‘Stage Presence’ – creating magic

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The State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne is presenting a great exhibition ‘Stage Presence’ that celebrates Australian contemporary stage and costume designers. This is a wonderful insight into the art of performance design, which is sure to draw many ‘oohs’ and ‘aaahs’.

Costume design by Jennie Tate 'The Planetarium' 183  St Martins Theatre, Melbourne  Photograph:  GRACIE

Costume design by Jennie Tate ‘The Planetarium’ 183 St Martins Theatre, Melbourne Photograph: GRACIE

A collection of Jennie Tate’s designs are a real highlight.

A display of Jennie Tate's costumer designs.  Photograph:  GRACIE

A display of Jennie Tate’s costumer designs. Photograph: GRACIE

If you’ve ever wondered how the concepts and creative processes come together, then this is an exhibition you shouldn’t miss.  Take time to watch the video display.

Audie visual - Vicki Carr, Head of Millinery at the Australian Ballet working with Ikira Isogawa  Photograph:  GRACIE

Video – Vicki Carr, Head of Millinery at the Australian Ballet working with Ikira Isogawa Photograph: GRACIE

The set designs are intricate and captivating. The creative challenges are revealed in the three-dimensional designs as well as in the many detailed technical drawings.

Set model designed by Nigel Triffit for Diem Perry's 'Tap Dogs'.  Sydney Theatre Company 1995.  Gift of Nigel Triffitt 1998 Australian Performing Arts Collection  Photograph:  GRACIE

Set model designed by Nigel Triffit for Deim Perry’s ‘Tap Dogs’. Sydney Theatre Company 1995. Gift of Nigel Triffitt 1998 Australian Performing Arts Collection Photograph: GRACIE

Bus model and stage elements designed by Brian Thomason for 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert:  The Muscial' Palace Theatre, London , 2009.  Model made by Robert Deim.  Gift of Brian Thomson 2015 Australian Performing Arts Collection.  Photograph:  GRACIE

Bus model and stage elements designed by Brian Thomason for ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Muscial’ Palace Theatre, London , 2009. Model made by Robert Deim. Gift of Brian Thomson 2015 Australian Performing Arts Collection. Photograph: GRACIE

Set model designed by Roger Kirk for 'Dusty:  The original Pop Diva"  Dusty Productions, 2006.  Gift of Roger Kirk, 2006 Australian Performing Arts Collection  Photograph:  GRACIE

Set model designed by Roger Kirk for ‘Dusty: The original Pop Diva” Dusty Productions, 2006. Gift of Roger Kirk, 2006 Australian Performing Arts Collection Photograph: GRACIE

The costume design process is equally fascinating. Discover the development of character through visual clues that are presented in the costume creations.

Costume design by Judith Cobb for 'Reservoir by Night' Melbourne Theatre Company 1985.  Gift of Gillian McGovern 2012 Australian Performing Arts Collection.  Photograph:  GRACIE

Costume design by Judith Cobb for ‘Reservoir by Night’ Melbourne Theatre Company 1985. Gift of Gillian McGovern 2012 Australian Performing Arts Collection. Photograph: GRACIE

Costume design by Jennie Tate for Three Days of Rain, Sydney Theatre Company 2001.  Gift of the Estate of Jennie Tate 2013  Photograph:  GRACIE

Costume design by Jennie Tate for Three Days of Rain, Sydney Theatre Company 2001. Gift of the Estate of Jennie Tate 2013 Photograph: GRACIE

Costume designed by Gabriela Tylesova for Carabosse in 'The Sleeping Beauty'  The Australian Ballet, 2015.  Gift of the Australian Ballet 2015  Photograph:  GRACIE

Costume designed by Gabriela Tylesova for Carabosse in ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ The Australian Ballet, 2015. Gift of the Australian Ballet 2015 Photograph: GRACIE

Experience the breadth of the working processes that bring us the magic of a stage performance. You’ll be fascinated.

Where:     Gallery 1, Arts Centre, Melbourne

Date:          30 April to 4 September, 2016        Admission:  FREE

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