One shot at success
Image: Photo by Edwin Monk
With so many young performers falling by the wayside, the entertainment industry is tough. Under no illusions, getting ahead was never easy but it’s certainly getting harder. Rest assured though help is on the way with One Shot Variety Festival.
“As entertainers ourselves, we recognised that for the casual performer or even a budding professional, performance opportunities can be few and far between. So many things get in the way, so we decided to create this event to accommodate those who are passionate about what they do but don’t always have the time or opportunity,” explains co-founder Mitchell Fitzpatrick.
Giving talent a chance is something of a passion for Fitzpatrick as the One Shot Variety Festival is a completely self-funded venture.
“We are self-funding the festival as we believe deeply in the notion of fostering the creation of new work. However, we are currently looking for commercial partners and sponsors so that we are able to deliver prizes to outstanding performers,” says Fitzpatrick.
“Although we are not driven by profit, any proceeds will be directed into developing further ideas and events in order to promote creative development. At the end of the day, we’re happy to risk being out of pocket to help provide such a unique opportunity for those who otherwise would be unable to perform,” he adds.
Fitzpatrick’s expenditure is something that is greatly appreciated by the talent performing at the event.
“One Shot Variety Festival is a great opportunity to showcase my original music to a live audience,” explains singer/songwriter Enza Russo.
“The song I have chosen to play, no one has heard before and I am excited to share something that is close to my heart. Festivals like this one are a great avenue for performers like me to showcase our abilities and share our music. I’m really excited to be participating in something that will place value on Australian talent,” she says.
Russo who will be performing under the music banner of the event has a few targets to hit when it comes to her performance.
“I hope that through this event I can show more people what I can do. I have a passion for music and it is something that I have always known I was born to do. I hope that through this event I can share my music and hopefully impact some people’s lives,” she reveals.
Also performing at One Shot Variety Festival in the music category will be Denning Isles or Mordechai – his onstage persona. As well as looking forward to his own performance Denning is eager to watch the mixed bag of talent that the festival has to offer.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to perform live, meet new people and try some new things musically. I’m also looking forward to seeing a refreshingly diverse range of performances, like comedians and magicians; you don’t come across that so often,” he explains.
Variation is something that Mordechai is no stranger to, especially when it comes to his sound.
“It’s electronic music of the alternative persuasion. It’s all produced live, with vocals as well. I’ll be doing a bit of a mash up of songs, so the night will be a little reminiscent of the 80s, naughties and now, in a good way.”
For Fitzpatrick it isn’t just a one-off opportunity for performers at the festival, he has bigger things in mind for them.
“The festival will provide several unique opportunities. These include an arena in which performers can show their creative strengths and the ability to network and promote themselves. We also have a $3000 prize pool which will be distributed to outstanding performers, as voted by the audience each night,” explains Fitzpatrick.
“These prizes are aimed at allowing winners to further their own careers and build on their achievements. We will be inviting talent agencies and casting directors to come along and see for themselves the pure brilliance of our performing artists,” he continues.
One shot variety festival is here to give talent a much-needed chance and it is something that Mitchell Fitzpatrick is very excited about and indeed so should the audience.
“It is an all-ages show and definitely there is something for everybody. This is not your average night at the theatre. With singers, dancers, actors, acrobats, stunt performers, magicians and gymnasts, the night will resemble something of a bohemian festival. A lot of fun sprinkled with pizzazz and finished off with lashings of laughter.”
Fitzpatrick asserts, “You definitely haven’t seen a show like this before.” (AH)
Jul 18-20, King Street Theatre, 644 King St, Newtown, $32, trybooking.com/53650
BY ANDREW HODGSON
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