Performing Arts Bookshop, Sydney

So i called the shop the day before i went in, just to make sure they had resources for HSC drama students looking to find a decent monologue, but the guy who answered was sooo unhelpful. He kept repeating that it was an "Individual project" and that he "couldn't help me with it", even though i wasn't asking for help, only to get a feel for their resources. Then the old man hung up on me. I went into the shop the next day anyway, despite being rudely spoken to on the phone. However, when i got there the old man again refused to assist me in searching through the neverending pile of monologue books. He did let me sit there and read them all for a while, which was good i guess. But i did not feel at all welcome in the shop, and i dread the day i need to go back there.

I went in to the store and thought it looked great- I could see a vast range of books that would have suited my needs for HSC drama perfectly. However, the old man working there was so unfriendly and rude- he wouldn't let me touch any of the stock or even browse, so I couldn't actually look at any of the books that I could see would have been so useful but can't be found anywhere else. I then asked him if he knew of any good monologues for HSC drama to which he replied "No. I'm not a teacher." How the shop can make any money with such an unhelpful "assistant" I do not understand. He ended up finding one book I asked for, but did not let me look at it. I bought it just to get out of there and then found out it wasn't what I needed anyway. There are no refunds or exchanges so I spent $23.95 on a book worth $10 (available online) that I can't even use. Now I am scared to go back because he was so creepy, intimidating and unwelcoming even though they have things I need- such a shame! I would call before I went in in future to make sure he isn't working.

I love the shop BUT not being able to make email contact with them or browse a website - or buy online - is a real bugger when you live elsewhere. Isn't it about time guys? Aren't you shortchanging Australian playwrights by not making it easy for the world to buy their work?

I love how you can go in there and browse and look and no one hassles you. It is a reminder of bygone days,when life was not so rushed and you could enjoy a few hours in a truly remarkable bookshop that has every book imaginable on the performing arts. It even has the smell of a theatre. A must experience.

A great shop for finding those books that you can never get your hands on in the Library. Its very good for acting books in particular. Be sure that you have cash on you, or a credit card. The do not have an eftpos service so you will need to get money out beforehand or resolve to put the books on credit. Not a big deal, but its caught me out once or twice. All in all Sydney's performing art scene would not do well so support this store!