Introducing Bethany Simons

A note from Kerrie Phipps – I’m so excited to introduce (if an introduction is needed) the darling Bethany Simons, whose creative work and rise to success I’ve been following for about 4 years now. Bethany was nominated by her ex-drama teacher from her high school days in Dubbo. Enjoy the inspiration! Connect with Bethany on facebook and cheer her on!

“Bethany has always been creative and insightful– with a beautiful and inspiring approach to performing individually and as part of a group. Recently, I have been impressed by her willingness to take risks and use her talents to write, produce and perform in her own play ‘The Weather and Your Health’. It is a moving and beautiful piece of theatre – and her approach to storytelling may just change the face of Australian Theatre!” – Sarah Kelly

Bethany Simons is a Green Room Award nominated writer and performer based in Melbourne. Her original one-act play The Weather and Your Health has toured extensively throughout Australia, in both regional and metropolitan settings.

Bethany Simons

Born and raised in Dubbo, NSW, Bethany is a graduate of BA (Acting for Screen and Stage) (Honours) at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. Her first play, The Weather and Your Health, debuted at the 2007 Melbourne Fringe Festival and, after touring Central West NSW, enjoyed a sold-out season at La Mama Theatre in Melbourne in 2009. The play received funding from Arts Victoria for an 8-week tour across regional Victoria in 2011 and was most recently selected for the 2012 VCE Drama Playlist.

Her latest original work, Reception: The Musical – a cabaret-style comedy collaboration with pianist Peter de Jager – is inspired by her real life experiences as an administration assistant. The show has been performed at Melbourne’s The Butterfly Club and the Australian National Academy of Music.

Finding her inspiration in the everyday, Bethany Simons believes that nothing is funnier or more beautiful than real life and true stories. As a theatre-maker she is committed to creating new work for the Australian stage that is honest, uplifting and entertaining.

Bethany is a freelance producer, assistant director, Master of Ceremonies, voice over and recording artist. She also directs drama and playwriting workshops throughout Australia and is a regular contributor for Australian theatre networking site, AussieTheatre.com

1.    What makes your business/story unique?
One of the first things I do when I meet people is tell them that I’m from Dubbo. I’m proud of this fact, and have found that it’s quite memorable! Regional life has played a large part in my work, so I think it’s important to set this up from the first meeting. I’m glad that I studied at a regional University, and I’m so thankful for the lecturers and mentors that surrounded me at that time. I was always encouraged to be myself, so when it came time to write my first play I remember thinking that I should write what I knew. I love my family and their stories, and am proud of my upbringing, and my beliefs. (I quickly noticed that these qualities were fairly rare in someone my age!)

The Weather and Your Health was an unlikely front-runner during a state touring forum in 2010. Following our excerpt performance, almost 40 venues from across Victoria voted to have my play as part of their season. This response gave great weight to our funding application for a regional tour. We received the full amount from Arts Victoria, meaning that I was able to undertake a professional tour as an independent producer, writer and performer. The 2012 national tour followed on from this. Once again, we performed an excerpt of the show – this time at the national touring forum – and received a similar response. Our funding came through, and we were able to take a little play about my Nana and the town of Gilgandra to venues across the country!

2.    Who are your greatest supporters?

My family back in Dubbo is so incredibly supportive. That’s what you need when you’re working in such an unstable industry – a strong foundation to draw upon. I never know what opportunities are around the corner, never know where the next job is going to come from, spend a lot of time working away with no money coming in. I’m blessed that I’ve always been able to save my money and support myself, but it’s also a huge relief to know that if it all turns pear-shaped, I’ll be welcomed home with open arms. It’s great to be able to share my struggles, day-to-day details, as well as my successes with the family. My friends and mentors are also incredible encouragers. It sounds like a cliché, standard answer, but I can’t stress how important it is to surround yourself with people who are genuinely happy for you and will love you no matter what. They will freely rejoice in your successes and support you through the tough times. As much as I may work for myself, it’s nice to know that I’m not in this alone.

3.    Describe a significant business (or other) challenge you have faced. How did you approach it? What did you learn?

Following the news that The Weather and Your Health had been selected for the 2012 VCE Drama Playlist, our itinerary grew, but our funding amount was fixed. During the pre-production phase, it became apparent that there was a significant budget shortfall that was threatening our ability to complete the tour. As an independent, this was a very daunting position to be in. I had to raise $16,000 in two months. At times I thought it would be much easier to give in and give up, but I made a conscious decision to focus on a solution, surround myself with mentors, and make the impossible, possible. I looked into crowdfunding and was able to secure $4000 through an online campaign that targeted my network of friends, family and faithful audience. The rest of the money came in via private donations from arts lovers and philanthropists. I was so overwhelmed by people’s generosity and belief in what I do. People don’t give to things, they give to people and causes. I learnt a lot about my work, my audience and myself during this time. It pays to be humble. What began as a nightmare, steadily became a miracle. I’m stronger for having been through something like this.

4.    What are the most important things you’ve done to grow your business?

Networking and Opportunities
An important skill in any field, but especially the arts, is networking because it’s incredibly true that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. This used to scare me, but I now see it as a challenge: connect with as many people as you can, but keep it genuine. Being interested in someone else first, and not approaching with an agenda is the key. I’ve always looked for opportunities and worked hard to make sure that I’m open to learning and sharing skills. You have to say yes to things, I’ve had to take risks and I’ve had to be patient.

Staff Expansion
Working alongside others during the regional and national tours was an exciting development to my practice. Having a Tour Manager/Co-Producer and fellow actor to share the load, bounce off, and rely on was incredible. One of the touring party during the 2011 tour said, “Wow, Beth, you’re our boss. We’re your employees!” I hadn’t thought of myself like that until that moment!

Community and Audience Development
Connecting with my audience and creating a community experience for people has not only been rewarding as a writer and performer, it has been good for business. There is so much interest out there for what I’m doing and going to do next. Through engaging with my audience I’ve been able to build mailing lists, promote future works, network and expand on my practice through the delivery of workshops that accompany my performances, and make a contribution to regional and remote communities across the country. What a privilege!

CONTACT DETAILS

Bethany Simons
Performer/Writer/Producer
PO Box 497 Collins Street West VIC 8007
www.bethanysimons.com
http://facebook.com/bethany.simons
Twitter.com@BethanySimons