A little interlude!

In the spirit of Eurovision!

http://mudfest.org.au/program/waiting-for-eurovision-guild-theatre

Demonstration

mudfest site

Demonstration of how to upload

A Muddy Meeting

A meeting of mighty minds commences! The reviewers of the modern age.
The Players are in place, their pens are poised!!!
What will the reviews hold? Nobody knows!!

Stay tuned for Reviews of the wonderful, fruity, didactic, engaging shows of Mudfest!!!

10 Day PARTY!

Another week and another Party, this time a 10 (working day) Party - it is literally that close to Mudfest that we can taste the kaliedoscope of what is on offer. JOIN US in celebrating the amazingness that is Mudfest 2011 and what is to come!

More details to be found on facebook!!

Muddy Arts Officers

All these lovely shots are by Danny Phung and some are being used for official publicity purposes. Dani and Justin are the Artistic Directors; Festival Directors and Arts Officers for Mudfest 2011. They wear many hats and are fabulously hardworking and committed to this festival.

Mudfest Promotion of Weekend Notes!

Our wonderful co-co-ordinator of reviewers here at Muddy Leaks has been blogging about Mudfest on Weekend Notes. Click on the link to read article!

Sponsorship Love

Are they not all darlings?

Sustainability Statement (Part 3)

This is getting more involved and more amazing. Go sustainability! Also worth noting again do contact us if you are impatient and want a look at the entire beastie in one go.

Donations needed to decorate tram-stop

Make your grandmother proud and donate your old knitted sweaters, woolen jumpers or any other cosy old clothes you have lying around to help decorate some tram-stops as part of Mudfest! We also need any yarn you might have and/or any bits of fabric (decent sized pieces). We are also on the lookout for a coffee table - not using yours anymore? moved house? stolen one recently (hush hush)? - and some teacup and saucer sets - I bet Nanna has chipped ones lying around she's not using.

You can drop them into the Arts Office (Level 1, Union House) or email production.mudfest@gmail.com to arrange alternative pickup/dropoff

Stay muddy!

x

A further incentive to volunteer!

... as if you needed one!


The Mudclub is a hub for the entire festival where artists and audience can relax, watch performances and enjoy the exciting creative atmosphere that only comes around every two years! The Mudclub is also hosting a number of special one-off performances, so volunteers you will not miss out on any festival magic.

What would we like from you? Not an arm and a leg. We know that people have lives to live, so each night of the festival has been broken up into three easy shifts. The shortest is 2.5 hours long, the longest is 3.5 hours. That's all! A timetable of available shifts will be sent out shortly for you all to pick and choose the times that best suit you. Easy!

If you do not have a current RSA but are interested in volunteering, please contact me.
 Many hands make light work and there will be a role for you! We have a bar to operate, but also a whole venue to fill with Muddy crowds, and the opportunities here and endless - we'd like roving performers, bar hands, a hospitality team... We'll welcome other ideas that you bring to the table. Please email the Mudfest information email with Attn SHARON in the subject line with any questions, concerns or for more information. If for some reason you are unable to volunteer, reply to this address to let me know.

How we will show our thanks - As if you needed more incentive! We will provide you with a certificate of participation, for those of you building up your experience in bar or hospitality work, and a Muddy tee!

Thank you all for your expressions of interest. Such events would not be possible without your contribution! I am looking forward to working with you all.

Note the bold!

Muddy Mondays and Massive Developments!

Well, today was a busy one for everyone involved in Mudfest. It has been a MAJOR day as well for everyone associated with the festival. So today

THE MUDFEST WEBSITE IS LIVE

and also dear patrons of the arts

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE.

It doesn't get more real than that!

Sustainability Statement (Part 2)

The next installment : BEHOLD!

Plus some bonus cuteness.

Sustainability Statement (Part 1)

Hi All,

We have just been provided with an AWESOME and very comprehensive Sustainability Statement for Mudfest 2011. So.... We are going to upload it as images in sections. This is the first section. Enjoy - it makes for v. interesting readings. There are copies of this available on request and artists will be provided with copy shortly. Email us or the sustainability collective with any enquiries.

