during the last year, theatres faced 106 days of lockdown, during which KXT lost 84 performances, 8 seasons, 4 popup shows, and we were unable to work with 32 actors and 42 creatives attached to those projects. There were significant interruptions to the Step Up program and the writers Laboratory. When the doors were closed, there were 5 shows in rehearsal for their upcoming seasons at KXT.
When theatres were able to once again reopen, KXT committed to building on the work done following 2020’s lockdown, by providing as many opportunities as possible for indie artists, jumping into 5 frantic weeks supporting 21 writers, 3 dramaturgs, 6 directors, 2 designers, 5 companies and 6 producers.
On 27 November we held our first opening night, 5 and a half months after our last one on 12 June. Our program from reopening means that in the final months of the year we will have supported 4 popup seasons featuring the work of 35 very brave artists
Which means that despite heartbreaking interruptions, KXT2021 has featured 12 seasons; 4 popup shows; 4 play reads; 3 art exhibitions; a storylines season and 11 women-led productions.
the beginning of 2021 saw unprecedented business for KXT. Following a few weeks of restricted capacity, largely borne by our long suffering partners at Montague Basement, ticket sales averaged 94% capacity , with 3 of the 8 seasons playing to full houses. If you bought a ticket to a show at KXT this year - or to many shows – thank you.
We’re particularly proud of our ongoing artist support programs: The Laboratory in partnership with Montague Basement, guiding writers to build their first play; the Storyteller festival that showcases new work; the playread program for KXTeethcutting led by Legit theatre providing opportunities for emerging artists to take on big gnarly plays; the Step Up program offering a bespoke program of mentoring to a team of some of our most exciting emerging artists, and showcasing new work; the Popupstairs program offering space for artists to take big risks in a safe space; the newly launched Associate Artists program investing in future arts leaders; our rotating exhibition of artwork from young artists; along with community engagement, and partnerships with both companies and audiences.
The independent sector is the lifeblood of the nations theatre, and has provided opportunities, pathways and experience to some of our leading theatre makers. At KXT you’re seeing those future leaders at the beginning of their careers. Those who have worked here continue to progress their careers despite the past 2 years of significant interruptions., going onto paid positions at NIDA, Darlinghurst theatre Co, Belvoir, NToP, Griffin and STC; our Step Up artists have moved onto full time study at WAAPA, NIDA & VCA, but most importantly companies have launched, survived and thrived, and taken their work to stages all across Sydney and beyond.
We are also supremely grateful to the experienced theatre makers who partner with us to present work, often providing placements and mentoring to the emerging artists who have made KXT their artistic home. It is a joy to be working across generations here, and to showcase the best that independent theatre has to offer.
We couldn’t get anything done without the generous and selfless support of a bunch of people including but definitely not limited to Saro and Imogen of Montague Basement; Jack and Jodi at Panimo Creatives; Rebecca Blake for their work with Step Up; Mat and Annie and all their supporters at Legit Theatre; Charlie Vaux; Andrew McMartin; lighting legend Ben Brockman; Steve, Dave, Matt, Michael, Renee, and Becks on the bAKEHOUSE Board; and most especially Christopher Starnawski. There’s an additional army of unnamed legends who head up the stairs to help: with FOH, production meetings, bump ins, technical emergencies, or general advice and support and we couldn’t get the job done without you. KXT is an unstaffed creative collective, designed to be sustainable, affordable and at all times accessible, generating payment for artists and profile for theatre makers, and we’re hugely proud of what we’ve all achieved.
So in typical KXT fashion, tonight we announce a packed season filled with brilliant plays, new work, some of our most promising artists, alongside some of our most experienced and acclaimed. We continue to centre women-led projects, and diverse storytelling. We’re excited to be announcing new seasons for previously postponed shows, some delayed twice, and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to find space for so much more.
So that’s KXT2022.
In the coming year we’ll be home to new writing, emerging artists, diverse stories, women-led productions, popup seasons. We’re welcoming back old friends and meeting new people. All while offering a broad program of artist support.
In recent times shows have been cancelled, audiences locked out, and careers stalled, and art that would inspire and challenge and entertain and change our world sometimes a little and sometimes a lot has not been made.
In 2022 we’re making it happen.
Suzanne Millar
KXT Creative Director | bAKEHOUSE Co-Artistic Director
Photographer: Oliver Clarke