Far and Wide: LPA’s National Travel Fund widens the Helpmann Award competition pool

Live Performance Australia, the peak industry body for Australia’s live performance industry, has announced a national travel fund that will provide opportunities for shows outside of Sydney and Melbourne to be nominated for the Helpmann Awards.

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 the Helpmann’s Panel members, which will give productions outside of Sydney and Melbourne a greater chance of nomination through increased visibility and attendance by Panel members.

The Helpmann Awards is the premier awards event for the live performance industry and this years Helpmann’s, the twelfth in the history of the event, will take place on Monday 24 September 2012 at the Sydney Opera House.

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.

In 2012 Travel Fund grant 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). LPA members can apply to have Panel Members attend their show.

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