Adapted from a Media Release.
Patch Theatre’s artistic director, David Brown has been awarded the ‘Mickey Miners Lifetime Achievement Award’. The award, which is presented by the International Performing Arts for Youth organisation (IPAY), recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to the performing arts for young audiences.
IPAY is a leading international membership organisation that supports the professional community of performing arts for young audiences. The annual showcase event, which was held over 4 days from 21 - 24 January 2015, is a platform for companies to showcase their work on the international stage with the aim of securing international touring throughout North America.
The award, known as the ‘Mickey Miners Lifetime Achievement Award’ is named after the former curator of Performing Arts for Children at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Dave Brown joins an illustrious group of individuals to receive the award, all of whom have made outstanding contributions to the performing arts for young people; previous recipients include Mary Rose Lloyd, Saskia Janse, Onny Husinik and Jim Morrow.
“We are absolutely delighted that Dave Brown has received this year’s Mickey Miners Lifetime Achievement Award,” CEO of Australia Council, Mr Tony Grybowski, said.
“This is a very prestigious award, given to a person who has made a significant impact on the field of the performing arts for young audiences, and it is the first time an Australian has received this honour. “
Dave Brown has been at the helm of Patch Theatre for more than 20 years, and this recognition puts another feather in his cap. Brown is recognised nationally and internationally as a pioneer in creating new and highly innovative theatre work specifically for children, and is considered a leader in this highly specialised field.
IPAY Executive director Boomer Stacey has said “Dave's imprint and influence ripples throughout our professional members, to emerging artists and most importantly has positively impacted thousands … of young people around the world. Acknowledging Dave Brown and Patch Theatre also pays tribute to the amazing community of artists in Australia dedicated to creating and presenting outstanding performing arts for young audiences. They are an important voice at our ... Showcase”.
Aside from the awards, the showcase is an opportunity for companies to present works to a network of producers, presenters, agents, artists, educators and students involved in all forms of theatre, music, dance, circus and puppetry from around the world.
Patch Theatre was one of 17 companies selected from over 120 applicants to showcase their work ‘The Moon’s A Balloon’, a vibrant production that celebrates balloons, play, friendship, creativity and connection. It’s a delicious visual-theatre feast inspired by the EE Cummings poem of the same name that reveals how amazing possibilities arise from the simplest of things.
‘The Moon’s A Balloon’ will play at Adelaide’s Odeon Theatre in Norwood from 3 - 21 August, with sessions at 10:30 am & 1pm for schools. Following the Norwood season the show will tour to the Barossa, Noarlunga and Golden Grove before heading on a regional South Australian tour.
For more information or to book visit patchtheatre.org.au