Ushers Wanted! # 2

In an official leak from the Operations team we are pleased to announce that they have filled our first 3 of the over 150 usher positions for the festival (yay!)

Ushering is a great way to see shows and be involved in Mudfest this year! If people are interested in ushering or front of house managing they can email ushers.mudfest@gmail.com - it is quite important to register and get this all ready to go soon!

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR MUDCLUB!

Hello wonderful volunteers!

My name is Sharon, I am contacting you on behalf of Mudfest's highly-anticipated Mudclub!
Festival time is approaching, and we need fantastic volunteers to help us staff our soon-to-be-revealed venue.

The Mudclub is a hub for the entire festival where artists and audience can relax, watch performances and enjoy the exciting creative atmosphere that only comes around every two years! The Mudclub is also hosting a number of special one-off performances, so volunteers you will not miss out on any festival magic.

What would we like from you? Not an arm and a leg. We know that people have lives to live, so each night of the festival has been broken up into three easy shifts. The shortest is 2.5 hours long, the longest is 3.5 hours. That's all! A timetable of available shifts will be sent out shortly for you all to pick and choose the times that best suit you. Easy!

If you do not have a current RSA but are interested in volunteering, please contact me.
 Many hands make light work and there will be a role for you! We have a bar to operate, but also a whole venue to fill with Muddy crowds, and the opportunities here and endless - we'd like roving performers, bar hands, a hospitality team... I can be contacted on this email address info.mudfest@gmail.com- simply put 'Attn: SHARON' in the subject line with any questions, concerns or for more information. If for some reason you are unable to volunteer, simply reply to this address to let me know.

Thank you all for your expressions of interest. Such events would not be possible without your contribution! I am looking forward to working with you all!!

Benches?!

ATT: MUDFEST DIRECTORS/SET MASTERS AND MISTRESSES!!
I heard tell that other shows besides my own are utilizing PARK BENCHES -- if you're one of these shows, would you per chance mind sharing the love? Hit me up at sjloughnane@gmail.com, or through the Mudfest production team!

Artist Call Out for roving Performing-Art Piece!

Performers wanted for Mudfest roving performance-art piece!!

Close your eyes and go on a sensory journey of Melbourne University...
Diorama Theatre is searching for performers to participate in Eyes Wide Shut, a roving performance-art piece combining spoken word with Japanese dance-theatre Butoh and Improvisation techniques.
We’re looking for around ten performers to form an ensemble, taking the audience through a half-improvised “blind walk” of Melbourne University’s Parkville campus. Performers do not need experience in acting or performance art. However, what they do need is enthusiasm — bucket loads of it! — and willingness to try something new.

Rehearsals will consist of an intensive workshopping process, working on team-building and discovering the joy of "deep spontaneity" through sound and movement. Performers must commit to two rehearsals per week leading up to Mudfest, from July 25 to August 11, as well as a day trip out of Melbourne at a time to be later decided. They will then need to commit to an intensive rehearsal period in the week from August 12-18, and the performances during Mudfest, which will be at 12pm on certain days between the 19th and the 28th of August.

If you are interested please contact dioramatheatre@gmail.com, listing your name, phone number and availability times.

Ushers Wanted!

Hiya MudFest enthusiasts! Want to give back? Want to get to see some shows for FREE!?!?!? Are you a friendly and reliable person? Why not volunteer to be an Usher for MudFest 2011? Or if you are feeling extra keen, efficient and responsible, a Front of House Manager? There are lots of shifts available, first in best dressed! Email ushers.mudfest@gmail.com to express your interest and get more details.

Working Bee Photos Round 2

 M is for Mudfest!

THIS BUNTING IS INCREDIBLE!
....INCREDIBLE AND INCREDIBLY LONG!!!!.....

Working Bee Photos Round 1

It's been busybusybusy in the Arts Lab this week. Check out the amazing bunting done by the creative lovlies in the publicity collectives. More photos coming soon!!

