News

WHAT: Shaun Parker & Company are seeking 15 professional dancers for a new project to be performed on Tuesday September 26^th in Sydney.

DANCER REQUIREMENTS:

• Dancers should be capable of picking up choreography quickly with excellent performance skills, musicality and rhythmic timing.
• Dancers must be Sydney based.
• Dancers trained in contemporary dance and hip hop are particularly encouraged to apply.

DATES: If successful, you MUST be fully available for the following times and dates:

9am-6pm Monday September 11 – Friday September 15 (rehearsals)

9am-6pm Monday September 18 – Friday September 22(rehearsals)

9am-9pm Monday September 25 (Tech rehearsal)

9am-10pm Tuesday September 26 (Tech/Dress rehearsal and Performance)

AUDITION TIMES: There will 3 audition time slots to choose from. Please confirm which sessions you are available to audition in your email application. You will need to be available for the entire duration of the audition session you select. Please select as many as possible as we will allocate you an audition slot. The audition session times are:

• 9am-12pm on Thursday August 3^rd
• 1pm-4pm on Thursday August 3^rd
• 5:30pm-9pm on Saturday August 5^th

PAY: All successful dancers will be contracted as a Sydney based employee of Shaun Parker & Company and will be paid industry award wages, including superannuation for all rehearsals and performance. All dancers will be covered by the Shaun Parker & Company worker’s compensation and insurance.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email your CV, head shot, 1 minute video link of your dancing (YouTube or Vimeo) and preferred audition times to admin@shaunparkercompany.com by 5pm on Tuesday August 1^st

*Your 1-minute video should clearly show your skills as a dancer. Videos featuring you performing as an individual are strongly encouraged instead of amongst a group, so you can be clearly identifiable.

Successful auditionees will be notified on August 2nd and will be provided with the audition location and audition session you will be required to attend.

ROLE: STAGE MANAGER FOR EUROPEAN TOUR

DATES: 5^th June 2023 – 16^th July 2023

LOCATION: 

Sydney: 5^th June – 9^th June

Touring – Germany, Luxembourg and Italy: 12^th June – 15^th July

PAY: $1,250 p/w + superannuation

ALLOWANCES: accommodation, per diems, and travel arrangements, in line with the Pay Guide – Live Performance Award 2023.

THE ROLE

We’re looking for an experienced Stage Manager to work with the company for the European Tour of major dance-theatre work – KING. The Stage Manager will spend a week in the rehearsal studio with the company to learn the show and assist the Production Manager.  The company will then tour to Europe, with the Stage Manager coming an integral part in ensuring the smooth delivery of the tour and all performances. The Stage Manager’s direct report will be the Production Manager.

THE SHOW

Originally premiering in 2019, KING is a largescale dance-theatre work featuring nine dancers plus a live, on-stage singer. It is an interrogation of masculinity, homosexuality and homophobia and the innate power dynamics that exist within patriarchal structures. Created by Shaun Parker and composer Ivo Dimchev (who performs in the show), KING recently completed a six-show season as part of Sydney WorldPride 2023, earning rave critical reviews. The upcoming European tour marks SP&Co’s first international tour since the pandemic, having previously toured to 21 countries across five continents.

THE COMPANY

Shaun Parker & Company (SP&Co) is one of Australia’s preeminent dance-theatre companies, touring nationally and internationally to critical acclaim. Overseen by Artistic Director and CEO Shaun Parker, the company creates daring, narrative driven works featuring original scores and Shaun’s world-renowned choreographic style.

The Stage Manager’s Responsibilities include:

• Calling the show during the season
• Assisting with bump-in, bump-out and auditorium set-up
• Working with the Production Manager, lighting and sound designers, and venue technicians to ensure the highest quality presentation
• Sourcing and booking any additional or special equipment needed for the season, as directed by the Production Manager
• In collaboration with the Tour Manager, coordinating all logistics and company movements for the tour
• Ensuring health and safety protocols are adhered to at all times
• Completing any incident report forms if required
• Keeping and submitting detailed show reports in a timely fashion
• Working closely with the venue, suppliers and other external partners
• Assisting the dancers with costumes, wardrobe, and any other show-related issues
• Remaining calm under pressure and problem solving during performances to swiftly overcome any unforeseen hurdles

Key Attributes:

• Proven experience stage-managing large-scale dance, theatre and music productions
• Strong working knowledge of technical requirements for dance and live music performances
• A positive, solutions focused attitude
• Calm and clear response when working under pressure during touring
• Available for all the below dates, noting that the shows take place in the evening and on weekends
• Driver’s license
• Right to work in Australia
• Experience working on performances within a festival context (desirable)
• International touring experience (desirable)
• A valid Australian Passport with at least 6 months validity still available

KEY DATES

5 June – 9 June: Rehearsals in Sydney

12 June: Company flies to Germany

13 June – 27 June: Performances in Germany and Luxembourg

28 June – 11 July: Break in tour

12 July – 14 July: Performances in Italy

15 July: Company flies home to Australia

We are happy to discuss a flight buy-out for the return journey to Australia, should the candidate wish to stay in Europe(Summer in Europe) after their contract has ended.

For queries and to submit an application please email a CV and covering letter to:

admin@shaunparkercompany.com with ‘Stage Manager Application’ as the subject line.

Due date for applications:  Friday 28^th April, 2023

Thank you!

Shaun Parker & Company are proud to be performing FOUND OBJECTS as part of Brisbane Festival 2022.

All performances are FREE to attend. We will be performing at 4 different venues over 4 days from Sept 17-20.

