We want to hear from YOU! Let us know what show you want to stage in 2026.
Please Note: The following information is a guide for anyone wishing to propose a show for BATS Theatre Company. The BATS Theatre Company Committee reserves the right to change and alter this guide and their requirements without notice.
About BATS
Founded in 1989, BATS Theatre Company provides Performing Arts opportunities to the Casey Community. BATS was originally formed as the Berwick Amateur Theatre Society, and has performed in various venues across the City of Casey and the City of Greater Dandenong. Now based in Cranbourne, BATS rehearses, and has its storage facility, The Belfry, at The Factory – Rehearsal Center for the Arts which forms part of the Casey Indoor Leisure Complex in Cranbourne East.
BATS Theatre Company’s aim is to provide the community with the opportunity to experience live theatre at an affordable price, whilst also giving budding thespians, both young and old, the opportunity to perform. BATS looks forward to continuing to encourage all members of the community to actively participate in the Arts as cast, crew, and audience.
Show Schedule
BATS Theatre Company stages up to 3 productions per year. The schedule is as follows:
- April – Junior Show
- July – Play Open age
- October – Full Musical
Please note: The BATS Committee may make the decision to stage less than the 3 shows listed above.
Applying to stage a show
In order to apply for BATS Theatre Company to stage a production, you will need to fill out the form which can be found here.
The Theatre
BATS Theatre Company has, in recent years, performed at Cranbourne Community Theatre. This venue seats 260 and has a large foyer area. Facilities include a good-sized set store and the ability to have an orchestra pit. The theatre does not have a fly tower so sets need to either be static or easy to move.
If proposing for a show to be performed at an alternative venue, please include this in the artistic vision section of the proposal form.
About Each Production
April Junior Production
This production is staged during the April school holidays and is for a cast aged approximately 5 to 14 years of age (with the occasional cast member falling outside this depending on what the script calls for). This production is a musical. When considering shows, think along the lines of off-Broadway style. If a musical, it should have performance backing tracks available
July Play Production
This production is staged the two weekends after the July school holidays and is for cast aged 16 and over. If, however, the script calls for a child actor, this can be accommodated. This production is to be a play,
October Production
This production is staged during October and is for cast aged 16 and above.
This production has been, in recent years, a full musical theatre production with an orchestra.
FAQ
- What are the key dates and process for appointment?
Applications will be open until 31st March 2025. Following this, the BATS Theatre Company Committee will discuss all applications at their next committee meeting. If necessary, applicants may be invited to present to the committee so that a decision can be reached by the end of April, 2025. All applicants will be informed whether or not they are successful after the final decision has been made. Although we will try and do this in as rapid a time frame as we can, there may be circumstances that delay the process. Any delays will be communicated to all applicants.
- Will you definitely choose one of the applicants from this process?
No. The committee may decide that none of the applications are suitable and may choose to either appoint via other means or not stage a production at all.
- Will you definitely stage all 3 productions in 2026?
No. As previously mentioned, the committee may decide to stage less than 3 productions.
- Can I apply to stage more than one production with BATS Theatre Company?
Definitely! We are happy for you to put in several proposals. Please fill in a new form for each proposal.
- If I have a team, do we need to put in an application for each person on the team?
No. Please just put in one application. There is a question where you can provide details about other team members.
- I want to direct/choreograph/musically direct but don’t have a show in mind. Can I still apply?
Yes. Please don’t fill in the form on our website, instead, email your theatre resume and a cover letter to [email protected].
- I want to direct/choreograph/musically direct but don’t have any/a lot of experience. Can I still apply?
Yes. However, the BATS Committee may decide to appoint a more experienced person in a mentoring role.
- I am under 18. Can I still apply?
No. However, you may apply to be a junior assistant director, choreographer or musical director. Please email your theatre resume and cover letter to [email protected].
- What if the form isn’t working or I’m having trouble filling it in?
Please message our Facebook page or email us at [email protected] and let us know.
- I’m not sure if the rights are available for the show I want to stage. What should I do?
You can still apply, however we would strongly recommend that you look into if the performance rights are available in Australia. Most performance rights for major shows in Australia can be found through MTI Shows, formerly Hal Leonard, (http://www.mtishows.com.au/) or Origin Theatrical (https://www.origintheatrical.com.au/). There are also multiple other companies or individuals who license shows. Try Googling the name of the show and ‘performance rights Australia’. If you’re still not sure, please feel free to apply and we will make our own enquiries about the performance rights.
- I have an idea for a show but I’m a performer who wants to be in it and don’t want to be a part of the production team. Can I still put in an application?
The short answer is no. We are specifically looking for people who are wanting to be on the production team for a specific show. If there is a show you would love to see BATS do that you would want to audition for, feel free to message us about it on our Facebook page.
- When will you announce the shows you have chosen?
As previously mentioned, applicants will be informed if they have been successful once a decision has been reached by the committee. We intend to do this by the end of May,2025. We will then apply for performance rights before making official announcements. The intention is to be able to announce our 2026 season approx. at the start of September 2025.
You can download a copy of this information here: