Behind the Partnership: Monkey Baa and Arts on Tour

Arts on Tour is one of Monkey Baa Theatre Company’s most important touring partners, supporting the delivery of our productions to communities across Australia. We spoke with Sara Richardson, General Manager of Arts on Tour, about our long-standing partnership, the impact of touring theatre for young audiences and the importance of early theatre experiences.

How would you describe the partnership between Monkey Baa Theatre Company and Arts on Tour?
Sara: Arts on Tour works with Monkey Baa to support their prolific national regional tours. We work together on building Monkey Baa’s tours as well as supplying all the administration and logistics wrangling that goes into getting a tour on the road. It’s an easy partnership because we share the same values and priorities when it comes to regional and remote access for young people to experience live performance, as well as creating a safe, fun and sustainable tour for the cast and crew who are on the road.

How has your experience been working with Monkey Baa over the years?
Sara: The organisations have worked together for almost two decades and I personally have worked with Monkey Baa for 10 years. This has meant we have built a really strong and transparent relationship. Touring in Australia has evolved a lot in the last decade. Touring in a more sustainable way for both the people on the road and for the environment are essential priorities now. In recent years we have been able to work together to embed these sustainable practices into everything we do.

Why do you believe it’s important for young people to experience theatre?

Sara: Theatre gives young people a chance to see themselves and the world in new ways. It sparks imagination and builds empathy, two qualities that are becoming more and more essential for children to explore. Plus, the shared experience of live performance is pretty magical, it stays with you. What I most admire about Monkey Baa is their steadfast mission to ensure all young people in Australia can experience this, regardless of whether they live in a city or in a small remote town.

What sets Monkey Baa’s productions apart for young audiences?

Sara: Monkey Baa engages some of the best creatives in the country so that young people are truly experiencing high quality theatre. The company really respects their young audiences and will involve them in the creative process early on which means the work is sincerely made with and for young audiences. Their productions don’t talk down to children or simplify things unnecessarily.

Can you share a memorable theatre experience from when you were young? What impact did it have on you?
Sara: Can I tell you about the first time I saw a Monkey Baa show? I wasn’t a young person, but I was certainly younger than I am now. I saw the hilarious and clever production of Pete the Sheep in 2014. Not only did I laugh so much that I had tears streaming down my face, but I was so moved by how captivated and entertained the young kids were who I had the privilege of sharing the space with. It was an incredibly joyous experience and it was perhaps the first time I was cognisant of the positive impact theatre can have on a child.