Saturday Sept 17^th

Brisbane Serenades – Moorooka Block Party

Shaun Parker & Company will be performing two 30 minute performances of FOUND OBJECTS from

3:00-3:30pm

4:30-5:00pm

Address: Pegg’s Park, Moorooka

https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/whats-on/2022/brisbane-serenades-moorooka-block-party

Sunday Sept 18^th

BOQ Festival Garden – Southbank

Shaun Parker & Company will be performing four 20 minute HOVER performances from

1:00-1:20pm      Wheel of Brisbane

2:00-2:20pm     Clem Jones Promenade near Southbank Piazza

3:00-3:20pm     Wheel of Brisbane

4:00-4:20pm     Clem Jones Promenade near Southbank Piazza

Address: 410 Stanley street, Southbank

Monday Sept 19^th

Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program – Brisbane City Hall

Shaun Parker & Company will be performing two full length performances of FOUND OBJECTS from

10:00-10:50am

1:00-1:50pm

Address: 64 Adelaide street, Brisbane City

https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/whats-on/2022/lord-mayors-childrens-event-found-objects

Tuesday Sept 20^th

Northshore Precinct

Shaun Parker & Company will be performing a full length performance of FOUND OBJECTS from

5:30-6:20pm

and 30 minute performance of FOUND OBJECTS from

7:30-8:00pm

Address: Maritime Green, Dock C, 147A MacArthur Ave, Hamilton

Shaun Parker & Company would like to extend an opportunity to contemporary dance performers to apply to participate in our upcoming LAUNCH – Intensive Workshop Week.

Shaun Parker has developed a holistic 5 day program that provides participants with a rare opportunity to experience an insight into working with Shaun Parker & Company. Throughout the 5 days participants will learn repertoire from the company and undertake classes with company dancers in Contemporary dance, Hip hop, Yoga and Tutting. Shaun Parker will lead sessions for tasking, dance making and dramaturgy, giving participants a valuable insight into his artistic process.  The program is a perfect ‘Secondment Week’ for future graduates, and is set up to be like ’working day to day’ in the Company.

LAUNCH will be held in Sydney from 8am-4pm each day from Monday August 29^th to Friday September 2^nd. The classes and training will take place at AMPA – Performing Arts Centre, 4/85-91 O’Riordan street, Alexandria, NSW.

To make this LAUNCH – Intensive Workshop Week possible, we will need to charge $250 per participant. We understand the financial challenges of emerging dance professionals and have tried our best to make this valuable opportunity as affordable as possible, and the program is heavily subsidised from our end. Selected participants will need to fund their own transport and accommodation for this opportunity.

To apply, email your name, contact details, 1 page CV, headshot and showreel (5 minutes max) to joel@shaunparkercompany.com by midnight on Friday July 15^th.

If you have any questions or would like more information please email Joel.

THE BOX  is a new, 10-minute, experiential, immersive work for an audience of just four people, in which shards of light are as closely choreographed as flinging bodies. Taking place inside an ordinary shipping container, the audience is led inside and asked to stand within a fluorescent tape square. Once inside, the doors are slammed shut and they are plunged into darkness. What ensues is an experience of light and movement as the dancers, who seem to appear out of nowhere, take the spectators on a journey through exposure and denial of lighting effects.

Complete with muted sound devices and a ‘safe word’, THE BOX is not for the faint-hearted.

Click HERE to book your ticket.

Performance Maker Felicity Nicol, together with seasoned choreographer and deviser, Shaun Parker – are on the hunt for four dancers who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, for a forthcoming creative development. Nicol is creating a new performance work, to be performed during Sydney World Pride in 2023. Nicol will be working with actors, dancers and community activists to develop a dynamic, verbatim performance titled, POLITICAL ANIMALS.

Dancers will be required from Monday- Saturday, April 4 – 9, 2022 at Petersham Town Hall. Dancers will work with Nicol and movement associate – Shaun Parker. The week’s development will culminate with a work-in-progress viewing for invited industry. The contract will be as per MEAA industry standards & LPA.

CASTING INFORMATION

If interested, please send your headshot, one page CV and a 5-min edited video link of your dance work to Shaun Parker at  admin@shaunparkercompany.com

Please title the email  AUDITION: POLITICAL ANIMALS

Due Date:      Wed 23^rd February, 2022

SYNOPSIS & DESCRIPTION

POLITICAL ANIMALS is an intergenerational conversation between Queer Australians. It’s a theatrical & historical exploration of the role of protests, parties, politics and the personal within the LGBTQIA+ community. Beginning with the creation of CAMP (Campaign Against Moral Persecution) & ending with Marriage Equality, PA is 50yrs in the making. Part history lesson, part political protest, part party, POLITICAL ANIMALS unveils the Australian fight for Queer rights & key moments – fabulous & fugly – along the way.

 A MULTI-LAYERED, SOCIALLY-ENGAGED PERFORMANCE.

Combining non-actors – 78ers (who marched in the first Mardi Gras in 1978) & rainbow youth – performers & dancers, PA draws inspiration from verbatim materials (Hansard transcripts, photos, Queer & pop culture), elements of sound & movement to elevate this history into a dynamic performance.

Supported by a script that highlights chronological milestones from the Australian Queer movement, and interspersed with snippets of personal stories from those interviewed – this compelling performance will continuously contextualise history as human.

POLITICAL ANIMALS will acknowledge the importance of Australian Queer history during a once-in-a-lifetime moment. With all eyes on Sydney, POLICITAL ANIMALS will premiere at Sydney’s 2023 World Pride Festival. In so doing, it brings together scattered stories and lore which would otherwise be lost. POLICTICAL ANIMALS gifts audiences with a wholistic slice of significant Australian Queer history and a richer understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and community.

