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Susan Fitzpatrick-Napier
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12 March 2012

LIVE PERFORMANCE AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES NATIONAL TRAVEL FUND
FOR THE HELPMANN AWARDS®

The peak industry body for Australia’s live performance industry, Live Performance Australia (LPA), today announced a national Travel Fund that will provide greater opportunity for shows outside Sydney and Melbourne to be nominated for the Helpmann Awards®.

The Helpmann Awards® is the live performance industry’s annual premier awards event. The 12th Annual Helpmann Awards® Ceremony will be held on Monday 24 September 2012 at the Sydney Opera House.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said, “The Travel Fund will allow Nominating Panel Members to attend shows outside of Sydney and Melbourne.”

“Australians are great supporters of live performance right across the country, whether it is presented in capital cities or regional centres. The Travel Fund will assist in ensuring that all shows have an opportunity for recognition,” said Richardson.

The $40,000 Fund will provide travel assistance by covering the cost of flights and accommodation for Panel Members, which will:

• Enable Helpmann Award® Panel Members to be as informed as possible about productions in their discipline throughout Australia

• Assist productions outside of Sydney and Melbourne to receive a greater chance of being nominated through increased visibility and greater attendance by Helpmann Awards® Nominating Panel Members

• Enable LPA Member companies to apply for Panel Members to travel to see their show

• Ensure that the best Live Performance productions across all Australian states have the opportunity to be nominated.

Applications, once submitted to LPA, will be assessed by the Chief Executive of LPA, the Chair of Helpmann Awards® Administration Committee and the relevant Panel Head to determine the success of each application.

Once approved, LPA will be responsible for arranging for Panel Members to attend the production, as well as accommodation and flights.

The Travel Fund aims to increase access to the best in Australian live performance across all states and territories so all candidates are given equal opportunity for nomination and an award.

In 2012 priority will be given to Panel Members from the disciplines of Cabaret, Dance & Physical Theatre, Opera and Classical Music, Theatre and Regional Touring (including Children’s Productions).

Applications can now be made online at www.helpmannawards.com.au and close on 10 May 2012. The season concludes on 31 May 2012.

Evelyn Richardson is available for comment today and over the weekend.
Please use media contact above.

About Live Performance Australia www.liveperformance.com.au
Live Performance Australia (LPA) is the peak body for Australia’s live performance industry, and the presenter/producer of the Helpmann Awards®. Established in 1917 and registered as an employers’ organisation under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, LPA’s activities centre around three core areas:

• Workplace Relations
• Policy & Strategy
• Membership Services & Events

Our members work in the live performance sector across all artistic genres, including contemporary and classical music, musicals, theatre, comedy, dance, opera, circus and physical theatre. We represent producers, venues, promoters, performing arts companies, festivals and industry suppliers such as ticketing companies and technical specialists.

About Helpmann Awards® www.helpmannawards.com.au
The annual Helpmann Awards® recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the many disciplines of Australia's vibrant live performance sectors, including musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre. The Helpmann Awards® also incorporates the JC Williamson Award™ for outstanding contribution to the Australian live performance industry. The Helpmann Awards®, named in honour of Sir Robert Helpmann and to commemorate his memory and achievements, were established in 2001 by Live Performance Australia (LPA) to recognise, celebrate and promote our live performance industry, similar to the Tony Awards on Broadway and the Olivier Awards in London.

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