About Us
Arena Arts & Entertainment Inc is an independent arts co-operative based in Perth, Western Australia.
We were founded in 1988. Several theatre graduates looked at the state of the arts in Perth at the time and were faced with the options of heading off to make a career in the eastern states, or sitting on our backsides and just whining about everything, or getting off our bums and creating something for ourselves. Being the rather enthused but somewhat stupid folk we were then, we chose the latter option. After a lot of organisation, we started working on some arts projects that interested us, drawing in others as were needed. We became an incorporated association in 1989.
Most of our work has been in the area of Theatre For Schools, as this is where the interests of our creative people have largely been. Here, we provide theatre productions and skills workshops tailored to the needs and interests of W.A. schools. These projects are part of our professional "wing of operations" with each project working as its own independent co-operative. We have a 100% track record of presenting original West Australian works for West Australian audiences. A lot of these projects have been ground-breaking productions, creating a very different way of presenting educational entertainments at schools. This unique ARENA style is one that has sometimes been copied by others. Rather flattering, really.
Our other work includes such things as entertainment at the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Swimming Championships, projects for advertising companies, involvement in OzConcerts, award-winning entries in the W.A. State Drama Festival, a comedy radio series for ArtRage, performances at shopping centres as well as Youth Festivals and Environment Festivals, shows for the Perth Zoo, Public Speaking Workshops, Writing Workshops, Mime Workshops, Drama Workshops, tours to Esperance, support for regional and interstate storytelling, workshops in detention centres and for Youth at Risk, and shows for Seniors and People with Disabilities. And of course, our recent Community Theatre productions Wyrd Sisters, Lords & Ladies, Doctor Who:Hellblossom, Carpe Jugulum, Monstrous Regiment, The Merry Wives Of Windsor, Temporo, Santa's Space Christmas and Going Postal.
ARENA's overall aims are:
- to provide affordable theatre and arts projects for new and existing audiencesto provide creative and financial opportunities for those working in the arts industryto promote local "grass roots" theatre
Since 1988, we have produced over 150 Arts projects, which have had over 4200 performances, for an audience in excess of 990 000 people.
As well as producing the works of people currently involved in ARENA, we always welcome others who have Theatre For Schools ideas, or indeed, for any type of production, to come forward with their plans. We may be able to offer personnel, financial and resource support to help those projects become a reality.
Although many things have changed in ARENA over the years, it continues to not only survive, but thrive. We have recently scaled back our Theatre For Schools operations in favour of more Community Theatre projects. We never intended to be solely a Theatre For Schools co-operative, although we will continue to provide the very best that these projects demand. Now, however, we are looking to expand into other areas of the arts and entertainment.
We look forward to your support.