to be staged 20 – 28 July 2012

FAMDA has abandoned plans to present our Inside Stories double bill featuring The Dock Brief  by John Mortimer, creator of Rumpole of the Bailey, and a comedy / drama called A Phoenix Too Frequent by the British writer, Christopher Fry, best known for his play, The Lady’s Not for Burning.

Watch out for details of an intriguing  play to be staged 20 – 28 July using the dates already scheduled for Inside Stories.

FAMDA is also hoping to present at least one one-act play for the Foster One Act Play Festival  to be held on 11 & 12 August (and possibly touring to other OAP Fests).
Anyone who would like to be involved on stage in such a project is invited to contact FAMDA president, Edwin Coad, on 5689 1305 or  pandecoad [@] skymesh.net.au so that plays can be chosen to suit the available talent.

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 August 2012

Foster War Memorial Arts Centre

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT

A one act play festival gives the chance for a friendly theatrical competition. You can see new plays, support your friends, meet new people and be thoroughly entertained.

It’s an exciting prospect for  companies from all over Victoria to come together with the opportunity to showcase their talents to an audience not normally available to them and it’s also a marvellous chance for local people to see some wonderful theatrical talent close to home and without spending a fortune.

Despite the competitive element, the Foster Festival is always a very friendly and social occasion with audience members and theatre companies being given the choice of concert style seating or sitting at tables with their own drinks and nibbles.

It’s all on the menu as FAMDA hosts its twelfth annual One Act Play Festival in South Gippsland at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre on the weekend of Saturday & Sunday, 11 & 12 August.

In 2012 the adjudicator is Max Rackham and expectations are that the festival will be bigger and better than ever with more entries than ever before.

Thanks to sponsorship from our local Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank, there is on offer $2500 in prize money plus trophies  including  a $1000 prize award for the most outstanding play.

Entries are now being taken for this year’s festival. Download your entry form here.

Entry Form One Act Plays 2012

2012 Festival Information

 Entries close Tuesday 17 July 2012

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GREAT PRIZES

Most Outstanding Production – $1000 plus a trophy
Runner-up Most Outstanding Production – $200
Most Outstanding Director – $250 plus a trophy
Most Outstanding Male Actor – $250 plus a trophy
Most Outstanding Female Actor – $250 plus a trophy
Most Outstanding  Support Actor – $100 plus a trophy
Design Award – $100 plus a trophy
Adjudicator’s Award – $100 plus a trophy
Most Outstanding Youth Production* – $100 plus a trophy
Most Outstanding Youth Performance* – $100 plus a trophy
* Subject to there being sufficient entries. Note increased prize amount from last year.

We are also considering introducing a playwright’s award.

In addition
The Victorian Drama League provides a $50 Encouragement Award

Victorian One Act Play Festival Circuit 2012

The Mount Players 9^th One Act Play Festival
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 July
The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith Street, Macedon

Dandenong Ranges One Act Play Festival
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 July
Hosted by Gemco Players Community Theatre
The Gem Theatre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald

Ararat One Act Play Festival
Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 August
Ararat Performing Arts Centre, Barkly St, Ararat

Foster 12^th One Act Play Festival
Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 August
Hosted by FAMDA (Foster Amateur Music & Drama Association
Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, Main Street, Foster

Her Majesty’s Theatre – Royal South Street One Act Play Festival
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 August
Hosted by Royal South Street Society
Her Majesty’s Theatre, 17 Lydiad Street, Ballarat

Anglesea 23rd One Act Play Festival
Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 August
Anglesea Hall, McMillan Street, Anglesea

Kyneton One Act Play Festival
Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September
Bluestone Theatre, Hutton Street, Kyneton

Monash One Act Play Festival
Friday 21 – Sunday 23 September
Hosted by Peridot Theatre
Peridot Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd.,  Mt Waverley

For further details of one act play festivals, entry closing dates etc. visit www.theatrecraft.org.au

OCTOB

Prom Coast Film Society’s screenings
8:00pm on the first Friday of each month
Fish Creek Hall

NEXT SCREENING

Friday 1^st June – Winter Blues Double
6pm A Fish Called Wanda – 1988 – USA/UK – Comedy – M
8pm Young Frankenstein – 1974 – US – Comedy – PG

MAY SCREENING

THE HUNTER – 8pm Friday 4 May

The Hunter is a 2011 Australian film based on Julia Leigh’s 1999 novel.
Filmed entirely on location in Tasmania, it was directed by Daniel Nettheim and produced by Vincent Sheehan  with Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill and Frances O’Connor as its stars.
The story involves Martin, a mercenary, sent from Europe by a mysterious biotech company to the Tasmanian wilderness on a hunt for the last Tasmanian tiger.
Once there, he’s supposed to hunt the rare tiger but things get complicated when another hunter appears on the scene.
To prepare for the role, Dafoe worked with a bush survival expert who taught him practical tips like how to de-scent himself so animals couldn’t smell him in the bush.
The Hunter had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September last year and opened to the Australian public in cinemas on 29 September 2011.