Shaun Parker is returning to his hometown of Mildura for a two-week residency! With free performances of the award-winning TROLLEYS, free yoga classes and Hip-Hop workshops plus a competition to find Mildura’s best dance crew, SP&Co is giving back to the town where it all started! This residency is kindly supported by the Australia Council for the Arts, Create NSW, and the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government Culture & Arts initiative and  Mildura Rural City Council. 

THE RESIDENCY

• Free performances of the award-winning TROLLEYS at Langtree Mall (Free – No booking required)
• Free Hip-Hop workshops (Free – Booking link)
• Free yoga lessons (Free – Booking link)
• Hip-hop competition (See details below)

SHAUN PARKER & COMPANY IN MILDURA HIP-HOP DANCE COMPETITION

Are you a dancer or in a dance crew performing Hip-Hop or Jazz?
Are you creating your own routines or performing original choreography created by someone else? If yes – this competition is for you.
World-renowned and award-winning dancer and choreographer Shaun Parker, who was born and raised in Mildura before creating and performing around the world, is back in his hometown for a special two-week residency.
As part of the residency, Shaun Parker will be running a dance competition looking for the best dance talent in the Mildura region.

TO ENTER, YOU MUST . . .

• Be a dance group (5 or more) or dance crew performing original work
• Be creating Hip-Hop or Jazz style dance pieces
• Be available to perform at Langtree Mall, Mildura, on Saturday October 9th (heats) and Saturday October 15th (final)

HOW TO ENTER

Send an email to projects@shaunparkercompany.com by Monday 4th October 5 pm including:

• Subject: Mildura Dance Competition
• 3-5 minute video of your crew performing an original routine (this does not need to be a professional video – it can be filmed on your phone or laptop – as long as the visuals are clear)
• Your names, ages, and contact details
• The name and contact details of your parent or guardian if you are under 16

HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS

• Shaun will choose the top five performances from the applications sent, with the shortlisted performers being contacted via email on Tuesday 6th October by 5pm.
• Saturday 9th October. The top five will perform at Langtree Mall, Mildura, from 11:30. Shaun will then choose the top three to go through to the finals.
• Saturday 15th October. The top three will perform in the finals, with Shaun choosing the winner.

PRIZES
1st Prize – $1,000
2nd Prize – $500
3rd Prize – $250

Shaun Parker & Company is among the fifteen NSW businesses to be recognised at the 2020 Premier’s NSW Resilient Export Awards luncheon. The Premier’s NSW Export Awards have honoured the achievements of outstanding local exporters for the past 57 years. In 2020, the NSW Government adapted the awards program as a platform to celebrate and promote stories of resilience, perseverance and adapting under pressure from the NSW export community.

The Export Council of Australia highlighted the company’s achievements in the business profile: “Shaun Parker & Company is … one of Australia’s leading exporters of contemporary dance theatre. Its works are renowned for their stimulating choreographic forms, arresting musical scores, and theatrical invention, and it also delivers an extensive range of education and community engagement programs.”

Facing the post-pandemic new normal, our company will continue to evolve and produce innovative new works, such as IN THE ZONE, TROLLEYS ON THE ROAD, and HOVER, which will go on national touring in 2021. We look forward to sharing our performances with international audiences again soon!

Find more about 2020 Premier’s NSW Resilient Export Awards.

Following a series of extensive creative development at Inner West EDGE Greenway Festival and Redbox, TROLLEYS  ON THE ROAD will go on a national tour in Australia in July.

This tour will see the presentation of an extant version of the company’s multi-award-winning outdoor spectacle Trolleys, brand new FOUND OBJECTS solo works, and innovative HOVER group dance.  These COVID-safe performances will tour through HOTA Gold Coast, Progress Festival at the Monash University in Melbourne, Darwin Festival, EDGE Sydenham Festival in Sydney, Canberra Theatre Centre, Shoalhaven, Darling Square Sydney, before finally finishing in the Artistic Director’s hometown Mildura. Associated public engagement programs will also take place at each touring destination.

Detailed touring information will be announced soon!

After a successful world premiere at the Seymour Centre last September, Shaun Parker & Company’s critically acclaimed solo dance performance IN THE ZONE returns in 2021 for a national tour thanks to the support by Playing Australia: Regional Performing Arts Touring Fund.

Tour Dates include: 

(Click on the link of each venue for detailed program and booking information)

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre | 12 – 15 May  

DREAM BIG Festival, Adelaide | 22 – 23 May  

Forge Theatre, Bairnsdale | 25 May  

Riverside Theatres Parramatta | 1 June  

Cowra Civic Centre | 4 June  

Darwin Entertainment Centre | 11 -12 June  

Red Earth Arts Centre, Karratha | 18 June  

Esperance Civic Centre| 22 June   

From 16 April to 9 May 2021, artistic director Shaun Parker and four of our outstanding dancers will be developing HOVER and brand new FOUND OBJECTS solos in situ in our shipping containers and along the Hawthorne canal! We will be celebrating the nature and creativity of Inner West along with visual artists, musicians, photographers, animators, sculptors … and many more!

Do not miss out on this fantastic immersive arts experience. For more information, visit Inner West EDGE GreenWay 2021 website.

Shaun Parker & Company is kicking off its 2021 programme with outdoor pop-up shows PANTSULA & HOVER  at Gateway Sydney this Friday!

Where:  Outside Gateway Sydney, 1 Alfred St, Circular Quay

When: 12 pm to 3 pm 

Dates: Friday 22, Monday 25 Jan to Saturday 30 Jan 2021 (excl. Tuesday 26)

Four outstanding dancers – Sam Beazley, Libby Montilla, Joel Fenton, and Romain Hassanin – will perform exciting and innovative dance on hoverboards while Thuba Ndibali will show off his brilliant afrobeat Pantsula dance.  Do not miss this brand-new performance featuring some of Australia’s very best dancers on the street!

