#14 Under the Fringe Tent | The Garden of Unearthly Delights is the unique and colourful festival playground within Adelaide's world famous Fringe festival, held every year from late Feb - mid March. Jess Rankin is one of the producers of 'the Garden' as it is affectionately known and has taken the role of being a producer adding to it a flurrying array of bubbles, feathers, tents, cocktails and shows. Jess is not only a show producer for the unique Melbourne based production house, Strut & Fret, but she is also an event producer. She works as part of a team cultivating everything from shows from which are seen at the likes of the Sydney Opera house, to programming International Arts festivals such as the Bread & Circus - World Busker's Festival, to running the majority of the Spiegeltent festivals which pop up and tour around Australia from time to time. Being a producer within the arts is, to Jess and the likes of her team and colleagues - an experience and that is exactly where her production skills lay. Jess started off trying her hand at producing her college parties whilst she was studying to be a museum curator but as she begin to grow her, at the time, part time positions within the festival bar scene, Jess started working under the Strut & Fret team, in one of their Brisbane festival bars, and from there she took the leap into the world of Producing, with one thing leading to another giving her the ability to curate just about everything, except for paintings. A huge part of what Jess does is working as essentially the Presenter, programming everything from niche 1 man shows, right through to commercial performing arts which they tour around Australia and New Zealand. Sometimes her programming and producing however may not fit into one of the 200+ theatres in Australia and that's where Spiegeltents come in. Jess divulges the exciting ins and outs of the Spiegeltent, which is essentially a hand crafted European theatre in the round style tent that can be built just about anywhere.
From Adelaide Fringe, to Fringe World in Perth, the Sydney Opera House & everything in between, Jess Rankin is bold and honest in her approach being a part of the commercial performing arts and events arena. She gives a great insight into how differently her company works as opposed to the traditional Performing Arts presenter, theatre style producing model.

You can check out my brand new website: https://www.theshowpace.com/
And connect with me on instagram via: https://www.instagram.com/brentanthonypace/

If you have any questions on today's episode or to be featured, contact us directly at [email protected]

#13 Mum, I want to be a Producer | Deciding that you want to be a producer straight out of school is not exactly the path that those with a passion for performing arts and theatre head down, but Sam Klingner did just that. Through his journey Sam now the founder and Producer at SK Entertainment has built his producing empire into a perfect storm acquiring the rights to shows such as Menopause the Musical!, Friends the Musical Parody, The Naked Magicians, The Big Bubble Show and The Tap Pack just to name a few. Starting his journey straight out of school with a merchandiser's contract on The Illusionists, Sam went on to take roles as Associate Producer and Co-Producer around the world as he began to establish his own company. As a Commercial Theatre Producer based in Brisbane, Australia, Sam gives insight into the producing world through the eyes of someone who tours across both regional and metropolitan areas. Sam discusses his process in choosing his next shows and how he selects his audiences for each of his productions, as he evaluates the options in the Australian & New Zealand performing arts touring circuit. In early 2020, Sam was availed the opportunity for a seat on the board of The Events Centre on Australia's Sunshine Coast, a multi-theatre venue presenting an array of local and international work and it is with this new role and his expertise that he aims to bring his producer's perspective onto a presenter level. We discuss demographics and audiences and the importance of selecting the right venues to present shows to, and the evolution of his vision as he has toured the landscape through his experience in the field. Sam talks about where his show ideas come from and how he knows what shows will work. It is always a risk but none more so than telling his mother and careers counsellor at school of his intentions to become a theatre producer. We talk about the process of acquiring rights to different shows and what actually defines something as a commercial theatre show as opposed to shows funded for artistic means. Sam's light hearted and easy going approach to the role of being a producer commenced through his part time job as a kids party magician in high school and now he has held most of the 'producer' titles that one can hold in a relatively short space of time.
Check out Sam's shows here: https://www.facebook.com/skentertainmentaustralia
And Sam can be found through connecting via me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-pace-5747b9145/
You can check out my brand new website: https://www.theshowpace.com/
And connect with me on instagram via: https://www.instagram.com/brentanthonypace/

If you have any questions on today's episode or to be featured, contact us directly at [email protected]

