Molly Moyes says the Illawarra boasts a "really rich and thriving" theatrical and performance community.
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"But it doesn't take long being involved in that community to realise that there are a lot more male roles on offer," the theatre performer told the Mercury.
"There is a severe imbalance, because there's a lot more female performers."
Moyes said a new group will seek to "correct that imbalance to a point, by acknowledging that gender is performative, and giving opportunities for female and female-identifying performers to play roles they normally wouldn't be cast in".
Illawarra semi-professional arts collective, the Dire Theatre Company will host a 'Females in Focus' initiative this October, led by the launch of the all-female run 'SHEkespeare' collective.
The group will perform a season of Shakespeare's As You Like It at both The Illawarra Brewing Company and The Project Contemporary Art Space in Wollongong.
Adam O'Brien, artistic director of the Dire Theatre Company said the new group was formed after Illawarra theatre-makers Isabelle Fredericks and Lisa Omodei approached them about presenting an all-female production of Romeo and Juliet, which took place earlier this year.
"They felt women weren't afforded the same sort of performing opportunities, and that there's not a lot of good roles really written for women," he said.
"So they wanted to put forward this project and showcase all the female talent that we have in the Illawarra.
"After that production, all of the ladies involved were keen to keep going."
Mt Pleasant resident Moyes, 28, is acting in the production of As You Like It, and is also a member of the SHEkespeare alumni.
"It's not to say that the (Illawarra theatrical) scene isn't inclusive," she said.
"It's more about that most plays that are getting put on have more male lead roles than female lead roles.
"And if directors are wanting to cast according to the gender on the script, there are much fewer opportunities for female performers, where they'll make up probably 80 per cent of the audition space."
SHEkespeare's launch party and first performance is on at the Illawarra Brewing Company on October 18 from 6.30pm. Tickets are available from thediretheatre.com or at the door.
"Shakespeare was never performed by women back in the day," O'Brien said.
"Women weren't allowed on-stage, so they're tipping that on its head."
SHEkespeare will be showcasing two productions per year - one comedy and one tragedy.
O'Brien said the Dire Theatre Company is fully funding the opportunities for the initiative and all projects in it, as well as producing and facilitating every aspect of the process.
"On top of this, all artists involved take home an equal share of the profits with The Dire Theatre Company only covering its investment from ticket sales, so every female artist will walk away with payment for their work," he said.
The company is also presenting Mind Escape: An Exhibition, at the Shellharbour Village Exhibition Space.
Showcasing the work of Illawarra female artist Kalinda Jeffrey, it will take place from October 26-27.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