The Hunter

Rated M

Review by David Stratton

Martin David, WILLEM DAFOE, a modern-day soldier of fortune, rendezvous in Paris with a mysterious man, Jacek Koman, who hires him to travel to Tasmania and attempt to locate a Tasmanian Tiger – although the animal is believed to be extinct, there are rumours that one has been sighted – and its DNA, whether the animal is dead or alive, represents a fortune to vested interests. 

In a remote part of the island state, Martin moves into a room in the home of Lucy Armstrong, FRANCES O’CONNOR, mother of two small children; Lucy is still grieving over the fact that her husband, Jarrah, went missing some time ago. While Martin sets about methodically setting traps for the tiger, Lucy and her children are watched over in a possessive way by their neighbour, Jack Mendy, SAM NEILL.

Based on a novel by Julia Leigh, director of the recent film SLEEPING BEAUTY, THE HUNTER is a compelling and beautifully made film from director Daniel Nettheim. You could describe this as an environmentalthriller, but don’t expect a fast-moving one; Nettheim rightly takes his time to establish the methods and skills of Martin as he methodically sets about laying traps for an elusive, possibly non-existent, Tasmanian Tiger. 

It’s a pity, in a way, that an Australian actor couldn’t have been cast in this role, but Willem Dafoe is, as always, very effective, and Frances O’Connor and Sam Neill are excellent in support. Young Morgana Davies proves that her stellar performance in THE TREE was no flash in the pan – she’s a very talented child star as is Finn Woodluck who plays her uncommunicative brother. But the real star of this quietly gripping film is Tasmania itself, an extraordinary wilderness landscape gloriously photographed for the wide screen by Robert Humphreys.

SEASON 2012

Friday 3^rd February
Slumdog Millionaire – 2008 – India – Crime/Drama – MA

Friday 2^nd March
Oranges & Sunshine – 2011 – Australia – Drama – M

Friday 30^th March
Bobby – 2007 – USA – Drama – M

Friday 4^th May
The Hunter – 2011 – Australia – Drama – M

Friday 1^st June – Winter Blues Double
6pm A Fish Called Wanda – 1988 – USA/UK – Comedy – M
8pm Young Frankenstein – 1974 – US – Comedy – PG

Friday 6^th July – NAIDOC Week
The Tall Man – 2011 – Australia – Indigenous Documentary – M

Friday 3^rd August
Another Year – 2011 – UK – Drama – M

Friday 7^th September
Barney’s Version – 2010 – USA – Drama – M

Friday 5^th October
Norwegian Wood – 2011 – Japan – Drama/Romance – MA

Friday 2^nd November
Lantana – 2001 – Australia – Drama – M

Friday 7^th December
Tabloid – 2011 – USA – Documentary – M

Season Flyer 2012

The Prom Coast Film society operates under the rules of the Victorian Film Society and attendees at films must be subscribers.
The Film Society will have 3 (consecutive) month or full season subscriptions available early in 2012.
Annual subscription $75, quarterly subscription $28
Screenings at 8:00pm on the first Friday of each month at Fish Creek Hall.

Single entry is not available due to copyright restrictions on film societies.
Members may request a guest pass if they would like to bring along a friend.

To add to the social atmosphere Windy Ridge Winery sells local wine and fruit juice by the glass at each screening.
Supper is served at the conclusion of the film (a donation applies).

For inquiries email famda@ dcsi.net.au or phone Catherine McGlead on 0407 543 371.

 PCFS INAUGURAL SEASON 2011

Friday 4 March
Animal Kingdom – 2010 – Australia – Crime /Drama – MA

Friday 1st April
Boy – 2010 – New Zealand – Drama/Comedy – M

Friday 6th May
South Solitary – 2010 – Australia – Drama – M

Friday 3rd June
The Kids Are All Right – 2010 – US – Comedy Drama – MA

Friday 1st July
The Tracker – 2003 – Australia – Indigenous Drama – M
Screening during NAIDOC Week

Friday 5th August
Rosemary’s Baby – 1968 – US – Drama – M

Friday 2nd September
Food Inc. – 2010 – US – Documentary – PG

Friday 7th October
BONUS SCREENING – 6:00pm ~ Australian Rules - 2002 – Australia – Drama – M
8:00pm  A Clockwork Orange – 1971 – UK – Drama – R

Friday 4th November
The Father of My Children – 2010 – France – Comedy/Subtitled – M

Friday 2nd December
The King’s Speech - 2010 – UK - Drama/History – M

Films are shown on the first Friday of each month in the Fish Creek Hall

Season Flyer 2011

FAMDA’s Newest Offspring

Did you know that the letters of F A M D A originally stood for Film, Art, Music & Drama Association?
FAMDA is returning to its roots with the decision to form the Prom Coast Film Society.

The aim of the project is to provide access to high quality non-mainstream films in a community setting plus the opportunity for social discussion and interaction.

FAMDA has a strong reputation for providing Foster audiences with entertaining and often quirky plays and the Prom Coast Film Society aims to keep up this tradition using a new medium.

It is proposed that the Prom Coast Film Society would become a financially self supporting sub-group of the main FAMDA body similar to the Prom Coast Singers.

As mandated by the Australian Council of Film Societies (ACOFS) members would need to have a separate subscription to the Prom Coast Film Society.