PANTSULA & HOVER is the beginning of many more imaginative projects to launch this year. This program is presented with our partner Dexus (Gateway Sydney) and is funded by Create NSW through ‘Play The City’ grant. With live performances likely to face restrictions in the foreseeable future, the company is dedicated to offering innovative solutions to revive our industry and bring joy to our community through these COVID-safe ‘pop-up’ performances.

This COVID-safe, family-friendly, free outdoor program is an excellent opportunity for you and your family/friends to enjoy energetic dance performances while social distancing restrictions still heavily impact our lives.

We look forward to seeing you at Gateway!

PANTSULA & HOVER is part of ‘Summer Days at Gateway’ program and is supported by Create NSW through ‘Play the City’ Grant.

We are looking for a vibrant, energetic and creative Executive Producer who is looking to join us and grow with the success of the Company.

The Executive Producer will drive the strategic management of the Company and oversee the delivery of its artistic programs. Reporting directly to the Artistic Director & CEO (Shaun Parker), the Executive Producer supports Shaun Parker’s artistic vision with strong creative producing skills to generate and implement the Company’s repertoire of world-class work at a national and international level.

Features of the role

• Lead the Creative Producing of the Company’s new works in development.
• Work with a creative arts organisation with established infrastructure and support including already-secured medium-term funding from Create NSW, and a diverse, experienced and supportive Board committed to agility, pace, practicality and innovation.
• Collaborate with and get exposure to national and international networks, with the potential for regular international (post-Covid) trips to Arts Markets or like forums.
• Contribute to leading an organisation to produce and tour Shaun Parker’s works across Australia and to the international stage.
• Shape and drive societal impact through the education and development of youth.
• Working with our outstanding dancers and creatives over a range of projects.
• Supported by direct-reports full-time Project Co-Ordinator, part-time Project Producer, Consultant Finance Manager, Consultant Publicist, Bookkeeper, and Graphic Designer.

Key Accountabilities

Creative Producing:

• Identify, develop, negotiate, and produce new works, artistic programs, and tours (national, and international).
• Identify and drive new presentation opportunities and income streams for the Company and to generate sustainable income from the Company’s repertoire of work.
• Coordinate the delivery of all relevant activities and resources involved in the Shaun Parker and & Company program’s successful delivery.
• Manage contract preparation, negotiation and execution.
• Develop and implement the Company’s international market development strategy in consultation with the Artistic Director/CEO.

Stakeholder and Public Relations:

• Build and maintain relationships with presenters, stakeholders, partners, and collaborators; cultivate and maintain relationships with national and international venues, agencies, and festivals.
• Maintain and build advantageous relationships with other organisations to enable partnerships that help meet and/or enhance the Company’s objectives.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive engagement and communication strategy to grow relationships with key stakeholders within the private sector, government, non-government agencies, donors, sponsors, and philanthropists to further promote and develop the Company and its programs.

Governance & Financial Management:

• Provide high-level advice and guidance to ensure the Company’s effective administration, governance, and operation.

• Oversee financial management of the Company’s operations: develop and manage annual organisational and project budgets; supervise finance staff; coordinate financial reporting, and annual audit.
• Attend Board meetings where required, reporting on organisational activities, programs, financial status, and progress against strategic objectives and any issues affecting the operations of the Company.
• Manage relationships with key funders (Australia Council and Create NSW) and manage grant submission agendas; prepare or oversee funding submissions and acquittals for government, philanthropic, partner, and sponsor organisations.

Marketing and Communications:

• Ensure that the organisation develops and maintains a strong contemporary brand by overseeing all aspects of marketing and communications including digital marketing strategies.
• Ensure the delivery of marketing strategies that develop audiences and drive ticket sales.
• Ensure the Company’s positioning and communications deliver a consistent brand message.
• Manage the Graphic Designer and PR/Social Media consultants where required.

Key Criteria

The Executive Producer should possess:

• Extensive experience and proven track record in creative producing performing arts productions and programming.
• Experience in touring performing arts productions, nationally and internationally, and a network of relevant contacts both in Australia and overseas.
• Extensive track record of securing arts funding with excellent grant writing skills.
• Senior management experience at an executive level.
• Proven expertise in budgeting and financial management.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Experience in negotiating contracts with artists, partners and venue management.
• Strong understanding of the technical aspects of theatrical productions.
• Experience in developing marketing and publicity strategies and in briefing consultants.
• Proven ability to identify and negotiate program funding opportunities in both government and private sectors.
• Ability to represent the Company in a wide range of contexts.
• A commitment to the principles of inclusive ways of working and equal opportunities.
• Experience working collaboratively, managing and leading small teams.
• A high level of autonomy, personal integrity and demonstrated good judgement.
• A vibrant, energetic and pro-active personality, who has a positive and solutions-based management style with other staff.
• Strong creative producing skills to deliver Shaun Parker’s singular and world-class artistic vision.

Date of commencement:   Flexible – In consultation with successful applicant.

Salary:  

-Negotiated based on experience and track record

-Potential of bonuses based on % of successful grant/philanthropy funding

For queries and to submit an application please email us:

-CV, a covering letter, and a document outlining how you meet each of the Key Criteria.

Email to:  jobs@shaunparkercompany.com by 5:00 PM March 12th 2020 Eastern Standard Time (EST).

We are thrilled to announce that we have secured Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Funding to support our incredible outdoor work TROLLEYS to be presented, along with new works, as part of a fourteen week COVID-Safe tour of TROLLEYS – On the Road. Look out for us in 2021 on the Gold Coast in QLD,  Monash University in Melbourne, VIC, Nowra in the Shoalhaven in NSW, Canberra in the ACT, Darwin in the NT and Sydney.  Sincere thanks to the Australian Government’s Office for the Arts for their generous support.

