Theatre company gets in synch

PASSION is what drives the small but dedicated team at Synchronicity Performing Arts.

Creative director Wendy Collishaw founded the boutique company with her husband eight years ago to bring intimate comedy and drama shows to life.

“What we saw was a niche in the market,” she said. “We try and listen to the market and what the market is looking for and try to choose plays that are appropriate to the people we have.”

Late last year, the company announced their 2022 program theme ‘Emerge’, signalling a fresh start for an industry put on hold for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I feel like there’s a feeling of hope that theatre is going to come out, emerge and be better because everyone is dead keen,” Collishaw said.

“We have a bit of a pattern now where we start with a comedy, then we’re going into a more serious show so we’re doing Twelve Angry Jurors later in the year.

“Then we’re going to finish up in December with a dinner theatre event that’s going to be a real celebration.”

However, work continues beyond the stage with a company training arm developed a few years ago aimed at giving emerging talent an opportunity to refine their skills.

With an acting intensive set to begin this weekend, Collishaw said there were also classes designed for those found out of the spotlight.

“We’re doing a directing training and then we’re running a one act play season called Shards! – short sharp pieces of drama and that will be around the middle of the year,” she said.

Based out of The Engine Room on View Street, Synchronicity’s performance season will kick off in April with Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies, a comedy set in the 1950s where two Shakespearean actors attempt to con their way into a dying woman’s fortune.

For more information or to get involved, visit synchronicity.org.au.