3. Importing and Sponsoring Live Theatre, Dance, Ballet, Opera and Musical Production Performers

Live theatre, dance, ballet, opera and musical productions but excluding cabaret, variety and concert productions

“Performers” includes actors, singers, dancers, puppeteers and any person performing in the production.  For performers performing in cabaret, variety, concert or other live performance productions, refer to 4. Importing and Sponsoring DJs, Concert, Cabaret or Variety Performers. 

However, applications in respect of musicians (other than musicians who are also singers and symphony orchestra musicians) need to be considered by the Musicians Union of Australiarather than by the Alliance.

Process

All Applications need to be made with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Consultation will also need to take place with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance) and/or the Musicians Union of Australia if relevant.

1. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

• The relevant visa is an Entertainer (sub-class 420) Visa.

• Application needs to be made as Sponsor and a 1379 form lodged with DIAC with a copy of the completed form provided to the Alliance (see below) : 
• Application needs to be made in respect of the visa for the overseas actor and a 147 form lodged with DIAC: 
• All DIAC enquiries should be directed to:
  DIAC’s Sydney Entertainment Processing Centre:
  Tel:  +61 2 8861 4302
  Fax: +61 2 8861 4301

 2. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance)

• Applications for performers to participate in a live theatre production (including in a dance, ballet, opera or musical production) are considered within the parameters of the Migration Regulations and the Agreement Governing the Use of Foreign Artists in Live Theatre in Australia (Live Theatre Agreement), an agreement between the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance) and Live Performance Australia (LPA). 

• It is necessary to provide the following information:    

    a. An outline of the production;
    b. A letter outlining the reason for importing an overseas person/s setting out why the application  complies with the net employment benefit test and why Australians could not have been engaged;
    c. A copy of the completed 1379 form that will be lodged with DIAC;
    d. A copy of the overseas person/s resume.
    e. A copy of the deal memo/contract with the overseas performer/s.Provision of deal memos/contracts is treated strictly confidentially. Most importantly, it is necessary that the deal memo/contract set out that:

            i. the overseas person is to receive remuneration and be afforded terms and conditions,
including accommodation, travel and transport within Australia and per diems, no less favourable than those contained in the relevant Australian award/agreement. For information regarding the relevant agreement please contact aid@alliance.org.au or +61 2 9333 0999;
            ii. the sponsor will provide the overseas person with return international airfare/s and take out medical insurance on the actor's behalf.

• If the application is being made on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it will be necessary for the application to be considered by the National Performers’ Committee. Meetings occur monthly but can be convened on an as needs basis within a week of the necessary documentation being provided.

•  It is advisable to commence discussions with the Alliance as early as possible. If the application complies with the Live Theatre Agreement and the Migration Regulations, the procedure is simple and quick. If the application is to be made on the grounds of exceptional circumstances, it can take longer. If the application does not comply with the Live Theatre Agreement and the Migration Regulations, the Alliance will advise accordingly. The Alliance always welcomes early consultation and, if required, is happy to provide written in principle support if it appears the application will comply with the Live Theatre Agreement.

• All Alliance Imports enquiries and consultation should be directed to the Alliance Imports Office:

       Tel:  +61 7 3846 0044
      Fax: +61 7 3846 0153
      Email: imports@alliance.org.au

• The Alliance will advise in writing whether in its view the application complies with the Migration Regulations and copy that advice to DIAC.

Consultation Fee for the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance

Applications for union endorsement of overseas performers and technicians are subject to a consulation fee and should be submitted as part of your application (see fees below, GST inclusive):