Are you subscribed to receive our bi-monthly e-news?  We have just released our November edition which includes information on The Yard school touring in 2021, the success of TOMORROW by Queer Bites mentee JamarzOnMarz and our SYDNEY MOVES: Pantsula with Thuba Ndibali dance workshops which you can still participate in, until 22 December 2020.  Enjoy.

And if you aren’t already subscribed to our e-news, you can easily do so from the landing page of this website.

Directed and choreographed by our own Shaun Parker, the TOMORROW  video fuses high-end dance narratives with pop culture to share this rapper’s personal experiences with discrimination and coming out. Several artists featured in this video are past participants of Shaun Parker & Company’s Queer Bites mentorship program, which supports emerging LGBTQIA+ identifying artists. Check out TOMORROW now.

And thanks SYDNEY ARTS GUIDE for the great article!

The Yard, winner of the Australian Dance Award for Youth and Community Dance, has been inspiring students across NSW since 2011. We are thrilled to announce that this outstanding anti-bullying school incursion program will tour into schools in Sydney from 15 to 23 March 2021, in the lead-up to the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

This work navigates key social issues such as bullying, social exclusion, peer pressure and emotional resilience for students of all ages. Our one-hour school incursion program includes the performance, a curated Q&A, access to Free Education Resource and an optional TUT dance workshop led by our outstanding dancers.

Limited sessions are available so we encourage you to BOOK NOW

For further information, please email projects@shaunparkercompany.com

It’s been one month since Shaun Parker & Company presented IN THE ZONE to a live audience and over 7000 students across Australia via livestream. This review by Alice Stafford in Honi Soit beautifully summarises our hope for the revival of live arts: “a hypnotic piece of solo dance theatre that marks a triumphant return of live performance to the Seymour Centre… Interdisciplinary, experimental work is symbolic of the fact that the arts must collaborate to survive. Australian artists have spent six months in lockdown – and finally, the curtains have reopened.”

Libby Montilla, who performs IN THE ZONE, shares his experience working on the show and his inspiring journey from a self-taught hip hop dancer to the key collaborator with Shaun Parker & Company!

And in case you missed it, you can still book to access the IN THE ZONE Live Stream footage here.

We’ve received some wonderful feedback and reviews following our IN THE ZONE live stream to more than 7000 viewers across Australia and two live performances at the York Theatre, Seymour Centre from 18  – 19 September 2020.  Thanks to Dance Australia and Honi Soit!

We’re now planning national touring of IN THE ZONE in May/June 2021.   To express your interest in seeing us perform IN THE ZONE at a venue, school or community centre in your region, please email Beverly Growden, Executive Director.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the IN THE ZONE Live Stream or live performances at the Seymour Centre on 18 & 19 Sept.  In case you missed it, here is our InTheZone_Digital_Program for your enjoyment.  And we encourage you to send any feedback and images of you and others watching IN THE ZONE to admin@shaunparkercompany.com

Read all about it!  Our Artistic Director/CEO and internationally renowned choreographer Shaun Parker was recently interviewed by the SaturdayPaper about his practice, the Company’s ten year anniversary in 2020 and our forthcoming season of IN THE ZONEat the York Theatre, Seymour Centre from 18 – 19 Sept. Thanks to Kate Holden from the SaturdayPaper.  Enjoy!

We can’t wait to see Libby Montilla performing IN THE ZONE via Live Stream at 10am this Friday 18 Sept for viewers across Australia and then for live audiences at 7pm on Friday 18 Sept  and at 10am on Saturday 19 Sept.  There’s limited seating in the York Theatre, Seymour Centre due to social distancing requirements, so if you haven’t booked already, BOOK NOW!

We’re bringing IN THE ZONE to you via Live Stream from the Seymour Centre, Sydney.

10am on Friday 18 September 2020

Hip-hop dance meets gaming technology in this ground-breaking new work. Conceived by Shaun Parker and digital sound designer Alon Ilsar, IN THE ZONE is fun and exciting dance theatre. It’s most suitable for young audiences and explores themes around technology, man-made global warming, personal choice and resilience.

BOOK NOW

Your booking will allow you to access the Live Stream video footage for up to 7 days after the event, to 25 Sept 2020.  With support from Create NSW, the Australia Council and our generous donors, we’re providing this IN THE ZONE Live Stream FREE for all regional NSW schools.  Sydney schools can book their Entire School at discounted rates, including a very special rate for Low SES schools. Schools will receive our FREE Education Resource, FREE access to a one-hour Hip-hop workshop with Libby Montilla for their student viewers – and it’s FREE for teachers and carers to view.

Shaun Parker & Company is very proud to have been selected to showcase our latest work for young audiences IN THE ZONE  for the International Tanzmesse in Dusseldorf Germany in August.  Unfortunately due to COVID-19 this event is not going ahead.  However, they have recently published their fantastic ONLINE PROGRAM and we are the only Australian company featured.  We hope that we’ll have the opportunity to attend and showcase new Australian work at the next International Tanzmesse.

We know it’s hard for regional NSW schools to plan an excursion right now due to COVID-19, especially a trip to Sydney to see IN THE ZONE when it’s performed at the Seymour Centre from 16th to 19th September 2020.  So…we’re coming to you.

If you teach in regional NSW, you and your students will be able to enjoy our first ever live streamed performance of IN THE ZONE  for FREE!

BOOK NOW or make an enquiry by contacting us by email.

Hip-hop dance meets gaming technology in this groundbreaking new work.  Conceived by Shaun Parker and digital sound designer Alon Ilsar, IN THE ZONE is fun and exciting dance theatre.  It will empower you and your students to consider themes such as technology, man-made global warming, personal choice and resilience. And we have a FREE curriculum-linked Education Resource to help explore its themes with your students.

