The Blue Room Theatre’s program is cultivating artistic diversity and drawing packed audiences
Their program is a great demonstration of the strength and vibrancy of the amazing Western Australian culture and the arts sector.
The Blue Room Theatre is bringing in new artists and audiences, creating a more diverse program and membership. Under the leadership of Executive Director Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa – an award-winning artist in her own right – the team at The Blue Room is setting the stage for a fabulous showcase of stories and perspectives that share our rich cultural heritage.
Working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and companies, traditionally not represented in mainstream venues, has seen a real uptick in The Blue Room’s engagement. Their shows have been packed with enthusiastic new crowds.
The recent, Summer Nights Festival was a huge success, with performances including Intertwine by Chung Wah Dance Group, IMEDA by Filipino-Australian emerging artist Donita Cruz, and How the KKK Saved the Day, created by a talented ensemble of intercultural artists.
And audiences are loving the program, with more than 1000 more tickets sold this year, compared to last year. The Blue Room program is also providing a real boost to local artists, with the majority of income generated going straight to them.
The increase in audience engagement has continued throughout The Blue Room’s Annual Season with an overall 14% more tickets sold per show.
Hugely significant this year, has been increased collaboration across the sector with The Blue Room partnering with Black Swan Theatre Company to deliver the intimate conversation series Theatre Salon.
Its professional development program with STRUT has seen artists upskill with 7 well-attended workshops throughout the year. And the Young Makers program saw young artists from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and First Nations communities participate in masterclasses with prominent WA artists, such as Jay Emmanual from Encounter Theatre.
The WA Government, through DLGSC, is proud to support The Blue Room Theatre. We look forward to continuing our work with Sukhjit, and the team. It is programs like these that build a cohesive and connected community, a strong and diverse economy, and nourish the physical and mental wellbeing of every Western Australian.