A Very Special (un)Official Announcement

In some exciting news it has been revealed that the lovely Alison Croggon of Theatre Notes is going to be a sort-of-Ambassador for Mudfest 2011. This means that she will be attending and engaging with the works online. Check out her blog at:

http://theatrenotes.blogspot.com/

And stay tuned for some AWESOME Mufest related writing.

City Pigeons Theatre!

http://www.facebook.com/citypigeons

Check out the fb page of some of our very own Mudfest Artists.

Like them to stay tuned for updates on their show Dead Funny which is not ony in Mudfest but in the Melbourne Fringe this year as well!!

24 HOUR MUSICAL CALLOUT!

COMPOSERS, DIRECTORS, CHOREOGRAPHERS, ACTORS, SINGERS, TECHIES AND SHOW PEOPLE OF ALL KINDS WANTED!

 

24!

 

The 24 Hour Musical, a MUDFEST produced event, is looking for a cast and crew to write, compose, act and create a musical in 24 hours. Obviously there will be minimal rehearsal time required - just one day in August where you can commit ...as many or as little hours as you want. Please personal message me if you are interested. In particular, I'm looking to find a Production Manager, Head Director, rehearsal pianist and Musical Director/Composer.

Will be lots of fun with lots of red bull and frivolity.

Please contact Anna through the Mudfest Arts FB site.

MUDDY WORKING BEE!!

As Mudfest 2011 is entirely paper-free, we need to get crafty with the publicity for the festival and each individual show, so the Mudfest team will be hosting a working bee from 10am-4pm on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July (during o-week). Bring: friends and any crafty supplies you have at home! In the Arts Lab in Union House.

So far we are planning:
- Stencils fo...r chalking around the campuses
- TShirt/other fabulous outfit making
- Bunting!
- Making the information booth, which will hopefully be mobile
- Boards for event listings at venues
- Anything else we can think of!

[PS: Just to be clear, the working bee runs from 10-4 on Monday and Tuesday. It's not a 30 hour event, as appealing as that may be.]

IT WILL BE MARVELOUS AND FANTASTIC AND WONDERFUL AND AMAZING. SO COME!!! X

Director Required

"Looking for a director for a short play, accepted as part of Tastings in Mudfest at Melb Uni.

You get to direct a new work and be mentored by the fabulous Declan Greene!

Small time commitment (a few rehearsals and one performance).

Send me a message for more info."

Posted by Mattie Young on our facebook. Reply to her there!!

Techie's Required for Mudfest Shows!

TECHIES REQUIRED!!

We're looking for enthusiastic, capable sound and light technicians to handle two of Mudfest's final shows, Edward Albee's 'The Zoo Story' and ROC 'UM's 'iQuest: the musical'. Over the week ...23-27th August, you'll get to run both the absurdist lights and sounds for Zoo Story as well as the energetic, vibrant rock opera designs for iQuest.

This is a one- off opportunity for a creative, experienced individual looking for something different. An experienced sound technician who is familiar with live electronic bands and wireless mic packs will be needed.

Please email your interest at sjloughnane@gmail.com and roc.unimelb@gmail.com

Overheard.

"I really don't like pop music, it makes me depressed."

(Uttered by someone who lists Leonard Cohen in her favourite artists)

Another Call Out!

'Is This Too Framed?' A directed reading is after fashion/costume designers or artists that are interested in designing for part of the show COMPLETELY on paper. With a directed reading there is little opportunity to have costumes fully realised on the stage, however this gives you a wonderful flexibility in designing as you do not have the pressure to sew/model the design. How might you make a lobster tail? Cubist body suits? Manic hats? Is part of the design process true, but we want to catch your idea at the Genesis.

Email us here at muddyleaks@gmail.com and we can forward your interest.

Splash!

It's the Mudfest footer!

Did you know?

Did you know that if you accidently type Mudd Leaks (instead of Muddy Leaks) into Google all that comes up are lists of references to Rudd Leaks!

Mudfest? Make that RUDFEST!

HALF-WAY THERE!

We have had a fabulous response from would-be reviewers for Muddy Leaks and Mudfest! We are however still looking for more. With such a jam-packed and AWESOME line-up in the program this year we need at least 10 reviewers, and other documentary crew to get out, get involved and totally blog the life of the festival. Not only will this rescource be great for your own writing/reviewing experience but you will be helping both the artists and the organisers of the festival and future festivals. Woo! For prosterity!

