STAGES SPOTLIGHT: CONVERSATIONS REVISITED - JAN RUSS from May 9th, 2019

With over 230 episodes in the STAGES archive, it's time to revisit conversations featured in previous seasons. STAGES showcases such episodes in case you didn't catch them, first time around - or perhaps for you to enjoy, a second time. Either way, you're accessing vibrant oral histories of around, and on, our stages. A variety of performance roles in the ranks of JC Williamson produced musicals, gave Jan Russ a first-hand knowledge of the actor's craft. Her informed eye, and passion for talent, ultimately lead her to a role in which she was able to guide and nurture actors as they entered residency in one of Australia's most iconic locations; Ramsay street, Erinsborough. Casting came calling initially to Jan through Crawford productions - the production house responsible for an extensive repertoire of great Australian content. A move to the Grundy organisation provided a casting role that oversaw the population of Wentworth Detention centre in the iconic series Prisoner. It wasn't long before she was on the ground floor of a new series, originally titled Living Together. It would eventually be christened NEIGHBOURS and go on to become part of the echelon of Australian Television history, and make its mark around the world. For almost 30 years Jan was the Casting Director of this television juggernaut - Neighbours. Jan possesses an infinite knowledge of the craft of acting on stage and screen. She is a living legend and a fine raconteur who converses with enormous joy and ardour; giving STAGES a fascinating insight to the business of casting and a unique journey in the theatre. Jan was guest No: 42 and featured in Season 2 of the STAGES podcast.