This 'n' that

1 - The computer says 'no'.

Yesterday, I got my first rejection for a writing submission. It was for a short story I'd entered for an anthology at one of the Melbourne universities. They sent me a short email with the whole 'thanks but no thanks' deal. And they'd taken eight weeks to get back to me. Meh. Onwards and upwards! Today, I submitted two short stories to another two competitions/anthologies. And I'm waiting to hear back about a third submission, too. Fingers crossed!

2 - The write stuff.

I'm over half-way through my course this year, the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing. So far, no-one has had to die. But two fellow students, with whom I was to write a collaborative piece, did leave the course several weeks ago. I'm trying not to take that too personally ...

3 - 20/20.

So far this year, I've read twenty books and seen twenty pieces of theatre. Not bad, I reckon! I'm a bit behind in my theatre reviews for my blog, so memo to self to get writing!

Critique

It's not easy being a theatre reviewer. And in the face of 'challenging' theatre, it's even less easy being a generous theatre reviewer ...

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Broadway and West End theatre websites

If you are looking for information about musicals and plays on Broadway, as well as on the West End, here are some of the must-see websites.

Broadway.com
http://www.broadway.com/
This is a fun, newsy site covering many popular facets of musical theatre and plays. This is probably the most accessible of all of the international theatre sites. You can also buy tickets to most shows on Broadway, Off-Broadway and on the West End. While I still love this site, and it remains my go-to place for theatre news internationally, it is not as sophisticated as it was in years gone by. Many of us show-tune tragics still wistfully remember the great reviews and pieces by the legendary Ken Mandelbaum on the site before he retired.

Playbill
http://www.playbill.com/
This is the most comprehensive international theatre site. It is an excellent blend of reviews, feature stories, interviews and the very latest news. It is very easy to become addicted to the many informative pieces on offer on this site. You can also buy tickets for New York and London shows.

Talkin' Broadway
http://www.talkinbroadway.com/
A slightly off the beaten track site about Broadway, but still very interesting. I highly recommend the 'Broadway 101' section about the history of Broadway. I wrote a piece for my course recently on the history of Broadway and I found their information to be extremely thorough.

Musicals 101
http://www.musicals101.com/
Another slightly esoteric theatre website, but with some great information about theatre in general.

Internet Broadway Database
http://www.ibdb.com/
This is the official website database of Broadway theatre. It is unbelievably comprehensive and literally covers everything theatre-related in New York since Broadway theatre began over one hundred years ago.

Tony Awards
http://www.tonyawards.com/
The Tonys are the Broadway theatre awards, presented each year by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway Guild. Their website covers Tonys history since the awards started in 1947 and includes a wealth of information and photos.

Broadway: The American Musical
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/broadway/
This site complements the wonderful documentary series on American musical theatre. It is an easy to read, informative rundown of Broadway's history.

London Theatre Guide
http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/
This site gives plenty of information and reviews about West End musicals and plays and how to purchase tickets to shows.

Australian theatre websites

Here are some of the websites I regularly visit for news about Melbourne and Australian theatre.

Theatre People

http://www.theatrepeople.com.au/

This site is my first stop for all things theatre in Melbourne, both amateur and professional. Here you will find a comprehensive list of all of current and upcoming shows, as well as reviews, interviews, articles and audition notices. I visit this site weekly to keep up with Melbourne theatre. This site often announces rumours of upcoming shows well before they are officially announced.

Aussie Theatre

http://aussietheatre.com.au/

This site covers a wide range of Australian theatre, including musicals, plays, opera and cabaret, and lets you search by different theatre companies.

Theatre Australia

http://www.theatre.asn.au//

This is a site produced by the Independent Theatre Association. It provides a great overview of Australian amateur theatre.

Australian Stage

http://www.australianstage.com.au/

This site is divided up by states of Australia for easy searching. They have also partnered with Lasttix to bring a great range of last minute tickets for shows at discounted prices. I highly recommend getting onto the Lasttix email list as they regularly offer substantially cheaper ticket prices for many Melbourne shows.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonyadee/3250824955/

Melbourne theatre

Great article in 'The Age' (29.05.12) about Melbourne and Australian theatre, and our links to overseas producers.

http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/theatre/taking-a-punt-on-theatre-thats-entertainment-20120528-1zfey.html