Off the Leash needs new home

By Emma Ballingall

Off the Leash Theatre is homeless and appealing for a new space to continue its award-winning shows.

COVID has dealt a huge blow to the company which has been forced to postpone shows and activities, including its 10-year anniversary gala.  However, being priced out of its Warragul rehearsal space has further exacerbated pressures on the not-for-profit community arts group.

Vice-president and co-founder Jeannie Haughton said the passionate company, which has produced 14 diverse shows at the West Gippsland Arts Centre over its 11 years, met its financial obligations but could no longer afford the ever-spiralling rates.

“We believe we are worthy of a place to work from because there are many layers of benefits to the community, from the well-being and creative activities of the teams involved through to the experiences of audiences that attend,” Ms Haughton said.

Well represented each year in the Gippsland Associated Theatre Awards and building a strong following, Off the Leash had two productions planned for 2020 and were just a fortnight from opening night for show “Rabbit Hole” when COVID hit.

Both shows were postponed to this year along with 10-year gala plans.  Whilst “Rabbit Hole” finally went ahead in February, second show “American Idiot” and celebration “ek-spo-zia” have again been postponed to 2022.

Ms Haughton said losing its home of about nine years, known as The Dogbox near the West Gippsland Arts Centre, on top of no income from shows had been a devastating blow.

The company is pleased Baw Baw Shire offered temporary rehearsal space and a storage room at Warragul Exhibition Hall with Drouin Bowls Club also kindly supporting with storage space.  However,

Ms Haughton said the temporary solution wasn’t ideal for all productions due to the inability to leave sets and props set up in the shared space.

“We want a home entity.  We would like a good-sized space where we can set up for rehearsals with scenery, play reading and other activities.  It is difficult to share a space.”

She said it would ideally be a central location with a kitchen, electricity, heating and out of hours access.  

Providing an opportunity for locals who are passionate in pursuing performing arts as well as a stepping stone for locals who want to pursue arts professionally, Ms Haughton said Off the Leash was important and finding a new home vital.

“The other companies in Gippsland really notice what we were doing.  People are finding us for the quality and diversity of work we do.”

Ms Haughton said its original work “Nightshades” saw it become the first company in more than 30 years to tell a local Indigenous story.

“We do try to do work that has a local relevance, work that matters and works that audiences love.”

If anyone can assist, contact president Tracey Rabl on 0400 911 074.