The plan is to show “art house” films in the Fish Creek Memorial Hall on the  First Friday of each month, thus catering for both for both locals and those who visit at weekends.

To launch the project the Prom Coast Film Society showed “Animal Kingdom” on Friday 4 March 2011.

The Prom Coast Singers is a Foster based community choir whose members basically want to sing plus also to improve their voices and enjoy exploring and performing good music.

With the  retirement of our founding Musical Director, Paddy Broberg, who has directed the choir since its inception thirteen years ago, the Prom Coast Singers are seeking a new Choral Director.

In September 2011 the Prom Coast Singers hosted a fabulously successful weekend choral workshop with guest conductor, Stephen Leek, working with several Gippsland choirs.  There is a similar event scheduled for May 2013  so the choir is desperately seeking a new choral director to prepare our singers for this exciting project.

There is great enthusiasm from current members to keep the choir active, taking on new challenges and at the same time sharing the cheerful company of other music lovers.

PCS needs a Director with sound choral and general musical skills to continue to inspire a disparate group of people with a common love of singing and a willingness to work hard to achieve their best.

The Choir
The Prom Coast Singers, currently 30 to 40 strong, attracts singers of many and varied backgrounds from all over South Gippsland and is wholly unauditioned.

Rehearsal is generally on Tuesday nights at Foster for two to four months before a performance, in the Anglican Church Hall.  Other separate rooms in the venue are used for section rehearsals and choir members are available to conduct these.

PCS owns its own Yamaha Clavinova piano to ensure a high standard instrument is available for concerts and also rehearsal. Costs of music, copyright and insurance are covered by a small levy collected at each rehearsal from all members.

Members willingly accept responsibility for routine functions such as finance, maintaining the Music Library, photocopying, hall setup, publicity, ticket sales and piano moving.

Close relations are maintained with FAMDA (Foster Amateur Music and Drama Association) to which PCS is affiliated. A small committee has been set up to oversee the day to day running of the choir and assist the Musical Director.

Choral Director
The Musical Director has the responsibility to plan the choir’s musical activities including the selection of music as well as the conduct of rehearsals and to direct the final performances.
Local musicians have been very willing to perform with the PCS and the Director is expected to work with them when appropriate.

In the past the position has not been salaried but this, and /or  travel expenses,  could be discussed with a suitably qualified choral director.

Expressions of Interest Wanted

To continue this rich music making history the Prom Coast Singers are now seeking a Musical Director with sound choral and general musical skills to continue to inspire us by planning our musical activities,  including the selection of music, as well as conducting rehearsals and directing the ultimate performances.

Possible salary and travel expenses – subject to negotiation.

The Choir also wishes to hear from people willing to work as rehearsal pianists.

Anyone interested in working as either the choral director or rehearsal pianist for the Prom Coast Singers is invited to contact
Andrew Jamieson 5683 2683 or  acjammo {@] ozemail.com.au

*    *    *    *

Prom Coast Singers’ History
In November 1997, FAMDA staged a highly successful production of the Broadway musical, Annie, with Neil Goodwin as director and Paddy Broberg as the musical director. The next year several of the Annie cast members found they really missed the fun and camaraderie of the rehearsal and performance process. Their frustration got the better of them and they besieged Paddy with requests to let them sing again and, one evening in April 1998, eight former members of the Annie cast and crew met at Foster Primary School for the first sing-along of what was to become the Prom Coast Singers.

Under the umbrella of FAMDA with the guidance of Paddy Broberg, the Singers’ initial performances were in conjunction with community carols in Foster and Toora and singing for the residents of Banksia Lodge and Rose Lodge, Wonthaggi. It was not until Sunday 15 October 2000 that the choir presented its first paid performance in the form of a benefit concert held at the FWMAC in aid of the South Gippsland Hospital and Toora Nursing Home Auxiliaries.

The Singers’ December 2001 project was an impressive performance of Benjamin Britten’s       A Ceremony of Carols in Christ Church Foster.

In July 2003 the choir combined with the South Gippsland Wind Orchestra to present mid-winter concerts at the Dakers Centre in Leongatha as well as the Foster Arts Centre with PCS performing exerpts from Carmina Burana. This dramatic work was revisited in October when the South Gippsland Singers combined with PCS for a concert in Mesley Hall Leongatha as part of the world-wide choral phenomenon, Voices for Hospices and it was on the program again for the very special 10th Anniversary Concert – 17 August 2008.

Essence of Folk was the title for the program presented by the Singers in 2004. The choir performed in Poowong and Glen Alvie and the next week, on 27 June, they shared the stage with the Bec Bone Singers back in Foster at the FWMAC.

Fauré’s Requiem and Borodin’s Polovtsienne Dances were on the bill when PCS sang in the Foster Anglican Church on 15 May 2005. The following weekend they sang those works in concerts with the South Gippsland Singers and the Korumburra Primary School Choir at Mesley Hall and the Inverloch Community Centre.

The 2005 Voices for Hospices concert had Prom Coast Singers combining with the South Gippsland Singers and the Warragul Chorale for a concert showcasing each choir and featuring music specially composed by Larry Hills for all three choirs.

In the 2007 SeaChange Festival, the Prom Coast Singers demonstrated the diversity of their repertoire in a concert billed as From Pop to Op(era) and performed Paddy Broberg’s original music in the exciting multi-media Fire Up! project. The Singers also performed at the Mossvale Park Music for the People concert.

2008 saw members taking part in FAMDA’s widely acclaimed production of The Producers with Pamela Coad as Chorus Mistress and other members providing the offstage chorus.

2009 projects included the multi-arts spectacular, Promontory Dreaming, contributing to FAMDA’s production of Into the Woods and in community carols at Christmas.

2010 activites included involvement in the Anzac Day cermony.

Preparations for hosting the Sing South Gippsland! Choral Festival dominated 2011.  The Prom Coast Singers sang Stephen Leek’s Island Songs and Traditional Songs arranged by John Rutter.

In between times there have been many happy nights of rehearsals with the challenge of learning to sing the right notes and the right words whether they be in English, African, French, German, Italian or Latin.

The Prom Coast Singers have sung at community carol services, funerals and in FAMDA musicals with performances in Foster, Glen Alvie, Inverloch, Korrumburra, Leongatha, Mossvale Park, Poowong, Toora, Warragul and Wonthaggi.

Foster Art, Music and Drama Association held its 59^th Annual General meeting on Thursday 8th March at the Foster Arts Centre.
Tania Pell, FAMDA president for the last two years, welcomed guests to the AGM and presented the following report:

“It has been a busy and challenging year for FAMDA with the committee working extremely hard to make every event a success.

Cabaretro

We kicked off the year’s festivities with one of Edwin Coad’s brainwaves.
‘Cabaretro’ was an inspiring show that displayed a fantastic line up of talent, both old and new, singing and dancing their way through Paris, Berlin and the USA in the 1920’s and 30’s.
The evening incorporated a four course dinner to complement the entertainment.
The show ran over two weekends and was also part of the Prom Coast Seachange Festival.
Attendance numbers were very pleasing and all reports received indicated a good night was had by all.

Arty-Farty Trivia Party

In May we held another successful Arty-Farty Trivia Party with 130 guests filling the hall and all participated in a night of art, performance, games and trivia.
Andrew Oldroyd again proved to be an excellent quizmaster.
A big thank-you to all who organised the event and  special thanks  to all of the local artists and businesses who donated to the event. Your generosity really made the night a great success.

Heroes

‘Heroes’ is funny, poignant, and witty tale focused on three retired soldiers whose cantankerous camaraderie becomes strained when plotting their escape from a military hospital for World War I vets.
This gentle comedy was brought to life by our director, Andrew Oldroyd, and cast members, Bruce Grainger, the late Max Hastings and Murray Maclean, who did a superb job of illustrating the unique personalities of their individual characters.
‘Heroes’ involved many people both on and off the stage who contributed their time and talents to producing this production.
I would like to thank the outstanding cast, strong and supportive production team, and the hard working crew and backstage personnel as well as the many people involved behind the scenes.  A tremendous job was done by all.
As a result of all the hard work, ‘Heroes’ won four awards at the Gippsland Associated Theatre Awards and received six nominations at the Victorian Drama League Awards.

One Act Play Festival

The One Act Play Festival was once again extremely successful, exhibiting some very talented performers.  The event was very well attended and Bruce and Kate Crowl are to be applauded for a job well done.
This year Bruce and Kate will be hanging up their hats to make way for new organisers to take over the reins.  The committee would like to thank Bruce and Kate for all of their hard work over the years.  Their commitment to FAMDA and especially the One Act Play Festival has been outstanding.

Sing South Gippsland

In September singers from all over Gippsland embarked on a musical journey that included workshops headed up by the fabulous Australian choral composer and conductor, Stephen Leek.
The music festival provided an inspirational weekend of music that was thoroughly enjoyed by both the singers and their audience.

Prom Coast Film Society

2011 saw the birth of our exciting new venture, the Prom Coast Film Society.
The film society presented a program of ten interesting and varied films in the Fish Creek Hall on the first Friday of each month.
A small sub-committee of dedicated film buffs are amongst the 80 members the society who enjoy the casual Friday night screenings.
Some of the best received films in 2011 were “Boy” from New Zealand screened in April and the 2003 Australian film, “The Tracker” in July.
The society continues to flourish in 2012 with a program of 11 quality films and membership continues to be strong.
A big thank you to Genevieve Moore, Dianne Frey, Jackie and Richard Dargaville, Catherine McGlead and Andrew Oldroyd for their hard work.

Condolences

It was with deep sadness that we said goodbye to Max Hastings in October.
A memorial service was held at the Foster hall with over 200 friends coming together to celebrate Max’s life and achievements.
Max was a committed and dedicated member of FAMDA both on and off the stage.
His contributions to the company have been immeasurable.  He was a very talented performer, director, committed member, mentor and friend.
He is sadly missed by all of the FAMDA community and our heart felt condolences go out to Judy and her family.

Appreciation

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who contributed to the company’s successes both on and off the stage over the past twelve months.  It is the dedication and enthusiasm of our members that continually produce high quality productions for our audiences.  Congratulations and I thank you all.
I would also like to thank the many sponsors who have generously given their support to FAMDA during the past 12 months, especially the Toora & District Branch of the Bendigo Bank who sponsors our One-Act Play Festival.
And finally I would like to thank the committee for their ongoing support, hard work and willingness to give it your all. The results have been truly spectacular.  Thank you.”

Tania Pell
President”

FAMDA Vice-President, Dianne Paragreen, presented retiring president, Tania, with a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for the inspirational leadership and commitment she has shown to FAMDA over the two years of her presidency.
Dianne also conveyed FAMDA’s best wishes to Tania and Jason in their next venture, parenthood.

After the meeting formalities, guests were entertained by the remarkable vocal duo, John Laurie and Natalie Burrow.
They gave a superb recital of six of their own songs, some written by John, some by Natalie, and explained the inspiration behind each song before launching into the songs with beautifully blended voices and John on guitar.
The song list consisted of ‘Take Me Away’, ‘Beautiful Things’, ‘Stay Another Day’, ‘Big Girl Now’. ‘It’s Snowing Down South’ and ‘Heartstrings’.

The evening finished with lots of chat over supper and plans for the next exciting year for FAMDA.

AGM Invitation

COMMITTEE 2011 – 2012
President:  Tania Pell
Vice President:   Dianne Paragreen
Secretary:    Andrew Oldroyd
Treasurer:     Norm Willoughby
Publicity Officer:    Jennifer Paragreen
Peter Rushen

FAMDA membership subscriptions become due at the time of the Annual General Meeting.
Adults: $20.00 … Concession: $15.00 … Family: $35.00
A subscription form is included with the AGM invitation.

11 – 27 May
Little Theatre, Latrobe Performing Arts Centre (Traralgon)
Friday 11 May 7:30, Saturday 12 @ 1:30 & 7:30, Sunday 13 @ 1:30
Friday 18 May 7:30, Saturday 19 @ 1:30 & 7:30, Sunday 20 @ 1:30

Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre (Sale)
Saturday 26 May 1:30 & 7:30, Sunday 27 @ 1:30

www.latrobetheatrecompany.org.au    

*   *   *   *   *

Staged by Warragul Theatre Company

A Musical in Two Acts. Music by GEORGES BIZET
Adapted and Arranged by BOBBIE FIELD
Book and Lyrics by DAVID BADGER
By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Josef Weinberger LTD London

18 – 26 May
West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
8pm Fridays & Saturdays 18, 19, 25 & 26 May, also Thursday 24 May
Matinées 2pm Saturday 19, Sunday 20  & Saturday 26 May
www.warragultheatrecompany.org.au… 5624 2456

*   *   *   *   *

www.maffradramatics.com

*   *   *   *   *

Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

Vintage Cole Porter and a shipboard romance
Opens Saturday 26 May – 9 June
8pm Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Matinées: 2pm Sunday 27 May, 5pm Sunday 3 June, 2pm Saturday 9 June
Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, 98 Graham Street, Wonthaggi
Bookings:  Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club    5672 1083

*   *   *   *   *

Staged by Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre
15 June – 1 July
7:30 Fridays & Saturdays, 2pm Sundays
Forge Theatre and Arts Hub, 80 McKean Street, Bairnsdale
www.bairnsdaleproductionline.com.au
Bookings: Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre  5152 3444 or 1800 637 060

 *   *   *   *   *

Leongatha Lyric Theatre presents

Based on C.S. Lewis’ famous children’s fantasy novel from the Narnia series

8:00pm July 13, 14,  19, 20, 21,  23, 26, 27, 28 
Matinées 2:00pm Sundays 15 & 22 July
Mesley Hall, Leongatha Secondary College, Nerrena Rd., Leongatha
www.lyrictheatre.net.au ….. Bookings: Mushroom Crafts     5662 3940

*   *   *   *   *

PAST 2012 GIPPSLAND SHOWS

    Staged by Break a Leg Theatre 23 -31 March

An excellent Australian black comedy that keeps the surprises coming until the very end.

REVIEWS
* *  A must see show – well done Break a Leg Theatre

* *  If ever I have seen a show that deserves a packed audience it is this one.
…,.. Hilarious script and wonderful cast. Even the ushers were impressive.

* *  Go to it!  It could be a family celebration just like your own

* *  Lots of laughs! Well worth seeing!

*   *   *   *   *

Leongatha Lyric staged Habeas Corpus, an absurd/farcical comedy by Alan Bennett directed by Jack Millar 23 – 31 March.

Despite its title, Habeas Corpus is not a Legal thriller – It’s a laugh a minute comedy.

Play readings are a great means to a theatrical social time without the stress of rehearsals three times a week.  They enable people to get together with others in a relaxed environment to read through an old favourite or enjoy the excitement of a new play.

A play reading is also ideal for someone wanting to give theatre a go but too shy to audition or for an old hand who would like to try reading new roles without the pressure of auditions on their shoulders.

FAMDA’s next play reading and social night will be held at 7:30pm on Friday 27th April at Linda and Larry Giddy’s home, 245 O’Grady’s Ridge Road, Foster North.

