Melissa & the Cunning Accompanist
Melissa Western tells us about her experiences performing at the Adelaide Fringe.
I’m really looking forward to performing my brand new show “Melissa and the Cunning Accompanist” at the Adelaide Fringe Festival from February 28th to the 9th March 2008. This will be my second time to the Adelaide Fringe … my first experience was in 2000 and it was a pretty amazing and overwhelming experience for someone very new to the industry! Seven years later, having now performed at many festivals and events nationally and internationally and with my most recent show “Ella, Marilyn, Marlene and Me” being an official “Sell Out” show at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe, I am looking forward to launching myself at the world’s second biggest performing arts festivals in my home country next year.
The first thing I remember about the Adelaide Fringe was sleep … or more accurately, lack of it! As we all do in most festivals I was at the venue or other venues until the wee hours of the morning then getting up and seeing media and promo people during ‘normal’ work hours …it was like living two work schedules without the gap in between! I also recall the bizarre Adelaide weather. There were days when it was 40+ degrees with this hot, dry wind (like you’re being blow dried with a hairdryer the size of Tasmania) and then the next day it would be 15 degrees and wet. My advice to performers, especially those from overseas, is to be ready for crazy weather!
If you can make it out of Adelaide for a bit, the hills around Adelaide are beautiful to drive around. There is also the amazing Barossa region which is well known for its brilliant wine. Try and factor in a bit of rest and relaxation pre or post festival if you can … the nervous system will thank you later on.
The market in Adelaide is smaller than it is in Edinburgh, so it’s a good idea to try and be really clever about how to sell your show on the streets. Make sure your show has a strong marketing presence and be prepared to get out there on the streets to spruik it.
One of the most important things about being at a festival is seeing other shows. I always use festivals as an opportunity to learn, network and draw inspiration. If you turn up and only do your show, chances are you’re only getting half the experience. Get out there, spend whatever money you’ve got on other people’s shows (you can always claim it back on your tax) and use the opportunity of being at the Adelaide Fringe to really feed your creative soul.
I hope to see heaps of you at my show - I personally guarantee you a good night out!
You can also read Melissa’s answers in our 10 Questions series.
Check out Melissa’s review by The Australian Stage.
