Could you please describe your creative practice?

I am a trained actor (I went to drama school in the 90's) and am a self-taught creative producer. As a creative I work across theatre, film, TV and Festivals. I love the diversity of my work.

When did your creative journey begin?

I did work experience with the Wooly Jumpers when I was 15 years old, and I knew I had found "my people" and what I wanted to do. It was an immediate realisation. I was lucky to be involved in GSODA Junior Players as a teenager which helped nurture my creative desires.
 
My professional career began after completing my Bachelor in Performing Arts - I got a great agent (who is still my agent today) and scored my first TVC. I remember being thrilled! My first TV gig was a guest role on Blue Heelers opposite Lisa McCune. She was so generous, as she could see how nervous I was. 

My first theatre experiences were in the Melbourne independent theatre scene, at LaMama and fortyfivedownstairs. It was here that I began my theatre company, Essential Theatre, with long-time colleague, Sophie Lampel. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in the creative field?

I always loved the creative practice of putting on a show. Nothing beats a rehearsal room filled with imagination, possibility and like-minded creatives working toward a common goal. Bumping a show into a theatre and seeing it come together with the work of the crew, is thrilling. And then finally sharing the story with the audience - nothing compares. It was my early experiences here in Geelong that ignited that desire in me. I had to fight hard to let my parents accept that I also wanted to push it beyond a hobby, I wanted it to be my career. I graduated from drama school nearly 30 years ago and I am still working in my chosen industry.

How do you connect with the Greater Geelong area through your work?

Over the past 30 years a lot of my work has been in Melbourne and across the country, however things have shifted over recent years. I feel lucky to be able to work professionally here as more and more opportunities arise to support local artists. 

Currently I am working on three projects, all based here in Greater Geelong. 
I am working with the National Celtic Folk Festival both as a Festival Lead and as an actor. The festival provides such incredible opportunities for local artists. I am super excited about the play we will be staging next June, it's a collaboration with C21, a Belfast Theatre Company, and is a powerful piece of theatre.

I am also working with some other professional local colleagues hoping to develop sustainable professional practice here in Geelong. These projects involve community and new Australian works - watch this space - it's an exciting time!

What challenges or barriers have you encountered in your career?

We all know that the arts can be challenging, and we hear the stats of how hard it is to survive, however I truly believe that if you want to work and survive in this industry, you will. You need to be flexible, willing to learn, shapeshift and work bloody hard. I think part of my success lies with the fact I created a lot of my own opportunities. A friend recently reminded me "the cavalry isn't coming" - in other words, you have to do it yourself. My theatre company celebrated its 20th year in 2023 - a significant milestone particularly in the performing arts.  I look back at the major challenges of knock backs and lack of work, and I think I have turned them around to possibilities. I am still doing that as I create new works. 

Looking ahead, what would you like to achieve?

More longevity, more creative adventures and more joy! 
I look forward to continually expanding my skills across performing, producing and community. 

Where can we see/learn more about your work/projects?

The new Australian/Irish play "Never Always, Ever Was"
Creative Community - This is Your Bookmark
Me - Red LaBonté on Instagram