#12 Performing Arts Business Basics | At one of my first performing arts conferences I attended an institute workshop held by Rachel Cohen. Rachel is described as a Performing Arts Consultant. She operates her boutique arts consultancy Cadence Arts Network out of California but represents and connects artists, presenters, agents, managers and businesses throughout the performing arts world around the US and beyond. Launching her career as a dancer in the 1980s, Rachel leaped into the backend of the arts by representing her arts company at the Western Arts Alliance conference. She was recently awarded the North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents award for best agent and has a very respectable career in her resume. Rachel starts by explaining the role of a performing arts consultant and how that role eventuated. She defined the split between managers, agents and consultants and explains what defines her role within the industry. A lot of the work Rachel does involves her working with new artists in launching their careers onto the stage and she fosters growth with many people in the show business world through her networking, educational seminars and partnerships. Through the episode Rachel defines what artists need to secure an agent and gives some ideas on the best ways to approach that. She also discusses the importance of relationships within the arts world and how she has built them from meeting people in the wild world of conferences right back to her humble cold calling beginnings working for former agencies. One of the most valuable pieces of insight that Rachel shares is what an artist really needs to get booked and the ins and outs of what every artist should be investing in. She talks about EPKs, websites, images, footage, pitches and more.
 Rachel's Consultancy is here: https://www.cadencearts.com/
And she can be found through connecting via me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-pace-5747b9145/
You can check out my brand new website: https://www.theshowpace.com/
And connect with me on instagram via: https://www.instagram.com/brentanthonypace/

If you have any questions on today's episode or to be featured, contact us directly at [email protected]

#11 A Real Boy from Oz | It's a long way to Broadway for a boy from the Sydney suburbs and Adam Rennie's journey is only just beginning. He's been waiting 8 years for his Green Card to live in the USA and with 3x O1 visas under his belt he knows the ins and outs of the move all too well. Adam is a rising musical theatre star who trained in Sydney and then at WAAPA in Perth, Western Australia. He has performed roles through out Australia, New Zealand and the United States to 5 star headline reviews including his roles in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and most notoriously as his role in the Rocky Horror Show in 2018. Adam's role in Rocky Horror, which he became infamously known for, was when he was thrown into the role of Frankenfurter taking over from then stepped down Craig McLachlan. It has been a hell of a journey for Adam so far, jumping through the hoops of immigration, auditioning for everything he could, taking classes in the big city from some of the best, right through to building a reputation for himself as one of Australia's most valuable rising exports in the performing arts world. During the discussion, Adam shares his most honest insights into what he knows from what he has done making the transition from an Australian performer to an aspiring Broadway star. We compare and contrast the musical theatre audition process in both Australia and America and how the different attitudes look on each side of the Pacific through out the performing arts world. Adam shares some of his wisdom in picking the right shows and contracts to take on, the good and bad side of performer's unions and what it was like to have to fill big shoes when it came his time to shine on stage in Rocky Horror. Adam is honest, human and believes you never stop learning and this is a valuable episode for anyone within the performer's journey. 
You can connect with me on https://www.instagram.com/brentanthonypace/ or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-pace-5747b9145/ or get in touch by going to https://www.theshowpace.com/

#10 The Magic of Show Business | Putting swords through a box is one magical trick he is accustomed to, but thinking outside of that box as a show takes to the stage involves so much more. Michael Boyd is someone who can do all of those things. As a show evolves from a mere idea, Michael journeys through the business with a vast repertoire of 9 diverse and original shows behind him. Michael's story in show business started when he was a child inspired by grandfather who was a magician and has flourished ever since. We discuss his entry into the show world from his inceptions as a corporate magician through to his family life on the road. Michael's family is not just blood, but also those who he surrounds himself with, and he delves into the importance in bringing together the very best team he can to bring his ideas to life. Many artists struggle finding enjoyment in the backstage process of entertainment but this is where Michael differs. He shares with us his interest in every element of a production from his involvement in creating elaborate head pieces, through to his relationships with ticketing providers and everything in between. The sales side of show business and the marketing of shows can be daunting for any performer (to say the least) but this is one area which Michael thrives on. His passion for every area leaves no stone unturned and in this episode he discusses his insight into the booking process, the marketing elements, the audience relationships and how he brings it all together touring many of his many shows on stage in the bright lights, night after night. We go in depth to discover what kinds of deals Michael does with his venues and how becoming a master of your art form can open the door to every opportunity within the entertainment world. Michael Boyd can be found at http://michaelboyd.com.au/