We will be looking at short plays which may be suitable for the forthcoming Bendigo Bank Foster One Act Play Festival to be hosted by FAMDA on the weekend of 11 & 12 August.

You don’t have to be a FAMDA member to come to the play reading so everyone is warmly invited to this most enjoyable social and theatrical event.

Come along to enjoy a night of do-it-yourself theatre with no rehearsals, no lines to learn and no need to read unless you choose to volunteer!

There is no charge but you are asked to bring drinks and a plate for a shared supper.

A FAMDA play reading at the Fish Creek Hotel
Catherine McGlead, Nicole Cooper, Tania Pell, Arie Bos & Barbara Partridge

CURRENT

Heidelberg Theatre Company – AN INSPECTOR CALLS ~ J.B. Priestley’s haunting thriller
3  – 19 May .. 8:00 Thursday to Saturday + Wednesday of last week
Matinées 2:00 Sundays 6  & 13 May
36 Turnham Avenue,  Rosanna
www.htc.org.au ….. 9457 4117

Williamstown Musical Theatre Company – RED HOT AND COLE ~
The Cole Porter story – a scintillating mixture of biography and song
Sheona Gregg (Leongatha Lyric 42nd Street & Merryn Degnan ex Latrobe Theatre)
4 – 19 May (8pm Fridays & Saturdays & Thursday last week, 2pm Sundays)
Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr. Williamstown Rd. & Electra St., Williamstown
www.wmtc.org.au …..  1300 881 545

CLOC Music Theatre – SUNSET BOULEVARD ~ with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Based on the 1950 film, the plot revolves around Norma Desmond, a faded star of the silent screen era, living in the past in her decaying mansion on the fabled Los Angeles street.
4 – 19 May … 8pm Wednesdays -  Saturdays, 2pm Sundays
National Theatre, Cnr. Carlisle & Barkly Streets, St Kilda   Melway 58 B10
www.cloc.org.au  …..  1300 362 547

Mordialloc Theatre Company – THE HEIRESS ~ Drama based on
Henry James’ novel, Washington Square
4 – 19 May   8:15 Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays + last Wednesday, 2:15 Sundays
Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale
www.mordialloctheatre.com  . .9587 5141 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

JYM Theatre Co. – AVENUE Q ~ Sesame Street for adults
Saturday 5, Sunday 6,Thursday 10 -  Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Tues 15 – Sat 19 May
Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Road, Elwood
www. jymtheatre.com …. 0408 024 224

Southern Peninsula Players – 3 NEW EPISODES OF FAWLTY TOWERS: The Anniversary, The Psychiatrist and The Kipper and the Corpse ~ written by John Cleese and Connie Booth
May 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 @ 8pm, May 20 at 2 pm
May 12, 18 and 19 are cabaret style – BYO nibbles & drinks
Rosebud Memorial Hall, 994 Point Nepean Rd. (opposite Sixth Ave) Melways: 158 D12
www.spptheatre.org … 5982 2777 or 5976 4494

Nova Music Theatre –  MISS SAIGON ~ The Madam Butterfly story set in 1970s Vietnam.
Music by the creators of Les Misérables, Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg.
11 – 26 May … 8pm Thursdays to Saturdays plus Wednesday 23 May
Matinées 2pm Saturdays 19 & 26 May & Sunday 20 May
Whitehorse Centre, 397 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
www.novamusictheatre.com.au … 1300 305 771

Latrobe Theatre Company – DISNEY’S MY SON PINOCCHIO
11 – 27 May
Little Theatre, Latrobe Performing Arts Centre (Traralgon)
Friday 11 May 7:30, Saturday 12 @ 1:30 & 7:30, Sunday 13 @ 1:30
Friday 18 May 7:30, Saturday 19 @ 1:30 & 7:30, Sunday 20 @ 1:30
Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre (Sale)
Saturday 26 May 1:30 & 7:30, Sunday 27 @ 1:30
www.latrobetheatrecompany.org.au     

The Basin Theatre Group – BULLSHOT CRUMMOND ~ Hilarious parody of a 1930′s B Grade detective movie
11 May – 3 June .8pm Thurs – Saturdays .. Sunday matinées 2pm May 20 & 27, June 3
Theatre: Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Roads, The Basin
www.thebasintheatre.org.au ….. 1300 784 668  (7pm – 9pm only)

BLOC Music Theatre – OKLAHOMA! ~ Vintage Rodgers & Hammerstein
16 – 26 May
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat

Sunshine Community Theatre – BREATHING CORPSES ~ drama by Laura Wade
17 – 19 May
Dempster Park Hall, 82 Phoenix St., North Sunshine
www.sunshine community theatre.comau   0407 802 165   * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Warragul Theatre Company – CARMEN, THE MUSICAL ~ Bizet at his best
18 – 26 May .8pm 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 May, Matinées 2pm Sat. 19, Sun. 20  & Sat. 26 May
West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
www.warragultheatrecompany.org.au… 5624 2456

Knox Theatre Company – TABLE MANNERS ~ one of Alan Ayckbourn’s Norman Conquests “However much we laugh, the play actually deals with loneliness, frustration, familial tensions and thwarted lust” – something we can all relate to.
8:15 May 18,  19,  24,  25 &  26 Sunday matinée 2:30 20 May
Knox Community Arts Centre, Cnr Mountain H’way & Scoresby Rd., Bayswater
www.knoxtheatrecompany.com   9762 1901

