Following an alien abduction in his teen years, prolific regional touring artist, and renowned character and stand up comedian Damian Callinan, is set with the not all that daunting task of learning to Swing Dance within 34 years. However, Callinan procrastinates his way through life preferring solo dance. It’s not until he is diagnosed with OTTDs [Over The Top Dance Syndrome] and witnesses Swing Dance in a Parisian club, that his quest is reignited. With only 4 months left on the clock can Callinan learn to Lindy Hop, Charleston and Shag before the aliens return? Mixing storytelling, stand-up, sketches and choreography Callinan takes the audience on a journey from his nervous teens to middle age where he takes on the only item on his bucket list before it’s too late.

Callinan is joined on stage by renowned swing dancers, Genevieve Wallis & Jeanne-Clare Storace [alternating] helping to create ‘a completely and utterly charming hour’

Venue Format
Theatre, Hall, Black Box Venue
Technical Rating
C, D
Touring Party
3
Considerations

Set - There is no set other than a small table and a chair Flooring – Due to the dance requirements the stage should not be carpeted and the floor not over polished Masking – some side or rear stage masking is required

Min. stage width: 5m Min. stage depth: 5m Min wing space: 2m

Hey Boss is an award-winning production and management company owned and operated by Adelaide-based Peta Spurling-Brown. Working with some of the most exciting theatre, music, and comedy shows in the global fringe circuit, Hey Boss shows have seen box office success, critical acclaim and awards at Adelaide Fringe, FRINGE WORLD (Perth), Melbourne International Comedy Festival (to name a few); and tours to Switzerland, Finland, Korea, the UK, and throughout Australia. Hey Boss is focused on fostering sustainable careers for its artists and extending the reach of their work. We are currently interested in building direct touring opportunities and cross-industry relationships with commercial or artistic outcomes.

SELECTED AWARDS: 2016 WINNER: Adelaide Fringe Best Music Show: Jamie MacDowell & Tom Thum NOMINEE: FRINGE WORLD (Perth) Editor’s Choice The Merger - Damian Callinan

2017 WINNER: FRINGE WORLD Best Comedy Show: Butt Kapinski SHORTLISTED: FRINGE WORLD Best Cabaret Show: Shirley Gnome: Taking It Up The Notch NOMINEE: FRINGE WORLD Best Music Show: Jamie MacDowell & Tom Thum NOMINEE: Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Golden Gibbo Award: Double Denim

2018 WINNER: Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Directors’ Choice Award: Double Denim Adventure Show WINNER: Sydney Comedy Festival, Best Newcomer: Double Denim NOMINEE: FRINGE WORLD Best Comedy Show: Swing Man – Damian Callinan

Company Website
heyboss.com.au

Unique Selling Point

While the show strongly appeals to members of the swing dance community, the show also appeals to other dance counter cultures and anyone who has faced the fears of learning something new. Local social dance groups should be engaged to get involved and spread the word. For non-dancers the show is equally as accessible due to Damian’s incredible character comedy and storytelling skills: taking you on a nostalgic journey through his own childhood as well as through a brief history of swing (and 80s) dance.

Marketing Materials

Key Audience and Marketing Notes: The show’s key audience are 25-65yr olds with a fairly even gender split. Typical audience members are occasional theatre/comedy attendees. Marketing campaigns should include a mix of publicity (specifically radio, print media), local advertising (outdoor and local print media) and mail-outs (email and “snail mail”).

Marketing Package Included: Generic press release, artist bios, hi-res press shots, poster and A6 flyer templates included in fee.

Possible Marketing at Additional Cost: Promotional video, radio scripts, television commercial, publicist included at additional cost.

Community Engagement

Genevieve & Jeanne-Clare are swing dance teachers, it is the intention that a group lesson will be offered to interested audience members prior to the show with a view to incorporating participants into the shows finale.

Community engagement activities: Swing dance workshop or social dance at additional cost.