Sydney news

Peter Cousens CEO and Artistic director of Kookaburra, The National Musical Theatre Company, today announced a donation of $400,000 by the Amy McGrath Foundation to Kookaburra.
 
“This is a fantastic boost for our new musical theatre company” said Peter Cousens. “Amy and her foundation have been in talks with Kookaburra for several months and it great that their vision for Australian Theatre is in keeping with Kookaburra’s.”

Kookaburra, Australia's first and only National Musical Theatre Company, was launched in April 2006.  Kookaburra’s goal is to be a world leading producer, developer and advocate of musical theatre, and to affirm musical theatre's central role in the cultural and social life of Australia.  Kookaburra’s first production for their inaugural season PIPPIN opens this month on April 12 at the Sydney Theatre.

Dr Amy McGrath was founder of The Australian Theatre in the 1970’s. Based in Newtown, the group produced and performed many theatrical events and helped grow the talents of the Australian industry by supporting Australian playwrights, directors and performers. Dr McGrath also chaired outstanding International Theatre Forums including an historic Sydney Theatre event in 1977 where Musical Theatre Composers and Lyrists Alan Jay Lerner, Stephen Sondheim, Tim Rice and Harold Prince were bought together to discuss musical theatre. The sale of The Australian Theatre at Newtown generated the Amy McGrath Foundation, the board of which - Amy and Frank McGrath, Sally Hill and John Horder endeavoured to advance Australian theatre in all its forms.
 
“It was very fortuitous that Kookaburra came along as Peter Cousens and his team share the same objectives that we did in the 70’s” said Dr Amy McGrath. “Kookaburra’s aim to advance Australian Theatrical skills, Australian writing and educational programs can contribute at a level that can make a difference to all Australians.”
 
THE NEST, Kookaburra's Creative and Educational Development Wing, explores, develop and supports new initiatives in musical theatre in Australia. The Nest provides a script assessment service for musical theatre creators, provides forums for aspiring and established performers and creators, also provides an avenue for writers and creatives to develop and will create new works for professional productions including commissioning work from Australian artists. The Nest will also conduct workshops of musical theatre works as "try outs" for main stage production and will continue to seek new ways to support the ongoing development of our national industry.
 
“Donations to Kookaburra are tax deductible and Kookaburra welcomes the opportunity to build tailored sponsorship relationships with business at varying levels,” added Mr Cousens.  “Kookaburra encourages your support and asks that you take Kookaburra into your heart and help make it a fixture in the cultural lives of all Australians for generations to come.”
 
Visit www.kookaburra.org.au