We can also live-stream a 1 hour IN THE ZONE Online Workshop with Libby Montilla directly to you and your students in the classroom after the show.  Costs apply.  Enquire now.

Winter is here and we’re presenting a new series of interactive, energetic and fun dance workshops for young people aged 8 -18 years.  Now is the time to sign up!

These dance training and development workshops cover a range of dance styles and are led by some of our most popular and skilful professional dancers..  Participants will improve their dance skills and confidence. The classes are small, interactive and inspiring for each participant who attends.

Participants can attend ONLINE or IN PERSON.  Apply your NSW Government Creative Kids Voucher when booking and save $100!

SYDNEY MOVES is supported by the City of Sydney.

Read more about SYDNEY MOVES in our June E-News.

Thanks to all who participated in Electro-Pop Online, supported by the City of Sydney. If you were a part of Electro-Pop online, we’d appreciate your feedback. Please complete our ELECTRO-POP ONLINE SURVEY. Your feedback is always valuable when planning future projects.

Have you been receiving our bi-monthly e-newsletter? If not, subscribe today through our website.

In the mean-time, read our APRIL issue to find out all about our new Online Programs.

We’re inviting you to Zoom in to learn Electro-Pop moves during our new FREE one-hour dance workshops with hip hop dancer Libby Montilla. Learn new sections from Shaun Parker’s Electro Pop dance choreography daily and develop your own 8-count choreographed signature Electro Pop dance move. On the final day, all of the participants will perform online and showcase their very own Electro-Pop move.

Electro-Pop Online is supported by the City of Sydney and it’s recommended for young people aged 12 – 24 years (but anyone can join in).

Our new IN THE ZONE Online after-school workshop program is now open for bookings through the Seymour Centre. These weekly one-hour dance workshops with Western Sydney hip hop dancer Libby Montilla will allow participants to develop their skills and experience in HIP HOP and TUTTING and POPPING which feature in our new work IN THE ZONE. Participants will able to directly interact directly with Libby Montilla throughout each workshop session.

These workshops are suitable for young people aged 8 – 18 years. There’s two sessions available each week, right across Term 2 as follows:

WORKSHOP ONE
5.00pm to 6.00pm weekly from Thursday 30 April to Thursday 2 July 2020
Recommended Ages: 8 – 12 years

WORKSHOP TWO
6.30 to 7.30pm weekly from Thursday 30 April to Thursday 2 July 2020
Recommended Ages: 13-18 years

A Zoom link will be emailed to participants at least one hour prior to each workshop session.

Each participant who books for the Creative Kids 10 session package will receive a free ticket to see IN THE ZONE performed by Libby Montilla at the York Theatre, Seymour Centre at 10am on Saturday 19 September 2020 (valued at $20).

For more information or to book head to the PARTICIPATE section of our website.
Enquiries: projects@shaunparkercompany.com

While we had to finish our creative development for BUBBLE early, our dancers were able keep on dancing.

Shaun Parker invited the BUBBLE creative team to create a new dance work online. Bubble Performance Master Su Chung Tai, who is based in Taiwan, started the dance. His final movements on the video being picked up by Western Sydney hip hop dancer, Libby Montilla, who then added his own moves to the sequence, before the dance was then thrown to and added to by three other Sydney dancers, Samuel Beazley, Rachel Trent and Isabel Estrella.

Watch the full BUBBLE dance collaboration here.

This virtual collaboration spawned the idea to involve others. The Shaun Parker & Company Dance Challenge will see our dancers post new moves on the Company’s Tik Tok account daily, inviting the public to learn those moves and take them further.

In light of ongoing and increasing concern about COVID-19, Shaun Parker & Company has made the decision to postpone our planned Bubble Interact workshops which were planned for March at the West Ryde Community Centre, supported by the City of Ryde, and at Ultimo Community Community Centres with support from the City of Sydney.

While our planned Bubble Interact events were to be small, Shaun Parker & Company’s priority is the health of participants and our artistic team.    The good news is, these events will still take place later this year, complete with bubble performance master Su Chung Tai who will join our creative team for the new sessions.  

To book or find out more, go to Eventbrite.   

Thank you for your understanding.  Stay safe and we are looking forward to staying in touch through our bi-monthly e-newsletter.  To subscribe, please got to the landing page of our website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIN.

Have you ever wondered how long a bubble can last?  What happens if you change the environment inside?  Can bubbles bounce between bodies?

Shaun Parker & Company invites you and your family and friends to explore bubble technology with the creative team for Bubble. This new work-in-progress is a collaboration between award-winning Choreographer Shaun Parker and Taiwanese Bubble Performance Master Su Chung Tai.  Bubble will explore themes of the genesis of the universe through bubble architecture and the human body. 

During creative development periods in Taiwan and Sydney during 2020 and 2021, Parker and Su will explore bubble art and technology to create a work where both minimalist and epic sculptures are formed alongside outstanding singers and dancers.  This major new work, choreographed by Shaun Parker, is being created in conversation with members of Sydney’s Australian – Taiwanese community. 

Our hands-on, Bubble Interact workshops for the community will be presented in the City of Sydney and City of Ryde, showcasing bubble technology and the themes being explored by our creative team.  Experience mesmerizing bubble art, share language, meet the artists and contribute to the Bubble project which will come to life in 2021.

You’ll be blown away by the skills of Su Chung Tai, a true bubble maestro, who has broken four Guinness records and won the heart of people across the world. Su’s collaboration with Shaun Parker, one of Australia’s most celebrated choreographers, makes Bubble Interact an event that you and your family should not miss this March!