#9 Tour Producing & Conferences | President of the Western Arts Alliance (WAA), Eleanor Oldham is one of the machines within the regional US performing arts world. As a show business industry leader, Eleanor is highly skilled and experienced in the regional conference circuit constantly innovating and driving the in the ever evolving landscape of buying and selling the arts. Humble beginnings as a vocalist in Glasgow, Eleanor spent many years in France & London fine tuning her agency and representative skills at the likes of ICM artists before settling alongside her partner John Luckacovic in New Canaan, New York. Tour producing became an innovative concept for Eleanor and one skill which she mastered the proficiencies of through her time in the USA. She shares the ins and outs of her role in & John's business 2Luck, which curates, books and plans US tours for high quality dance companies and artists through out the world. As a member of the WAA and more recently the President of America's most westerly regional arts association, Eleanor shares her breadth of experience covering the concepts behind selling to presenters and bringing new artists and work to the US market. It is through her position now as President of the WAA board that Eleanor explains the concepts behind WAA's arts mentoring and advancing indigenous arts opportunities. As the conversation unfolds, Eleanor begins to explain the commercial side of her role as a tour producer and how working on the board of WAA compliments her position in facilitating successful conferencing strategies through pitching and showcasing. Eleanor gives great insight into the new era of showcasing within the currently changing global landscape and how the performing arts playing fields are now levelling out with the introduction of digital showcasing and expo hall technologies. 
Eleanor Oldham brings experience, knowledge and a passion for the development of not only innovative and highly skilled work but she also converses in a fluency as she explains the methodologies and efficient delivery systems provided by arts organisations facilitating opportunities for artists as we move into the future. 

#8 I am the Lord of the Dance, said she? | In the Irish dance world, there is no Prima Ballerina. If there was however, Ciara Sexton would be exactly her. The English born, now emerging Broadway director ironically resides in Limerick on the West Coast of Ireland. She has graced the stages as principal dancer in Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Heartbeat of Home. Now in her early thirties, Ciara took her first Broadway choreography role in the brand new show Fainne Oir which premiered in fall 2019. A University of Limerick lecturer for the Irish World Academy, Ciara carries with her an incredible repertoire of dance experience starting with her 5x World Championship titles. It becomes apparent through the interview that Ciara may be one of a select few who rely on the almost infant, and quickly emerging world of Irish dance, as her bread and butter. Ciara discusses her first Broadway experience and talks about how she transitioned from dancer, her journey into the show world and now her jump into the world of theatre directing and choreography. Wearing many hats is often something discussed in relative depth within the show, and that is no different when discussing performing arts roles with Ciara. As her journey into that of a choreographer has unfolded she tells all about the challenges she has endured along the way and the opportunities she has taken to bring her to where she is today. Lighting design, costuming, casting, and relative budget squeezing are things that producers know all too well and Ciara is honest in her experience with these areas which in her debut Broadway show have handed over to her. As she expresses total humility in the performing arts arena, Ciara leads as a great example of an emerging talent armed with passion and integrity for not only her own art form but the evolution of arts itself. This episode will leave you with an opinion that it is possible to reach any stage with the right commitment and attitude.

You can follow Ciara Sexton here: https://www.facebook.com/ciara.sexton
https://www.instagram.com/msciarasexton/?hl=en
And check out Fainne Oir here: https://fainneoir.com/

If you have any questions on today's episode or to be featured, contact us directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brentanthonypace/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-pace-5747b9145/

