Creative Convergence

The Creative Convergence project examines the work of six Australian theatre companies and performing arts venues – Arena Theatre Company, Arthur, Bell Shakespeare, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, HotHouse and Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) – and their interaction and engagement with young people in regional Victoria.
Our other partners include Creative Victoria, Theatre Network Australia, and Regional Arts Victoria, peak arts bodies that have a deep interest in young people's engagement in and with the arts in regional Victoria.
Researching both the creative processes of theatre-making and audience participation, this Australian Research Council Linkage project asks how theatrical impact can be enriched through relationships and activities that extend beyond the immediacy of the event.
Project aims
- To involve theatre companies, a performing arts venue, and state government in research methodologies that harness the agency of young people, the live theatre experience, and their creative convergence with digital media
- To understand and enhance the personal, affective and social impact of contemporary theatre for youth audiences by developing knowledge networks and social media strategies
Project details
Sponsors
ARC Linkage Project funding commencement: 2016 (active)
Research partners
ARTHUR: A Theatre Company
Bell Shakespeare Company
Geelong Performing Arts Centre
Hothouse Theatre
Regional Arts Victoria
Theatre Network Australia
Project team
The University of Melbourne
Professor Rachel Fensham, School of Culture and Communication and Digital Studio – Chief Investigator
Associate Professor Paul Rae, School of Culture and Communication – Chief Investigator
Dr Jennifer Beckett, School of Culture and Communication – Chief Investigator
Mr Jeremy Rice, Head of Education and Families, Melbourne Theatre Company – Chief Investigator
Ms Abbie Trott, PhD Candidate – Graduate Researcher
Dr Megan Upton / Mr Nat Cutter / Dr Lynne Kent (Research Assistant) – Project Manager
Partner Investigators
Christopher McDermott, Manager of Policy and Research, Creative Victoria – Partner Investigator
Christian Leavesley, Artistic Director, Arena Theatre Company – Partner Investigator