True West and Creative Hello

True West is NTofP’s capacity building program that supports and shines a light on the fresh and vibrant voices of Western Sydney artists from creation to skills
development and production.

Based in the geographic heart of Sydney, we are amplifying these voices and adding their stories to our cultural landscape.

With independent artists and companies being a critical component of the holistic makeup of a thriving arts sector, we are committed to providing
pathways and platforms for new ideas and works to be nurtured and seen. True West supports the development of new ideas, showcases emerging artists,
provides networking opportunities, presents play readings and delivers skills development programs such as Page to Stage,

Creative Futures mentorships and open table sessions (which have led to main stage productions).

CREATIVE HELLO

Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta launched Creative Hello, in 2019. Now running as part of our True West program this is a collaborative networking initiative for western Sydney creatives from any artform, curated by local artistsThe sessions provided opportunities to connect with other professional creatives from experienced to emerging. .

2023

HAFLA, curated by Antony Mahklouf
When: 4 March 2023
A celebration of middle Eastern and queer culture as part of Sydney World Pride.

QISA, curated by James Elazzi
When: 9 May 2023
An evening of Western Sydney filmakers/playwrights including Gabe Faatau’uu-satiu, Nisrine Amine, Mohamed Awad

Choir Boy youth event, curated by NTofP Western Sydney Youth Advisory Group.

When: 15 February 2023

2022

CREATIVE HELLO SAHRA SALON
When: Tuesday 21 June 2022
Emerging artists share their works in progress in a night of storytelling, intimacy and enchantment. Be part of their process and be transported to their worlds at this evening gathering or Sahra (Arabic). Share our intimate space of creativity and indulgence
Artists on the evening will include Gary Lonesborough, Kim Pham  and Ilhan Abdi, curated by Hajer.

2020 – 2021 CREATIVE HELLO ONLINE

SESSION 1. Share what you have been working on
Thursday 5 May 2020

SESSION 2: Pitching you idea
THURSDAY 28 May  2020
Time 2.00pm – 3.00pm

SESSION 3: Networking your idea
THURSDAY 18 June 2020
Time 5.00 – 6.00pm

SESSION 4:   CONNECT, COLLABORATE, and CREATE with Carl Sciberras and Felicity Castagna
THURSDAY 2 July 2020
Time 5.00 – 6.00pm

SESSION 5: Creative Business Basics  with Monica Davidson from Creative Plus Business
THURSDAY 20 August 2020
Time: 5.00 – 6.00pm

SESSION 6: Learn more about upcoming PAGE TO STAGE program.
WEDNESDAY 30 September 2020
Time: 5.00 – 6.00pm

SESSION 7 – 20 March 2021 – LAUNCHPAD with CuriousWorks
Our first Creative Hello for 2021 – LAUNCHPAD after the 2:00pm performance.
Network, mingle with drinks (non-alcoholic) and snacks! Please note that we are focused on youth for this event, hence the non alcoholic drinks (to be held in Riverside courtyard).

SESSION 8 – 26 August 2021
Creative Hello Digital is back! Zoom with us on Thursday 26 August from 4pm to network with fellow creatives and this month we are joined by Linda Nicholls-Gidley (Voice, Accent and Dialect Coach) who will be sharing a few tips to help you create an embodied accent for your acting work.

SESSION 9 – Thursday 30 September 2021
Zoom with our team on Thursday 30 September from 4pm to network with fellow creatives and this month we are joined by Courtney Stewart (Director, Dramaturg, Actor and Teaching Artist) who will be discussing and answering your questions about:
– The Dramaturg process
– The Writer/Dramaturg relationship
– The Director/Dramaturg relationship

– How to sharpen your dramaturgical skills

SESSION 10 – JAMES ELAZZI 21 OCTOBER 
We would like to invite you to our next Creative Hello Remote zoom session on pitching and sharing new work. This session, we have in James Elazzi (LADY TABOULI, QUEEN FATIMA) to share his experiences and advice as an emerging playwright in Sydney. Joanne Kee and James will be available for questions on how to get your work out there.
DATE: Thursday 21 October, 2021

2019

28 June 2019 GIRL IN THE MACHINE