It’s FREE and suitable for all ages and abilities.  Families are encouraged to attend.  The number of participants per session is strictly limited. Book now:

Bubble Interact City of Ryde Community Workshop

Where: West Ryde Hall, 1A Station Street, West Ryde NSW 2114

When: Friday 27 March 2020

Time: 5pm, 6pm & 7pm (45 mins duration)

Cost: FREE

Bubble Interact City of Sydney Community Workshop

Where: Ultimo Community Centre, 40 William Henry Street Ultimo 2007

When: Saturday 28 March 2020

Time: 1pm, 2pm & 3pm (45 mins duration)

Cost: FREE

Bookings: https://shaunparkercompany.eventbrite.com.au 

Shiya joined Shaun Parker & Company as a Project Producer and Translator in May 2019 after meeting Shaun Parker at a Big Dance Workshop at the Seymour Centre. Shiya grew up in Sichuan Province in Western China and moved to England as a teenager. Shiya withdrew from the University of Oxford where she was studying Mathematics in 2012, and started her career as an arts journalist, and later

Shiya relocated to Sydney in 2018 and has trained at the AFTT (Academy of Film, Theatre and Television) and NIDA’s Director Studio. While studying Art History and Visual Arts at the University of Sydney, she is working as part-time project producer at Shaun Parker & Company. She has worked for renowned arts organisations including the Ibsen International in Norway, Beijing NLGX Theatre Festival, Helsinki Festival, and Edinburgh International Festival. Shiya is a member of the European Festival Association’s Festival Academy and writes for various English and Chinese language publications. She directed the sold-out Australian premiere of Zhu Yi’s play A DEAL in 2019, and successfully organised the associated international theatre forum and workshop at the University of Sydney. She is now co-directing a new devise piece called IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS for No:Intermission Festival in Sydney.

Shiya recently travelled to Taipei with Shaun Parker and the company’s long-term collaborators Samuel Beazly and Libby Montilla for the first stage of creative development of a new major work called Bubble (working-title).

She speaks of her experience working on this collaboration: “Intercultural and cross-disciplinary works are at the core of my artistic interests. Bubble is undoubtedly a work of such kind.  It was exciting to see how Shaun and Mr. Su Chung Tai, a globally renowned ‘Bubble Performance Master’, discovered an astonishing array of new possibilities of merging bubble performance with human body and movements.  There was a real sense of experimentation and discovery.  As the interpreter and artistic associate, I felt inspired and intrigued every day while working in Taipei.  It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated team and have the opportunity to bring such a wonderful experimental work to the world. I cannot wait to start the next stage of development.”  Shiya Lu, 2020 

The Shaun Parker and Company Board is pleased to welcome Bella Vincent as a Board Observer. Bella will be joining us for 2020 as part of the Observership Program hosted by the Australian Institute of Company Directors and The Ethics Centre to develop next generation Not-For-Profit Board Directors.

Bella is an Infrastructure and Social Policy Consultant with a background in public sector and not-for-profit project and policy development. She holds a Masters in Public Administration in urban development from the Harvard JFK School of Government, and has worked on major projects in Transport for NSW, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and with Indigenous communities in remote Cape York.

Bella has an interest in funding, marketing and strategy, and is looking forward to contributing her knowledge and networks as well as reigniting her early career interest in performance making.

We have big plans to tour our anti-bullying program The Yard nationally, for the benefit of young people and their communities across Australia. Read more about The Yard here, with thanks to The Australian.

To express your interest in hosting The Yard in your community or school, contact projects@shaunparkercompany.com

As 2019 came to a close, Shaun Parker wished our friends and supporters all the very best through our bi-monthly e-newsletter, available here. To regularly receive our e-newsletter, we encourage you to subscribe now from the landing page of our website.

We are currently seeking experienced versatile and professional contemporary dancers for a range of projects across 2020 and 2021. Interested applicants must be graduates of a tertiary dance course or equivalent and be of advanced technical standard and Australian or New Zealand citizens.  Professional, experienced dancers need only apply.  Sydney-based dancers preferred.  Minimum age 21 years (unless otherwise agreed).

Desired skills and experience:

• Contemporary dance
• Physical theatre
• Classical ballet                 
• Break &/or hip hop skills

All interested applicants should send their CV, headshot and show reel links (5 minute maximum) and photo to:

Shiya Lu, Project Producer shiya@shaunparkercompany.com

Enquiries: 02 9351 1941

Please choose your video footage very carefully, as this will inform your acceptance into the audition.  If you have auditioned for the Company before, still please do apply again, as our Artistic Director would like to see your development.

Applications Close:          5pm Friday 13 December 2019

Audition date:                    10am – 6pm Wednesday 22 January 2020

Audition venue:                 The Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale, Sydney (meet at Stage Door, off Blackwattle Creek Lane)

Audition is by application only.

We’re seeking an energetic and efficient Producer to join our small team to support the production and presentation of future programs, both nationally and internationally.  This role is ideal for a highly capable all-rounder with exceptional time management skills who is enthusiastic and committed to the arts.  Reporting to the Executive Director and Artistic Director, the Producer’s primary focus will be on producing the Company’s programs for young audiences which include IN THE ZONE, ReMOTE, THE YARD, TROLLEYS, TUT and SPILL.  The Producer will also support the Artistic Director and Executive Director with the marketing, development and presentation of our main programs where required. They must be able to work cohesively as part of a small team and also have the capacity to work independently with vibrant autonomy.

