Melbourne Theatre News on Facebook
Just Auditions Website
Just Auditions on Facebook
In this episode of the Showtime podcast, Dawn Riddale shares her journey from a musical theatre performer to the founder of two platforms that have become invaluable to Melbourne’s community theatre scene. Melbourne Theatre News and Just Auditions were born from a simple yet pressing need. Before they existed, information about local theatre shows and auditions was scattered across various websites, social media groups and word of mouth. It was difficult for performers, theatre companies and audiences to keep up. Dawn, alongside her fiancé Craig, set out to change that by creating centralised online hubs where anyone could find or share information quickly and easily.
What began as a passion project has grown into something much larger. Just Auditions in Victoria now has over 13,000 followers, making it one of the most important resources for local performers seeking opportunities. The platform has also expanded into other Australian states, though Dawn admits the level of success varies depending on how active local contributors are in those areas. It is clear that the platforms thrive when the community is engaged and willing to share information regularly. Without that, the task of keeping everything updated falls to just a handful of volunteers, which is not sustainable in the long run.
Dawn’s love for theatre is evident as she speaks about the unique culture of Melbourne’s theatre community. One of her favourite traditions is the pre-show socialising that often involves a shared “sherry” before the curtain rises. For her, this is not just a quaint custom but a vital bonding experience that keeps the community connected. It is in these moments, before the lights dim, that friendships are formed, collaborations are sparked and the sense of belonging is reinforced. In a world where digital interaction often replaces face-to-face connection, these traditions remain essential.
Throughout the conversation, Dawn touches on one of the most significant challenges for community and independent theatre groups: marketing and audience engagement. She sees time and again that promotional posts go out missing key details or are posted too late to make an impact. Her advice is straightforward but powerful. Always make sure to include what, where, when, why and who. These details might seem obvious, but they are often overlooked, and without them, audiences are left guessing or lose interest. In an age where attention spans are short, clarity and timeliness are critical for filling seats and attracting participants.
While her platforms have made it easier for people to discover shows and auditions, Dawn acknowledges that she does not get to attend as many performances as she once did. Increased family commitments and running her own business have made her time more limited. Still, she recalls fondly some of her favourite roles and theatrical memories, and her enthusiasm for the art form remains undiminished. Her work is proof that you do not have to be on stage to make a meaningful contribution to the theatre community.
The success of Melbourne Theatre News and Just Auditions is also a story about grassroots power. Without corporate backing or a large budget, Dawn has managed to create resources that connect thousands of people and provide real value to both audiences and practitioners. It shows how digital tools, when used with purpose, can break down barriers and give visibility to smaller theatre companies that might otherwise struggle to be seen. It also underscores the fact that local arts scenes often rely on individuals willing to put in the hours without expecting financial return, driven only by love for the craft and the people who make it happen.
Sustainability, however, is always on Dawn’s mind. She makes it clear that both platforms operate as labours of love, free for users and dependent on volunteer support. The biggest ongoing challenge is encouraging theatre companies and individuals to be proactive in submitting their information. When people assume someone else will do it, the result is fewer listings, outdated posts and missed opportunities. Dawn invites others to step forward and help manage the platforms, especially in regions where activity has slowed. This is not just about workload sharing. It is about building a culture of shared responsibility where everyone benefits because everyone contributes.
Her story also sheds light on the realities of balancing passion projects with personal responsibilities. Many people involved in arts advocacy face the same challenge: finding the time and energy to keep up with the demands of voluntary work while managing family life and careers. Dawn’s ability to keep both platforms running despite these pressures is a testament to her dedication, but she is realistic about the need for succession planning and broader community support to ensure the work continues in the future.
One of the more charming elements of the discussion is the emphasis on Melbourne’s theatre culture. The sherry tradition might seem small, but it encapsulates the warmth and camaraderie that keep people coming back to community theatre. It is these human connections, as much as the art itself, that sustain a vibrant scene. In a time when much of life is mediated by screens, having rituals and spaces where people gather in person is invaluable.
Dawn’s experience also highlights how social media has changed the way opportunities are shared. The growth of Just Auditions to thousands of followers shows the potential of these platforms to connect people in real time. Unlike traditional advertising, which is expensive and slow, social media allows for instant posting and immediate responses. For unpaid, volunteer-based theatre, this is a game changer. Yet it also depends on consistent input from the community. Without regular updates, even the best platform loses relevance.
The conversation ends with an open invitation for others to get involved, whether by sharing their show details, posting audition calls or helping administrate the pages. It is a reminder that while one person’s initiative can spark a movement, it takes many hands to keep it alive. Dawn’s story is not just about consolidating information. It is about creating a space where people feel connected, informed and inspired to participate.
In the end, her work with Melbourne Theatre News and Just Auditions is a shining example of what can happen when passion meets action. She identified a need, built a solution and nurtured it into a vital part of Melbourne’s arts ecosystem. Along the way, she has demonstrated that community-driven platforms can have an enormous impact without profit motives, relying instead on the collective goodwill and energy of the people they serve. For anyone looking to strengthen their own local arts community, her message is clear. Keep communication clear and timely, honour traditions that bring people together, and remember that the success of any grassroots initiative lies in the willingness of the community to own and support it.
