WMTC's production held their first auditions in 2019, and have had their show season postponed three times. Three years later, the production wasn't without its troubles.

"Throughout our four week season, we had 4 cast members get COVID. It meant re-blocking and re-casting, often with very short notice," she explained. 

At the time of WMTC's performances, COVID-positive case numbers were averaging 14,254 for the four week period in accordance with Our World in Data (2022). 

Mrs. Leach expressed that "It was really challenging and mentally exhausting... not just for me, but for all of the cast and crew."

The company had to maintain various COVID protocols during their rehearsal periods, including social distancing where possible, wiping down all surfaces, and, at times, rehearsing outdoors.

"We had a lot of rules and restrictions, but it was all worth it to be able to rehearse and perform with my friends and to meet new people," she said. 

Mrs. Leach shared that she'd noticed a big difference in both the capacity and enthusiasm of the audiences. 

"Since it was ABBA music, everyone would get up and sing and dance at the end of each show." She said she "hadn't seen that kind of interaction in her other shows prior to this". 

The increase in patrons attending theatre has been aided by the Victorian Government's Dining and Entertainment rebate. The program offers 25 per cent back on eligible dining and entertainment purchases in Victoria. While the rebate required a minimum spend of $40, WMTC's tickets costed $47, thus making it eligible for the program.  

Mrs. Leach said that this is the first time in WMTC's history that they've had sold-out theatres for all of the shows in their season. Where, in the past, the theatre would be approximately 80 per cent full throughout. The increase in audience attendees has been directly influenced by the feeling of deprivation from live entertainment caused by COVID-19. 
"There's something truly magical about performing on stage to a sold-out audience who just really want to be there."

Alongside the growth of the theatre and entertainment industry, innovation has begun to increase the accessibility to theatre even further, beyond the weakening of restrictions. 

Auslan Stage Left are an organisation who have made leaps in the accessibility of entertainment. 

They are a not-for-profit organisation who provide experienced Auslan interpreters to translate performances for the Australian Deaf Community. As per the name, the interpreters are positioned to 'stage left', and patrons who require interpreting are encouraged to buy tickets in a reserved section. The organisation was founded in 2019 by two volunteers. 

Auslan stage left's Communications Coordinator, Melissa Smith, shared that the organisation began as the founding duo "recognised the need to provide quality access to the arts for Deaf people."

Mrs. Smith shared that Auslan Stage Left were affected negatively by COVID when it first began. This was due to most events being postponed or cancelled. 

However, the organisation quickly adapted to the virtual world, providing support via the digital online space. 

"we were incredibly shaken when COVID hit... however, we worked hard with event management to enable interpreters to join remotely."

Auslan Stage Left have since worked with largely popular events, including a virtual Jimmy Barnes concert, Peking Duk's national tour, and 2022's Moulin Rouge at the Regent Theatre. 

"We have seen a tremendous increase in demand from the deaf community to attend arts events... they just love the experience of a live event," she expressed. 

Mrs. Smith also shared that Auslan Stage Left are currently experiencing weekly requests from people in the deaf community wanting to access events. 

"It's been so wonderful to see that production companies are willing to support Auslan access and we hope that this becomes the norm."