Episode Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Domestic Abuse.

Madi Lee is a choreographer and director working around Australia in work that spans across theatre and television. She speaks to us about the adjustments she had to make after losing work as a result of COVID 19 and how this time has allowed her to learn more about herself because of the time spent in lockdown. Madi shares with us the importance of having queer creatives in artistic spaces, telling queer stories and what excites her about potential work that may arise once restrictions begin to ease and there is more freedom to work on the craft of storytelling.

Dean Drieberg is a much respected creative, working consistently amongst the independent theatre scene. A member of Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance’s Equity Diversity committee, Dean is a passionate activist for performance spaces to be equitable and safe for all. He joins us to discuss the impact COVID 19 has had on his career as a freelance creative, the document he created entitled "BIPOC in Australian Theatre" and the significance of implementing systemic changes throughout the arts industry to create work that influences the wider community who engage in any artistic outlet.

Trigger Warning: Suicide, Depression. We discuss mental health and statistics within the arts industry.

Andrew is a 2018 graduate from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). He joins us to chat about dealing with the loss of multiple professional performing projects before even beginning rehearsals, ways he has kept himself focused throughout lockdown and the significance of prioritising mental health and wellbeing within the arts industry and beyond.

A fellow 2019 graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts, Karis Oka joins us to discuss how her life shifted after being cast as a swing in SIX The Musical at the Sydney Opera House, the challenges that presented and how she then readjusted to losing that contract as a result of COVID 19. As a passionate social media user, Karis also speaks to the importance of using your platform consciously and actively to share important messages amongst the community.

Well respected and established actor Bert LaBonté joins us to discuss his special relationship with the Australian theatre industry and how he believes the wider Australian community is shifting the way it interacts and perceives the work done be artists here. He discusses his hope for development within the industry beyond COVID 19, as well as what the Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust is and its significance to the arts industry in Australia.

Founder of Australia's first and only Stephen Sondheim repertory theatre company and established performer and director Sonya Suares joins us to discuss her role as Artistic Director of her company, Watch This. As well as the shift that had to be made in her work because of the rise of COVID 19 in 2020. She also delves into where she hopes to see the Australian arts community move post pandemic and her expectation of seeing more inclusive spaces across all areas of the industry.

Director, performer and Head of the Music Theatre degree at the Victorian College of the Arts, Tyran Parke joins us to discuss the impact of COVID 19 on his journey within the Australian theatre community, sharing news of cancellations of projects with his creative teams and crew, how he's navigated through supporting a cohort of 60 students during this ongoing pandemic and what he perceives the Australian industry needs to look like moving forward.