QUT acting students ready to step into the limelight

Angels in America, by playwright Tony Kushner and considered a complex commentary on AIDS and homosexuality in 1980s America, will open Thursday night at The Loft Theatre, Kelvin Grove, and runs until Saturday 28 May.

Directed by Bridget Boyle with production design by QUT graduate Peter Keavy, the play stars graduating QUT actors.

Dr Andrea Moor, senior lecturer in acting, said it would also showcase the work of graduating QUT Drama and Technical Production students.

“This is a prime example of how the QUT School of Creative Practice offers opportunities for students from all study areas to work together on interdisciplinary productions to create some of the most innovative theatre you will see today,” said Dr Moor.

“QUT offers the opportunity to work with professional directors like Bridget Boyle, also QUT alumni, and on productions in theatre settings like The Loft and elsewhere.

“It gives them the edge when it comes to future employment. QUT Acting graduates have had 100% agent representation for some time now, which tells us that Australia’s leading agents love what we do.

“In addition, QUT technical production graduates are some of the most highly sought-after graduates in the country, while the journey of some of Australia’s leading directors started at QUT Drama. The acclaimed playwright and artistic director Wesley Enoch (QUT Indigenous Chair in the Creative Industries), for example, studied drama here while Wayne Blair is another stellar acting alumnus.”  

Dr Moor said Angels in America would be followed by Sarah DeLappe’s The Wolves, directed by Heather Fairbairn from June 1-4 and featuring an all-female cast, also at The Loft.

“Last year our 2021 production season sold out and this season promises to do the same,” she said.

“Angels in America is a 20th century classic, showcasing the highly skilled QUT actors as they bring the story to life in all its humour and gut-wrenching honesty. We then present the Brisbane premier of The Wolves, a humorous and perceptive play following teenage girls as they navigate life on and off the soccer field. Think Beckett in suburban America.”

Professor Damian Candusso, Head of the School of Creative Practice, said later in the year, they would present Tight in the Bud, a new work written by Lewis Treston and Hannah Belanszky.

“Written specifically for our graduating actors to highlight this diverse and multi skilled cohort, the work will be directed by the extraordinary Wesley Enoch,” Professor Candusso said.

“The School of Creative Practice has a strong commitment to not just reflecting the rich and diverse fabric of the industry but forging new provocations to raise the bar.”

Dr Moor added that QUT Acting was proud of its commitment to creating a safe space for training its artists encouraged students to seek professional opportunities while they are training.

“Our third year acting students are already testing and performing in professional film and television roles as they progress through their ‘professional’ year, engaging with leading directors and writers,” said Dr Moor.

“As well as providing some of Australia’s leading training facilities, our vision is simple: we help artists to be the best people and the best creators they can possibly be.”

The following performances will take in The Loft, Z2, 22 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove

Angels in America

•            Thursday 26th May 2022 at 7:30pm

•            Friday 27th May 2022 at 7:30pm

•            Saturday 28th May 2022 at 2:00pm

•            Saturday 28th May 2022 at 7:30pm

The Wolves

•            Wednesday 1st June 2022 at 6:30pm

•            Thursday 2nd June 2022 at 7:30pm

•            Friday 3rd June 2022 at 7:30pm

•            Saturday 4th June 2022 at 2:00pm

•            Saturday 4th June 2022 at 7:30pm

Tickets are available at https://pay.qut.edu.au/AngelsinAmerica and https://pay.qut.edu.au/TheWolves

Media contact:

Amanda Weaver, QUT Media, 07 3138 3151, amanda.weaver@qut.edu.au

After hours: 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au