FAST - FESTIVAL OF AUSTRALIAN STUDENT THEATRE
QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (QUT), BRISBANE
30 SEPTEMBER - 2 OCTOBER 2011
So ladies and gents it's almost that time of year again! The sun is ready to shine again, the end of year essays and exams looming, AFL grand-final fever in the air, it can only mean one thing - FAST!
The Festival of Australian Student Theatre is on in Brisbane this year from September 30 - October 2. The three-day festival will involve workshops, forums and some of the most explosive theatre pieces you'll see this year.
FAST is a great opportunity to meet fellow student theatre advocates from around Australia. These are people passionate about theatre who many of you may come to work with when you go on to the amateur and professional theatre circuits. FAST is therefore a fantastic way of getting to know people who may be able to help you achieve your goals.
How do you get involved in FAST?
This year Student Theatre and Film has applied to take three productions to FAST. The Most Massive Woman Wins; Sex, Drugs, Rock'n'Roll, and A Clockwork Orange. We will find out at the end of June if these applications have been successful or not. But don't be disheartened if you aren't involved in any of these productions, we still think you should come to FAST! There are plenty of ways of getting involved in the festival without being in a featured production. Last year the University of Melbourne brought the 24hr Play Project to FAST and many of the La Trobians who attended last year joined this project that was performed on the final night. We are unsure of if there will be a similar project this year, but we anticipate that there will be a way to get involved in performing through FAST. Alternatively there is not pressure to perform, simply tag along for the workshops, forums and to watch some purely excellent theatre and have an amazing time!
Booking flights
Now, down to the nitty gritty. Last year we purchased all flights through Student Theatre and Film and those who attended reimbursed us with the relevant monies. However as we anticipate that there could be twice as many of you attending FAST this year, we will be asking you to purchase your own flights. If you don't have access to a credit card and there is no other way for you to purchase your flights, then come and speak to us.
We will be flying from Tullamarine to Brisbane on the morning of Thursday the 29th of September, and will return to Melbourne on the afternoon / evening of Monday the 3rd of October. Anneli and Syar will be booking their flights shortly and we will make their flight details available should you like to book yourself onto the same flight. Flights are negotiable, you can stay longer in Brisbane or shorter if you like. If you have compulsory labs at uni that clash with these dates but you still would like to come to FAST, please come to the office and talk to us.
Accommodation
Though we won't be booking your flights, we will book group accommodation for the duration of FAST. Last year we chose to stay at Bunk Backpackers and popular opinion is to return there this year. Bunk Backpackers is located in Fortitude Valley, which is pretty central and is also only a short walk from what is known as Brisvegas. The backpackers itself is both a hostel and a bar, that turns into a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights. There is also a pool. We will be booking accommodation at Bunk for everyone, however it is not in any way compulsory to stay with the group - you are welcome to arrange your own accommodation elsewhere if you would prefer or if you have family to stay with in Brisbane.
Last year we booked a 20-bed dorm known appropriately as 'the jungle' and several smaller rooms. We will be assuming that everyone is happy to stay in large unisex dorms together so please come and talk to us if you value your sleep and would like your own room!
Cost
The cost of flights will vary according to when you book. According to Webjet in early May, tickets to Brisbane cost approximately $70 each way from Tullamarine for the appropriate dates, flying either Jetstar or Virgin. Logically the sooner you book the cheaper you can anticipate your flights being. Keep your eyes on Webjet though, they often run domestic flight sales!
PLEASE NOTE: Flights are cheaper from Avalon airport, but don’t accidentally book from Avalon unless you actually want to fly from Avalon.
At present, dorm room rates at Bunk cost $18 per night and private rooms cost $65.
Bear in mind also when planning your trip to FAST that you will need to take food and local transport costs into account too. We found that it was cheaper and more time efficient to travel in groups via maxi-taxi than to take public transport, but it is up to you. At best estimate it is a good idea to make sure you have at least $400 at your disposal for the trip.
Activities
Once in Brisbane, outside of rehearsals and performances, you are free to come and go as you please. We will not be organising any group trips to the beach or museums, you are entirely at your leisure to do as you like. We will be encouraging everyone to look out for each other while we are up there, but we won't be policing you, it will be your responsibility to be on time for your appointments and keep in touch with us if there are any problems.
Now all that's left to decide is, would you like to come?
THE PLAYER SURVEY (click the link below)
