Stompin

Hi everyone

I’m writing to say good bye to Bec Reid who has spent the last 5 years with Stompin as one of our Artistic Directors. I had the most amazing time working with Bec, she was a true professional who knew how to make work well.

Bec has left to pursue other adventures in the arts and I know she will be such an asset as an artist pushing the boundaries and as a truely beautiful person. You just need to be standing next to Bec and you can feel her bright light shine. It brings a smile to your face and the energy to be who you are!

Thanks for everything Bec. Everyone at Stompin will miss you.

Onwards and upwards for Luke and I. I’m really excited about our journey ahead for Luke and I and Stompin.

From Sarah

we’ve actually been making stuff with the school of architecture since 2003.  check out how the students designed and made sarah’s office pod we like to call the tardis! TAKE ME THERE

I think Trish has had a good time teaching Shop because she brough a nice selection of lollies for us tonight. I’m nibbling on them now as a watch the final Shop with Trish feeling like I should be up there doing some exercise! It’s been a great six weeks of Shop with Trish with a very focused group of dancers. They have received incredible guidance from the wonderful Trish. We will miss her! Thanks Trish - you’re a star!!

Watch out! Kyle is gearing up for Shop No.2 for the year which starts on Thursday 18 May at 6pm - 7pm. That will be a different experience for everyone with another talented young dancer. Go Kyle! Looking forward to it. Remember to register to participate if you haven’t yet.

From Sarah x

One of my wonderful Tafe Arts Admin. students did some research on Stompin’s amazingly, beautiful, regal, prestigious yet grungy studio - The Lyceum. So, now I can share some goss about where we’re based and it’s origins. And wow does it have a juicy history!

Ok, a few facts. The Lyceum was built in 1856 on land owned by prominent Launceston resident Dicky White (thus the address - Dicky White’s Lane). His stepson, William Henry Clayton designed and built the original Lyceum which opened on June 1 1857.

At the time it was called the Theatre Royal but in later years it went through several names changes - the Oddfellows Hall, the Gaiety theatre, the Bijou Hall, the Empire Theatre and eventually the Lyceum Theatre. The building was used for auctions, public meetings, film shows, a wax works and many live performances. I’ve seen photos of it’s original state with chairs, it’s fun looking at the old pics.

this is what it looks like now.

I also found out that Kenneth Gillespie, a Launceston born ballet dancer and teacher had his studio at the Lyceum - go dance! Before this though, it was a pool hall with snooker tables (my dad told me he used to hang out there quite frequently as a lad).

Stompin is so lucky to have such an amazing studio and office space. It’s really good for me to have my office in the studio, it makes me feel really connected to Luke and Bec’s work and the dancers.

Off to meet Bec, she’s in town for a meeting with the Architecture students at the University of Tasmania for Home, our major show for 2006. It’s in November and it’s going to be a treat! Look out…

From Sarah x

It’s all go in Stompin land.

Lots of people coming up to the studio and activity happening all over Oz.

Lots of projects on the go and being produced — Auditions, Back in the Lab, SHOP and HOME in Launceston, The Outback Fringe in Roxby Downs South Australia, The Works Festival in Hobart and Special Mention in Sydney — WOW! That’s a lot of activity for 2006!

If you’re interested in volunteering or work experience or secondment at Stompin give me a bell, we’d love to have you.

Intoducing Sarah!

Hello. It all happened in the Stompin office recently when Bec and I did a huge clean up. We were dressed in our oldest Stompin t.shirts on our way to the tip when most young people were in their best attire on their way to the Launceston cup. 

After a quick bite to eat at the Busy Bee we returned to the Stompin studio and began moving our production gear into it’s new. At the end of a busy day moving we had just enough energy to hang our Stompin banner. Bec and I were very happy with the days work.

So if you’re walking past the studio please come up and say hello, I like visitors. We are in the Quadrant Mall, Dicky Whites Lane, Launceston. Hope to see you soon.