Laura Milke Garner
Executive Producer & CEO
I’ve been behind the scenes on shows with big names, up-and-comers and everyone in between. From radio to comedy to theatre, and the likes of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to the Sydney Opera House.
I’m so incredibly passionate about the performing arts industry. I produce and tour productions locally here in Melbourne, nationally and internationally. I also love to give back to the industry which has given me so much by supporting independent artists and emerging producers through mentorships, workshops and online training.
I started MILKE in 2008 (though I’ve been a producer a lot longer) and since then I’ve creatively developed and produced work for Sydney Opera House, Brisbane Powerhouse, Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Festival, Darwin Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Venice Biennale, Brisbane Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Melbourne International Arts Festival, The Arts Centre, Melbourne Fringe Festival, La Mama and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. (*deep breaths*) You could say it’s been busy!
I’ve worked as project coordinator for Melbourne Fringe, and have produced shows for Melbourne International Comedy Festival for the last 20 years. Once upon a time, I worked at Triple R as the Special Events and Sponsorship Manager, so I have pretty extensive knowledge of festivals and arts organisations and a full career as a Radio Broadcast (but that is a story for another time!)
While I can’t take all the credit, work I’ve produced has been honoured with nominations and awards including Green Room Awards, the Melbourne Fringe Festival – Directors Choice Award, Community Broadcasting Association Australia Awards and the Sydney Theatre Awards.
Oh, and I’m a current (and founding) board member of Perth International Cabaret Festival and I have produced and coordinated the Golden Gibbo Award as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for the past 12 years.
Scroll down for more about on my producing, teaching and mentoring experience and how we could work together!
Photo credit – Jessica Roberts
Producing
As a producer, I’m most excited by developing new work, finding new opportunities for work that’s already out there, and collaborating with ambitious and passionate artists.
I love bringing my 20+ years of contacts and experience and combining that with incredible creative energy of artists.
While producing is about so much more than admin, I’m not ashamed to admit I do get a little excited about spreadsheets. I offer the structure, strategy, management and practical support needed to build their productions and seek out new opportunities – and audiences – for their work.
Teaching and mentoring
I know how hard it can be to find guidance, advice and development opportunities in the industry.
That’s why I offer mentoring, online courses and workshops for independent producers and artists looking to take the next step in their creative career.
I’ve created two online courses – Artist Bootcamp and Producer Bootcamp – to share the skills and tools I’ve spent years developing in producing, pitching and marketing. I’ve also got a podcast, Run the Show , where I interview other producers and self-managed artists about their work so that our community of creatives can learn from each other.
My experience producing, as well as mentoring and teaching others, means I’m often called on to facilitate workshops for arts organisations and festivals including Victorian Performing Arts Centre (VAPAC), Performing Arts Exchange (PAC Australia), Equity Foundation and Creative Victoria.
Want to work together?
If you’ve got an exciting new work and you need a producer, or you’re keen to take your show to the next level and think I could help, get in touch – I’d love to chat!