Mornington CEF Players – COSI ~ Louis Nowra’s wonderful Australian comedy
18 – 27 May   8:00pm Fridays & Saturdays   Matinées 2:00pm Sundays
St Peter’s Bellamy Hall, Cnr. Albert & Octavia St. Mornington …. Melway 104 D10/11
www.cefplayers.com …… 5975 6868

Maffra Dramatic Society - JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT ~
Family entertainment in Andrew Lloyd-Webber & Tim Rice’s colourful version of a biblical story.
7:30 Friday 18, Saturdays 19 & 26 May and 2pm Sunday 27 May @ Maffra Memorial Hall
7:30 Saturday 2 June and 2pm Sunday 3 June @ Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale
www.maffradramatics.com  ..5147 2135 (Maffra) .. 5143 3200 (Sale)

COMING SOON

Moreland Theatre Company – TWELFTH NIGHT ~ Shakespeare’s comedy -
as if Sir Andrew were an Xbox addict, Sir Toby an avid Collingwood supporter,
Olivia lived in a mansion in Toorak and Duke Orsino fancied himself as a romantic hipster.
24 May – 2 June
Mechanics Institute of Performing Arts (MIPAC) Cnr Sydney & Glenlyon Rd, Brunswick
www.moreland.org.au…..9386 0048

Phoenix Theatre Company – A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
The hilarious musical which launched Stephen Sondheim’s career as a composer / lyricist
25 May – 2 June
Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Road, Doncaster … Melway 47 E1
www.phoenixtheatrecompany.org… 9012 5897

Brighton Theatre Company – THREE DAYS OF RAIN ~ a 1996 family drama by Richard Greenberg.  Julia Roberts starred in the 2006 Broadway revival.
24 May – 9 June . 8pm Tuesday – Saturday & Sunday matinées 27 May & 3 June @ 2:15
Brighton Arts & Cultural Centre, Wilson Street, Brighton
www.brightontheatreco.com ….. 9589 0005

Eighteen Twelve Theatre – I HATE HAMLET~ A ghost tale by Paul Rudrick. A comedy with a choice – Television fame and the love of millions OR Shakespeare and the love of a girlfriend.
24 May – 16 June …  (8:00 Wednesdays to Saturdays ..  Sunday matinées @ 4pm)
Theatre: bakery@1812, 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully 3156
www.1812theatre.com.au ..9758 3964 or 0406 752 067  * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Werribee Theatre Company - BUSYBODY ~ Comedy by Jack Popplewell
25 May – 2 June
Crossroads Theatre, Cnr.  Synnot Street and Duncans Road, Werribee
www.werribeetheatrecompany. com.au   0401 800 196 ..  * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Wonthaggi Theatrical Group – ANYTHING GOES ~ Vintage Cole Porter
Opens Saturday 26 May – 9 June … 8pm Thurdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Matinées: 2pm Sunday 27 May, Saturdays 2 & 9 June + 5pm  Sunday 3 June
Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, 98 Graham Street, Wonthaggi
Bookings:  Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club    5672 1083

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre – M*A*S*H ~ Comedic adventures in a surgical hospital during the Korean War
30 May – 16 June  8:15 Wednesdays to Saturdays + Tuesday of Last week  2pm Sundays
39 – 41 Castella Street, Lilydale
www.lilydaletc.com …… 9735 1777 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Strathmore Theatre Arts Group – SCRUBBERS ~
31 May – 9 June    (Wednesdays – Saturdays plus Sunday matinées)
Community Centre, Theatre: Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts, Strathmore … Melways 16 G10
www.stagtheatre.org …. Drew: 9382 6284 (ah)

Babirra Music Theatre – OLIVER! ~ Lionel Bart meets Charles Dickens to create an outstanding musical
1 – 10 June . 8pm 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9 June . matinées 2pm Saturday & Sundays 2, 3, 9 &10 June
Whitehorse Centre, 397 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
www.babirra.org.au .… 9262 6555 (10am – 4:30pm weekdays)

Fab Nobs Theatre – NEXT TO NORMAL ~ A modern musical
Directed by former Gippslander, Nick Kong
June (Thursday – Saturday plus first Monday  [cheap night] & last Wednesday)
The Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place (Off Malvern Street), Bayswater
Bookings:   www.fabnobstheatre.com.au .… Anne 0401 018 846

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company – ROMEO AND JULIET~ Shakespeare’s tragedy of young love
2 June – 7 July …. 8:00pm Thursday, Friday, Saturdays. Matinées 2:00pm Sundays
Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., West Geelong
www.geelongrep.com.au ….5225 1200

Windmill Theatre Company – GREASE ~ The orginal high school musical with songs like You’re the One That I Want, Grease is the Word & Hopelessly Devoted to You
8pm 8 – 24 June … Matinées 2:00pm Saturday 16 & Sunday 24 June
Drum Theatre, Cnr. Lonsdale & Walkers Streets, Dandenong
www.drumtheatre.com.au ….. 9771 6666

