Producing
Initially, I underestimated the joy in the role of Producing. I couldn’t see the fun in it at all. It seemed to me to be about numbers and foyers, which are two of the aspects of theatre making I find the least interesting. But I now understand the potential of, well, basically curating talent. I love sitting at the outset of a show, envisaging how a particular combination of creatives might shape the particular interpretation, or an unpredictable casting choice might create new meaning for an audience. The idea that new voices which may otherwise remain unheard can be given opportunity excites me no end. I also keenly source sponsorship, funding and underwriting opportunities, from all sorts of unexpected, and some slightly more predictable sources.
I have definitely come to understand that the risk and the reward of producing is really cool. I also love working budgets. I am proud to say that I have never run a show at a loss, even in 2020, when I’d fully braced myself to break that streak. And I am even getting better at foyers…
Outer Urban Projects - Education Producer
I am proud to work as Outer Urban Projects’ inaugural Education Producer. Since May 2025, I have been collabing with team to build and strengthen existing education networks for the organisation, and piloting new cross-sector initiatives. Read here below to learn about our major new 2026-2027 education engagement, coming to a school near you!
V.O.I.C.E.
Voices of Inclusivity, Creativity & Expression
In 2026-2027, Outer Urban Projects is offering V.O.I.C.E., our exciting new education initiative. This program offers targeted low-ICSEA government secondary schools direct engagement with Outer Urban Projects’ bold, diverse artists that not only reflect, but inspire and affirm students' confidence, and creative voice.
Through V.O.I.C.E., Outer Urban Projects will showcase two original Victorian CALD works for study: KIN - Dudi & Jojo, a short partially-animated documentary showcasing Australia's talented Fijian diaspora and The Audition, a professionally recorded stage production by asylum-seeking artists and acclaimed Victorian playwrights, exploring parallels between actors auditioning and refugees seeking asylum. Facilitated Q&As and in-person workshops with key creatives will accompany these screenings, with free, curriculum-aligned, pre and post-incursion digital workshops also framing students’ in-person experiences.
Please contact our Education Producer, Claire Wearne via claire@outerurbanprojects.org to discuss imbedding V.O.I.C.E. into your school’s curriculum.
Curriculum-based Outcomes:
The relevant Victorian curriculum areas which V.O.I.C.E. aims to address are:
- VCE Media
- VCE English as an Additional Language
- VCE English
- VCE VM
- Year 10 English
- Year 9/10 Media Electives
- Intercultural capabilities
Here are some lovely things Kate Gillick, Executive Producer & Co CEO at Outer Urban Projects has said about our work together to date:
‘Claire is an education producer with Outer Urban Projects (OUP) working with our team to place our performing arts works and texts within the Victorian and national secondary curriculums.
Claire is an exciting addition to OUP as we widen our young audience reach and introduce students to our talented artists and artistic works developed in Melbourne’s outer northern suburbs and is assisting us to make a significant cultural and social impact on a new generation of students and future artists and art consumers.
Claire is a warm, no jargon communicator, willing to go the distance to offer us new and exciting market placement opportunities.’
