Thursday 5th August 2010

Here it is people, my update on competing in The 14th Annual World Championships Of Performing Arts.

I was Flag Bearer for the Australian Tean at the Official Opening march (what an Honor)

I competed in four section (unfortunately there are no poetry sections) Acting Open, Acting Contempory, Acting Humerous and Variety Unasisted.

I won a Bronze medal for Australia in the Variety Unassisted Section

I made the cut to compete in the Semi Final

I was invited to audition for the New York Conservetory (USA's best Acting Academy)

Australian Team of only 18 members won over 80 (yes 80 awards, all Australia can be proud))

This was one of the best experiences of my life and I would not have missed it for the world, the pressue was enormous and at all times we were surrounded by thousands of wonderfully talented, singers, dancers, models, actors, musicians and variety acts from over 50 countries.

Australia can be very proud of their team with the 18 contestants exceeding expectations, I won't mention their individual names here without their permission, but they were a great bunch of people with a wealth of talent to boot. The Aussie Team and the Kiwi team formed an alliance and were superb in rocking up between their own performances to support each other. The supporters who travelled with us and our team management were supportive beyond belief and I firmly believe I have made some lifelong friends.

Contestants from other countries were in general, very friendly and supportive of each other and the whole event was conducted in an atmosphere of friendly rivalry. I have made great friendships with some peple from other counries as well.

Not many people, not even all the Aussie team knew what Bush Poetry was about, but after performing Bush Poems in all four of my categories I was blown away by the amount of spectators, contestants, volunter workers, and WCOPA staff who went to the trouble of approaching me to tell me how much they enjoyed what I did.

Due to the short time allowed on stage I had to write and learn four new bush poems in a big hurry. I was advised by well meaning people to take some of the Australianism's out of my work, as Americans especially, may not get the Aussie sence of humor. After much soul searching I decided to ignore this advise and stay true to my craft. My reasoning was that it was bush poetry that got me there in the first place, it was bush poetry lovers who supported me so generously in getting me to LA and I saw no sence in changing what I did to deliver more of what they were used to hearing and seeing. Did it work, well that is probably best answered by others, but I'm very comfortable with the fact that I presented Bush Poetry, Australia and myself in a good light and to the best of my ability.

I would love to return next year with the benefit of knowing exactly how the event is run, as I believe this would allow me to prepare better and raise the bar a little. I am proud as punch of my Bronze Medal, my invite to audition , but especially the random comments from people taking the time to come and tell me they enjoyed my work, and yes I got plenty of laughs so I guess they 'got' the Aussie sence of humor.

Being one of the older members of the team presented me with the oppourtunity to assist some of the younger team members from time to time and I found this one of the most rewarding aspects of the whole trip. These same youngsters, in turn, assisted me by infecting me with their boundless energy, enthusiasim and creativity.

I was delighted to be asked by the New Zealand team to attend their team dinner to perform a poem for them, I would love in the future to get the chance to visit their country and show them more of what bush poetry is all about.

Media coverage since returnig has been equally as supportive as before the event, with article in the Toowoomba Chronicle and interviews on ABC Radio, 4WK, 4AK and another with Bill Berrens on Good Morning Australia planned for 18th August.

One day off the plane from LA to unpack, wash and repack for the 14 hour drive to Ravenswood NQ, to Judge and entertain at the Qld Bush Poetry Championships. Was great to be back on the job in Australia, especially to perform with my good mate Neil McArthur, I'm fairly sure we may have produced a few more bush poetry fans with a lot of first timers coming up to both Neil and I to say how much they enjoyed the event. Hats off to our hosts Martin and Tracey Josslyn who provided great hospitality and a wonderful atmosphere. Neil and Colleen McArthur should tkae a bow too, as this is the second year they have organised this Championships and they have done a great job.

A few media commitments over the next couple of days, a chance to catch up with family, ring a few of those fantastic supporters who helped me get to LA and then down to Casino RV Village for a fun filled long weekend.





To my team mates, team director and the Aussie supporters, let me simply say you blokes are the best in the world and have etched a permanent presence in my heart.