#7 Cruise Ship Shows | The tides may be low right now but Jeremy Barnes knows the feeling of riding the waves. He has worked in the entertainment division on board cruise ships for over 16 years. Starting off as a dancer in Sydney's south west, he then followed in his mother and father's footsteps heading off into cruise ship show business. Now based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jeremy has risen to the role of Entertainment Principle of Show Development for Carnival, one of the world's largest cruise ship enterprises. The world of cruise ship entertainment is a unique one, where producers can 'shoot for the moon and might fall on the stars', as Jeremy says, and where anything is possible. Jeremy discusses his journey from starting as performer, to now being a part of the team responsible in selecting the shows performing on each of their ships. He discusses what his role entails and how the process of producing, performing and creating for a cruise ship theater actually works. Cruise ship show business is divided into two areas, the first of those are the fly in fly out performers and the second of those include the full scale on board residency shows. Jeremy explains what the difference in those performances and shows are and how one can become involved in either. It is through the conversation that Jeremy really gets into the finer details of the production involved in creating performing arts on board and how Carnival as a company select producers, directors, performers and concepts to work with. Going in depth he divulges sought after information for those who are keen to get their productions and creativity involved in a cruise ship residency theater and essentially how one can get their show on the sea. Jeremy is honest, and very clear in his explanation of how the mechanics of how the Carnival selection and contact process works and what goes on behind the scenes of creating almost 5000 performances a year. As once a performer himself, Jeremy emphasises the importance of the Carnival culture and working with a thriving team in their hiring and selection process and gives many insights into how people can get their foot in the door on board one of Carnival's 28 ships.

#6 Arts Administration | With just over 1 million people Perth, Western Australia is the most isolated city in the world. It is over a thousand miles from its next closest neighbour Adelaide, and almost 12 & 9 thousand miles from New York and London respectively. That doesn't stop the West Australian ballet from continuing to curate its ingenious repertoire. Hilary McKenna is current Arts Administrator for the West Australian ballet and could also be described as the companies very own man in the middle. Reporting to both the Executive & Artistic directors, Hilary shares with us the exciting yet pivotal role he plays in their ever growing Arts Organisation. We discuss the seasons in arts organisations that operate to a scale of that such as the WA Ballet how the Arts Administrator coordinates these seasons by combining the vision of the Artistic Director with the logistics required to tour and perform a company with over 38 full time dancers from all over the world. Hilary shares some insight into a day in his role as well as how his years begin to unfold in the ballet world. He is very insightful as he shares his wisdom surrounding the importance of communication on and off stage. Always open to networking and connecting with new people, Hilary reflects on the importance of relationships in show business and how one door can always lead to another. Hilary has built his career from growing up as an Irish dancer, to studying Arts Admin at Perth's famous WAPPA, then to working with different organisations which have all led him to where he sits now.

You can connect with Hilary McKenna on Linkedin here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-mckenna-99796736/

If you have any questions on today's episode or to be featured, contact us directly at [email protected]

#5 The Off Stage Brand | This year the release of the Broadway production of Disney's Frozen takes to the stage at Sydney's Capital theatre. That production will put former Hi-5 (Australian children's entertainment super group) star Tanika Anderson once again under the spotlight in the role of Queen Iduna. Tanika Anderson is also the founder of ethical children's clothing label You&Mei and self managed social media guru. Tanika is no stranger to the world under the spotlight on and offline and she has built a following and a brand to over 50,000 followers from every corner of the globe. With an impressive repertoire of projects, Tanika is always keen to share the true side of her personality and she does it no where better than on her Instagram. Only recently did Tanika's Instagram get hacked and with us she discusses how that has given her the opportunity to start her new Instagram from scratch with the ability to build her true community from the ground up. Tanika tells us of the importance in listening to your audience on and offline and how she has built upon her relationships in the theatre to now give them a place to flourish along with her bubbly online personality. She is open in her chat about the trials and tribulations she has endured in show business and the amazing opportunities she has received through her hard work and dedication over the years. Her refreshingly honest approach to artist's fears surrounding the audition room, performing on stage or even posting on her social media from time to time give us an insight to both sides of the curtain. We chat about her partner, and more recently husband Stevie Nicholson (ex-Hi-5 and now Superdudes star) and how they make their relationship work along with each others own identities and brands. She gives us insight into how she manages multiple social media stories, accounts and audiences along with the Stevie & Tanika brand, You&Mei, big shows such as now Frozen, and the true persona of Tanika Anderson herself. 

You can follow Tanika Anderson Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTanikaAnderson/ On Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tanikaanderson/?hl=en And check out You&Mei here: https://www.youmeilabel.com/

If you have any questions on today's episode or to be featured, contact us directly at [email protected]