram and twitter. Sending great karma your way. A Session (up to 90 minutes) with the Panopticon Team as directors or actors. Whether that means monologue or audition coaching or workshopping a scene or script. It is all in your hands.
Mulled Package
Two tickets for you. The best seats in the house are YOURS. You walk in and the first thing you see is a pot of mulled wine. Have a glass on us. It's yours. You are our VIP. We will send you a postcard from NY/CANADA. Your choice if you want it to be sent to a loved one, someone special or yourself. Your name in the program and shouted to the world via facebook, instagram and twitter.
ONE OF US
You are now a founding sponsor for our company. Your name/logo or company will be put on our media releases, company website and program. Two tickets to the show and warm mulled wine on arrival, seats reserved for you and two postcards sent to you from NY/CANADA to anyone of your loved ones and/or yourself.
The show is YOURS
For you and up to 15 of your friends you will receive a Private show. So much gratitude coming your way via facebook, instagram and twitter. A Glass of mulled wine on arrival with your name on it !
Let's Play
We will write, direct and shoot a scene for you. Whether it be for a showreel or even if it is something you have always wanted to do. Come and play an let's make some art! Two tickets to the show . You walk in and the warm mulled wine is calling out to you. No worries. Have a glass each. So many shout outs coming your way! HIGH FIVE.