So in light of all this, there was a further call-out for more lovely interested people to go into followspot this week. But where is Followspot this week? Hmmmmm.... Not sure. Anyway, please send your interest to muddyleaks@gmail.com and we will be in touch.

Two More Exciting Mudfest Opportunities!

ACTORS WANTED FOR MUDFEST SHORT:

At least two actors prepared to embrace the magic of Eurovision in ways that have never before been considered. ** Waiting. For. Eurovision.** is a short and affectionate pastiche by Tilly Lunken that blends the dramatic imagery of Samuel Beckett with other more contemporary (melo) dramatic imagery. Songs composed by Matthew Laccoria (and are mindblowingly INCREDIBLE). Show is part of the Mudfest 2011 Festival, will travel across two venues and generally be low-tech and adaptly awesome.
"...Wait, so this is a play where everything happens twice, all under the required limit of a 3min song?"

Any other creatives are also welcome to apply, oh and if you are into puppets also drop us a line for more info: muddyleaks@gmail.com and we can pass along your enquiry.

TASTINGS: Curtain Call.

Two actors required for Tastings show in Mudfest 2011 as well as a designer. Tastings is a unique opportunity to participate in a show that has professional mentorship and this show has a great director lined up as well as interesting characters to play. Is it possible to reduce a life into 20 mins?

"It’s washing day and the play is written by Gracie, as she remembers to forget."

Please email interest to muddyleaks@gmail.com and we can pass along your enquiry.

MUDfest and the Farrago Round 2

From the last Mudfest Report:

“Media Collective

The Media Collective were contacted as soon as they were elected and met with re both supporting MUDFEST in farrago as well as possible project as they could run, either be they media or writing.

While initially highly responsive to promoting they were not interested in doing anything that distracted from their core work project wise despite repeated attempts to take the majority of the work off of them.

Their promotion of the festival was also poor, on occasions failing to put in agreed copy or advert due to ‘space restrictions’. I spent a lot of time communicating with the editors of farrago for little result and do feel the lack of MUDFEST presence in farrago was a key loss in publicity terms and in festival engagement”

Now for some much better news for Mudfest this year!

This year as previously mentioned Farrago has covered Mudfest 2011! They are also generally being gorgeous and following us on our twitter and facebook etc. It seems that there is a good working relationship between the arts officers and the editors this year so fingers crossed for HEAPS more publicity. Esp. as a paper free festival needs all the cross-promotional help it can get!

There is also a very pretty advertisement on the backpage of the current issue.

GO PICK IT UP NOW AND READ IT.

Call to audition -- Edward Albee's THE ZOO STORY

Meet Peter: a Madison Avenue chap of reputation and distinction. Two kids, a loving wife, a parakeet, a picket fence…

Meet Jerry: he’s been to the zoo. And because of what happened there, he’s going to be on the news tomorrow.
...

…do you want to hear? What Jerry did at the zoo?

Set in an America on the cusp of cultural and spiritual renewal at the dawn of the 60s, when the spirit of revolution was a mere nipping at the heels of the Man in the Grey Flannel Suit by beatniks and burnouts. The 1958 debut one-act play of Edward Albee – author of the seminal Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – is both bloody-minded and raw: a cautionary tale about the dangers of snap judgements, strangers and silence.
Needed: Two male actors.

PETER/THE DOG (dual role): A man in his early forties. Typical 1950s Madison Avenue type. A family man, works in publishing. Although he is moving into middle age, his dress and his manner would suggest a man younger. / A rabid, mistreated pet dog.

JERRY: Late thirties. A wearied beatnik and wanderer, unemployed.

Actors attending auditions WILL NEED:
- A short contemporary monologue that showcases both the comedic and the dramatic. A couple of minutes long is sufficient.
- A CV and headshot (if available).
Callbacks will likely occur in the afternoon, so actors should also be prepared to stay for the length of the auditions!
Good luck and hope to see you there!