Arabic version: «فول سيركل» تفتتح مسيرتها بمواهب أديلايد المسرحية

According to ABC News, Full Circle has formed as South Australia’s first professional musical theatre company, seeking to create local opportunities for performers who have often moved interstate for work. The company will make its debut with Catch Me If You Can at Futures Theatre in Paradise from November 5-7.

Arts veteran Jo Casson helped establish Full Circle after finding that other major Australian cities had professional local theatre companies while Adelaide did not. She said the company was designed as a local professional theatre organisation, with hopes of eventually taking smaller productions into regional South Australia.

The opening production drew more than 100 performers competing for 25 roles. Joey Haenen, 21, won the lead role of Frank Abagnale Jr after submitting an audition video because he was working during auditions. Jazz Garcia secured an ensemble contract after three days of auditions, while choreographer Zoe Komazec-Kermond returned to the state following a career in productions including Cats, Matilda and Mary Poppins.

More than 30 creatives and technical crew have been hired, with the final cast combining South Australians and performers returning to the state. Full Circle has backing from arts supporter and philanthropist Pamela Wall AO, while also seeking further support and applying for grant funding. The company plans to stage two musicals a year for the next two years before increasing to three productions annually.

The launch comes after several major musicals, including Beetlejuice, Waitress, Back to the Future and Dear Evan Hansen, recently cancelled shows amid increased touring costs. Full Circle said its locally focused model would avoid the high costs associated with touring nationally.