as we head into the launch of KXT2020 we take some time for our annual look back
Gender Equity at KXT
In 206 we began as we meant to continue: showcasing the work of powerhouse and tenacious women of our industry, dedicating a month of programming to the INVISIBLE CIRCUS a platform for the writing, art and ideas of artists who just happen to be women.
Co-curated by Kate Gaul of Siren Theatre and Suzanne Millar of BAKEHOUSE, featuring 3 plays in rep, and a series of rehearsals and events, KXT was handed over to the quiet achievers who have been getting the job done.
2017: 8 female directors; 14 female writers; 17 producers who happened to be women; 10 writers who happened to be women
2018: 12 women directors; 10 women producers; 8 shows designed by women; 8 plays written by women. Inaugural Storytellers festival: 14 women playwrights + 13 women directors
2019: 14 women writers; 11 women directors; 13 women led teams
“there was nothing for people like me – millennial girls – and I was struggling to find writing that talked like I did, or spoke about the things I speak about” Pippa Ellams, to Audrey Journal about her work at KXT
Inclusivity and representation at KXT
bAKEHOUSE has a long commitment to inclusivity and representation, leading the sector in diverse stories and casting as long ago as 2009 with the inaugural StoryLines festival. Since launching the company 11 years ago we’ve demonstrated a commitment to putting true Australian stories on our stages
2017 Jatinga, an international collaboration with Mumbai based theatre companies
2017 The Laden Table a multi writer piece developed over 4 years
2016 Black Jesus the first BAKEHOUSE prod at KXT launching Elijah Williams professional career and marking out KXT as a home for global stories
2015 I AM WE ARE community based project in Mt Druitt using theatre to provide pathways to university for our newest citizens
2014 His Mothers Voice at ATYP another large cast show with 13 Australian Asian actors
2013 Two Chair 22 actors from 19 countries with 13 languages for CRACK festival
2012 Coup d’Etat giving Mulim women of Malyasia a platform for their stories
2012 Junction with Guy Simon and Stacy B
2012 A Land Beyond the River the story of refugees from Sierra Leone and Sudan
2009 StoryLines Festival featuring the world premiere of Burkini by Alan Valentine
2008 her holiness faiths collide in a story of female empowerment
Along the way we’ve partnered with multiple organisations, NFPs and charities to connect vital stories to their communities.
Since launching KXT our Crossroads and Chesterfield programs have ensured that our work is relevant, urgent and honest.
Want to see Sydney on the stage? Head into the cross
Key Programs at KXT
POPUPSTAIRS
MORE SPACE FOR MORE ARTISTS
In 2019 we partnered with KX Hotel to launch a creative space sharing program, opening up more spaces to more artists. Through the year, the Popupstairs pilot project ran popup seasons of new and experimental work in the Bordello, the rooftop and the Glasshouse. From time to time we creeped into Dive Bar, and on the odd occasion we took audience into the basement.
There was an enthusiastic response from artists and audiences alike, and the season took off. Cheers to these legends for jumping in boots and all
Thanks to KX Hotel the program will be back in 2020, new and improved. Head along to the KXT2020 launch to hear all the details Sunday 1 December at 7.00 pm on the KX Hotel Rooftop
Investing in the future.
The Step Up program is the formalisaton of a long held bAKEHOUSE philosophy: providing opportunity and support for new and emerging artists by setting them alongside professional and experienced practitioners. In this way we
· Support the early work of emerging writers
· Provide platforms to showcase promising young actors
· Create relationships and pathways for designers and production practitioners
· Mentor directors, producers and future leaders
· Champion companies as they strive to achieve and expand
by investing in the Step Up team we’re fast tracking the Next Big thing
In 2019 we invested in
Development
of new work: Write Up provided space and time for a first look at 7 new works
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Investment in new writing
KXT has been home to an unprecedented number of premiere works, as a part of the JackRabbit takeover; in the Popupstairs program; and as a part of the KXT2019
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More space for more artists
Charlie and Andreas opened the door to dozens of new artists during their HiJacked Rabbit venue takeover; our creative space sharing partnership with KX Hotel opened up 3 additional performance spaces in the hotel; Joanna Erskine’s Storytellers returned with even more writers, actors and directors launching new work; and Legit Theatre Co took the KXTeethcutting Play Read program to exciting new places.
Pathways for emerging artists
this year Step Up delivered in spades with regular meet ups; mainstage engagement; a major festival; and exciting relationship building.
click for more
Since launching KXT has been at the forefront of:
Diverse and inclusive work
Investment in new work
Community engagement and partnerships
locally and internationally including ACON; AAWC; Oz Harvest; Chris O’Brien Lighthouse; Park Theatre; and much more
Gender equity
In 2016 we began as we intended to continue: with Invisible Circus, curated by Siren theatre & bAKEHOUSE TheatreCo: a month long celebration of the work of women by women. programming at KXT has continued to feature multiple women-led projects
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new companies
Supporting and assisting new companies to viability, with many launching at KXT including Last One Standing Theatre; Green Door Theatre Co; Pip and Hann Inc; Manifesto; the Anchor; HBR Creatives; Some Company
We're launching KXT20202 on Sunday 1 December 7.00 pm up on the Kings Cross Hotel rooftop If you're in for the night make sure you high five the staff on the bar...
KXT bAKEHOUSE would not be a viable operation without the support and partnership of staff and management at KX Hotel. These legends meet, greet and serve our audience; help us manage lift access; support our Opening Nights; come to the shows; help us deal with noise spill and early evening party goers; take care of security; keep an eye on regs so we don't burn the joint down; deal with the occasional dropped ball; roster staff to suit our shows; move chairs around levels; jump into bar service when we're in the Bordello; print up signs; provide support to community partnerships and free events; coordinate live music and DJs around our business; and generously support us with all sorts of deals and discounts.
Shout out to Reece, Miles, Kayla and Maddie 2019); Josh, Ben and Tara (2017 + 2018); Lloyd, Alex and Rose (2016) and a whole heap more excellent sorts that keep the wheels turning on a 5 level night club with a theatre in the middle.
PARTICULAR THANKS TO KX HOTEL FOR
Mardi Gras 2016 - 2019
Vivid Sydney 2016
Visiting Hours multi level immersive 2016 & 2018
Invisible Circus 2016
Sydney Fringe 2018 & 2019
Popupstairs 2019
season launch 2017, 2018, 2019
Christmas Eve Dinner 2017
the Glasshouse 2018 & 2019
Dive Bar artists hangout 2019