You tell us what you’re making.
A finished script, half a cabaret, one very good idea scribbled in your Notes app. We’ll take it from there.
Live
From first idea to opening night, or somewhere in the middle.
We offer directing and creative development for live performance, from solo Fringe shows and cabaret to plays and full-scale musicals.
Based in Melbourne, we work with artists to create new shows, bring existing work to the stage and develop productions that need more time or a fresh perspective. We can support a focused part of the process or work with you from the first idea through to opening night.
You don’t need to know exactly where we fit in yet. Tell us what you’re making and where you need support, and we’ll recommend a way for us to work together, with a quote based on the scope of your project.
Tell us about your projectWays we can work together
Three ways we can help.
Fresh eyesCreative consultation+
You don’t need a director. You need some direction.
For projects that need focused feedback or help solving a particular creative problem without bringing us on for the entire process. We can come in at the beginning, middle or end.
That might mean one focused session, several consultations across the process or a couple of rehearsals when you need them.
- Clarifying the artistic vision
- Structure and audience engagement
- Dramaturgy and performance
- Problem-solving
- Reviewing an existing show
- Preparing a work for a season, remount or tour
Page to stageDirection+
You’ve got the show. Let’s get it on its feet.
Already have a script or show? We can join you for a focused rehearsal period or direct the production from first rehearsal to opening night.
That could mean weekly rehearsals over six weeks, an intensive fortnight or a schedule tailored to your production. We’ll agree on the scope and timing around the show’s needs and our availability.
- Artistic vision
- Auditions and casting
- Rehearsal planning
- Blocking and performance direction
- Working with the creative and technical team
- Production week, tech and opening night
Build itCreative development + direction+
You’ve got an idea. Now let’s build it.
An idea, half a show or a frighteningly close festival deadline? We’ll help shape your material and bring it to the stage.
Together, we’ll set clear goals and a writing or development plan, then move into rehearsals. Before we begin, we’ll agree on the timeline, who’s doing what and how we’ll work together.
- Developing the concept and structure
- Dramaturgy
- Devising and generating material
- Drafting, redrafting or co-writing where appropriate
- Testing material
- Rehearsal, technical and performance direction
Professional or institutional enquiry? You're also welcome to email hello@theocproject.com.
What to expect
Find the right support.
Fresh eyes for a few hours? A handful of rehearsals? Full direction from development to opening night?
We make a plan.
We work out a rehearsal schedule, what needs to be achieved, what it will cost and when we’re doing it.
We get it on its feet.
We develop, rehearse, cut things and put things back in. We work out why that bit isn’t working, then make it work.
We tech.
If tech is part of our agreed scope, we’ll be there to help bring the lights, sound, cues and performance together.
You open the show.
See you at the bar for a celebratory post-show drink. Hopefully you wake up the next morning without a hangover, but with four- or five-star reviews.
What will it cost?
The honest answer: it depends on the show.
Creative consultation
From $150 per hour, with multi-session packages available.
Direction
Quoted around rehearsal hours, preparation, production requirements, scale and timeframe.
Creative development + direction
Quoted around the development and rehearsal process required.
Working with an independent artist's budget? Tell us what you're working with and we can shape the scope accordingly. Payment plans are available.
Going to a Fringe festival? Let’s chat about our discounted Fringe rates.
Need someone else?
Sometimes the show needs more than a director.
If you're looking for musical directors, choreographers, designers, stage managers, technicians, producers or other creatives, we can introduce you to someone who suits the project.
FAQs
What is the difference between creative consultation and directing?
Creative consultation provides focused feedback or support with a particular challenge. Directing involves leading an agreed rehearsal and performance process. Creative development and direction can also help shape new material before bringing it to the stage. We will agree the scope that suits your project.
Can you help with producing my show?
Our focus is directing and creative development. We don’t take on producing, marketing, ticketing or project management, but we can help you find someone who does. Tell us what your show needs and we can help connect you with a producer or other creative who suits the project.
What information do you need to quote for a live project?
Share what you are making, its current stage, the support you need, your proposed development, rehearsal and performance dates, the location and your budget. The quote and Live service agreement will set out the agreed work, fee, responsibilities and payment dates.
What happens after I submit the project form?
We’ll review what you’re making and what you need, then come back to you with the most useful next step and an indication of scope and cost. Submitting the form doesn’t commit you to anything.
Does enquiring guarantee that The OC Project will take on my show?
No. Taking on a project depends on our availability and whether the work is a good fit for both sides. An enquiry starts a conversation and does not reserve dates or confirm a booking. We’ll discuss your project, the support you need and the proposed schedule before agreeing to work together.
Can you work within my budget?
Tell us what you’re working with. If the budget doesn’t stretch to the original scope, we’ll look at a smaller way to be involved that still gives you something useful. A smaller budget means a smaller scope, rather than the same job for less money.
Are payment plans available and is a deposit required?
Yes. Payment plans are available. A deposit is usually required to secure larger projects and agreed dates. The deposit, total fee and payment dates will be included in your quote and agreement.
Do you work evenings and weekends?
Some evening and weekend work is possible, particularly for tech, dress rehearsals, previews and performances. Most development and rehearsal work is scheduled during standard business hours where possible. We don’t generally take on projects where the entire rehearsal period needs to happen at night.
Will you travel with us to interstate or overseas festivals?
Often, a show can travel without its director once the artists and production are ready. We can help you prepare from afar, with agreed support such as a production meeting, rehearsal notes and a handover of lighting and technical requirements with your team. If you’d like us to travel with you, that can be arranged subject to availability, with our time, travel and accommodation included in the quote. We’ll agree on any remote or in-person festival support before the project begins.
Will you come and see the show after it opens?
If you’d like us to attend performances after opening, give notes or run follow-up rehearsals, let’s include that in the initial quote. We’ll agree on the number of visits and the support needed, with that time included in the scope and fee. Any additional visits can be quoted separately.
What if we want to remount the show or do a festival circuit?
Support for a remount, another season or a festival circuit is not included in the original fee unless we’ve agreed to it in advance. If you already have dates locked in or are considering further seasons, tell us at the start so we can include them in the scope and quote. Otherwise, we can discuss the support you need and provide a separate quote when those plans take shape.
How far in advance should I enquire?
As early as you can. Full productions, development periods and touring work need more planning than a few consultations. Short-notice projects may still be possible, but a compressed timeline can affect the rehearsal structure and quote.
Still not sure what it needs?