TO APPLY: Please seek a copy of the Position Description from Beverly Growden, Executive Director. Then please provide a cover letter which addresses the Selection Criteria, a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae and the contact details for three professional referees to:  beverly@shaunparkercompany.com

CLOSING DATE: Before 5pm on Tuesday 3 December 2019

Shaun Parker and Jo Stone will perform BLUE LOVE at Griffith Regional Theatre at 7.30pm on Wed 23 October and at Manning Entertainment Centre in Taree on Saturday 26 October 2019. Say hello if you see our BLUE LOVE touring party on the road in regional NSW this week! And if you’re living in Griffith and want to be involved in our BLUE LOVE COMMUNITY CHOIR performance or in TAREE and want to do the MEANING AND MOVEMENT MASTERCLASS with Shaun Parker at 6pm Friday 25 October, please contact the venues to register your interest. Our BLUE LOVE regional tour is presented with support from the NSW Government through Create NSW.

We’re seeking an energetic and efficient Producer to join our small team to support the production and presentation of future programs, both nationally and internationally.  This role is ideal for a highly capable all-rounder with exceptional time management skills who is enthusiastic and committed to the arts.  Reporting to the Executive Director and Artistic Director, the Producer’s primary focus will be on producing the Company’s programs for young audiences which include IN THE ZONE, ReMOTE, THE YARD, TROLLEYS, TUT and SPILL.  The Producer will also support the Artistic Director and Executive Director with the marketing, development and presentation of our main programs where required. They must be able to work cohesively as part of a small team and also have the capacity to work independently with vibrant autonomy.

TO APPLY: Please provide a cover letter which addresses the Selection Criteria, a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae and the contact details for three professional referees to Beverly Growden, Executive Director: beverly@shaunparkercompany.com

CLOSING DATE: Before 5pm on Tuesday 8 October 2019

Shaun Parker’s iconic work BLUE LOVE is touring to Griffith on 23 October then on to Taree on 28 October 2019.  We’re seeking an experienced Production/Touring Manager to work with our team from 10 – 28 October 2019 to support this BLUE LOVE regional tour.  If you know of anyone who may be interested in this role, please contact Executive Director Beverly Growden beverly@shaunparkercompany.com for a copy of the Position Description. Applications are due by 5pm Monday 23 September 2019.

We’re seeking 1 more participant to join us for the next 2-week Queer Bites intensive workshop with Shaun Parker, Artistic Director and Choreographer, which will be held at the Seymour Centre from 16 – 28 September 2019. Our Queer Bites program was developed for LGBTQI artists in association with the presentation of our new work KING for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, with support from the City of Sydney. For further information please contact James Beach, Associate Producer by email: james@shaunparkercompany.com 

Or please submit your expression of interest before 10am on Friday 13 September 2019 here https://form.jotform.co/90307918103856

The world premiere of our new work for young audiences, IN THE ZONE, is happening this Friday 13 September at Camden Civic Centre. Contemporary dance meets gaming technology in this groundbreaking new work which will be performed FREE at 10am for schools and 7pm for the public. We hope you can attend! Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=519787&

Shaun Parker & Company is delighted to announce that it turns 9 years old today 9 September 2019. Congratulations to the incredibly talented Shaun Parker and all who have worked and volunteered with us and contributed to the Company in so many ways during our 9 short years. Sincere thanks to the Australia Council for the Arts and Create NSW for their ongoing support and the generous contributions made by many other supporters and our wonderful donors along the way. We couldn’t do it without you!

Students from Years 2 – 6 from Bonnyrigg Heights Primary School were treated to performances of The Yard by Shaun Parker & Company on Thursday 8 August as part of its 2019 school tour. The Yard highlights bullying behaviour that many students may be affected by, encouraging resilience and positive group behaviour. 

The Yard by was presented at Bonnyrigg Heights Primary School for Education Week and as a result of fundraising by the Parents & Citizens Committee.  Assistant Principal Kylea Dowling praised The Yard as “one of the best performances we’ve had at the school”.

Bookings are now open for The Yard’s 2020 tour into Sydney schools starting from 9 March 2020, just before the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence on March 15 2020.   Booking enquiries should be directed to: projects@shaunparkercompany.com or phone 02 9351 1941.

We’re seeking energetic, well-connected, generous and outgoing Board Directors with an interest in the arts to join our voluntary Board of Directors, chaired by Lily Lee.  The Board’s role is to optimise the performance of Shaun Parker & Company and ensure compliance with legal requirements. A Board member duty statement is available on request.

Contact: Beverly Growden, Executive Director 02 9351 1941 or 0417903318 beverly@shaunparkercompany.com

Shaun Parker & Company is currently seeking up to 8 secondees to volunteer with the Company during the final stages of development, public performances in September and workshops in October for IN THE ZONE, its new work for young audiences. Enquiries: james@shaunparkercompany.com or phone 02 9351 1941

Shaun Parker & Company is thrilled to announce that our Founder and Artistic Director/ Choreographer Shaun Parker has been awarded a Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Music and Performing Arts, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Performing Arts sector in Australia.  Professor Ian Bofinger,Executive Dean & CEO from The Australian Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA) presented the award to Parker, who was also guest speaker at their graduation ceremony for music and dance graduates from their Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree and Masters level courses on Friday 5 July 2019.

We’re currently seeking, reliable and efficient Production/Touring Managers to support the presentation of our works for young audiences – IN THE ZONE and THE YARD (separate contract dates). If you’re a great communicator and a team player then please apply! You will be reporting to and need to work cohesively with the Associate Producer and the Artistic Director to ensure that these productions are presented to the highest quality, on time, within the allocated resources and in consideration of occupational health and safety requirements.  Applicants must be Sydney based

For further information or a copy of the Position Description for these roles (which include selection criteria) please contact Beverly Growden, Executive Director beverly@shaunparkercompany.com or 02 9351 1941 or 0417903318.   To apply, please send a short letter of application which addresses the selection criteria and a copy of your CV to beverly@shaunparkercompany.com by 5pm on Thursday 18 July 2019.