Peridot Theatre  -  ONE ACT PLAY SEASON ~ The Waiting Room by John Bowen & No Chocolates by Request by Chris Hodson
8pm 14, 15 & 16 June … 2:15pm Sunday 17 June
Unicorn Theatre, Mt. Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Road
www.peridot.com.au … 1300 138 646 (no mobiles),   9898 9090 (for mobiles)

Catchment Players – BUGSY MALONE ~ Junior production
15, 16 & 17 June
Banyule Theatre, Viewbank College, Buckingham Drive, Heidelberg
www.catchmentplayers.org.au ….. 0437 228 246

MLOC – THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK ~ Music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
15 – 23 June 8pm Fri’s & Sat’s + 2nd Thursday.  Matinées 5pm Sunday & 2pm last Saturday
Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Rd., Elwood
www.mloc.org.au …. 9570 4052

Mountain District Musical Society – HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING ~ Frank Loesser’s musical recently revived on Broadway starring Daniel Radcliffe
15 – 23 June … 8pm 15, 16, 21, 22, & 23 June,  2pm Sunday 17 & Saturday 23 June
Karralyka Theatre, Mines Road, Ringwood
www.mdms.org.au … 0431 940 984 (a.h.)

Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre – GUYS AND DOLLS ~ Frank Loesser’s iconic musical now in its 60th year
15 June – 1 July… 7:30 Fridays & Saturdays, 2pm Sundays
Forge Theatre and Arts Hub, 80 McKean Street, Bairnsdale
www.bairnsdaleproductionline.com.au
Bookings: Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre  5152 3444 or 1800 637 060

Malvern Theatre Company – AN EVENING OF CHEKHOV’S COMEDIES ~
Russian theatre, directed by John Keogh
22 June – 7 July  . 8.15 Tuesdays to Saturdays . Matinées 2pm Saturday 23 & Sunday 1 July
29a Burke Road, East Malvern
www.malverntheatre.com.au ….. 1300 131 552

Williamstown Little Theatre  - GOD OF CARNAGE ~ A contemporary moral dilemma with acerbic wit and shrewd observations.
28 June – 14 July .Tuesday – Saturday 8:15pm, Sundays 5pm plus final Saturday matinée 2pm
2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown … Melways 56 B7
www.wlt.org.au ….. 9885 9678

Beaumaris Theatre Inc. – STILL LIFE ~ A one-act drama by Noel Coward
in conjunction with a live radio play directed by Janine Chugg
29 June – 2 July
82 Wells Road, Beaumaris  ….. Melways 86 G6
www.beaumaristheatre.com.au …. 9583 6896

Mordialloc Theatre Company – LIFE AND BETH ~ a comedy by Alan Ayckborrn, directed by Martin Gibbs
29 June – 14 July ….. 8pm, Sunday matinees 2:30
Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale
www.mordialloctheatre.com  …. 9587 5141

ARC Theatre (Amateur Repertory Company) – JEKYLL AND HYDE ~ Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella comes to life with music
6 – 14 July
Banyule Theatre, Viewbank College, Buckingham Drive, Heidelberg  Melways 32 D3
www.arc-theatre.com…. 0435 062 087

Peoples Playhouse – THE WIZARD OF OZ~ Follow the yellow brick road
6 – 14 July.. 7:30 Fri 6, Sat 7, Thurs 12 & Fri 13, 2pm Sat 7, Thur 12, Fri 13 & Sat 14 July
Cranbourne Community Theatre, Cranbourne Secondary College, Brunt Street
www.peoplesplayhouse.asn.au …. 0402 197 390

Altona City Theatre – THE BOY FROM OZ ~ The Peter Allen story
Matt Sauvarin (Benny Southstreet in FAMDA / Lyric Guys and Dolls) as Chris Bell
6 – 28 July … 8pm Fridays & Saturdays & last Thursday … Sunday matinees
Altona Civic Centre, Civic Parade, Altona
www.altonacitytheatre.com.au ... 0425 705 550

Heidelberg Theatre Company – THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST ~
12 – 28 July .. 8:00 Thursday to Saturday + Wednesday of last week
Matinées 2:00 Sundays 15 & 22 July
36 Turnham Avenue,  Rosanna
www.htc.org.au ….. 9457 4117

Frankston Theatre Group – THE MOUSETRAP ~ 60 years after its launch on the London stage, this Agatha Christie whodunit can now be seen in Australia.
13 – 21 July  ….. 8pm Fridays & Saturdays + 2pm matinée Saturday 21 July
George Jenkins Theatre, Monash University, McMahon’s Rd. Frankston
Melways 102 F4 Map 476 Building A
www.frankstontheatregroup.org.au …. 9905 1111  … * 2011 VDL Award Entry *

CentreStage Geelong – SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN ~ Celebrating the 60th anniversay of the multi-award winning film … Amy Larsen (originally a Gippsland star &  MTGV best actor winner with Catchment) as Kathy Sheldon
14 – 21 July . 7:30 14 & 19 – 21 July , 2pm Saturdays 14 & 21, 5pm Sunday 15 July
Geelong Performing Arts Centre
Bookings: www.gpac.org.au  .. 5225 1200 …. www.centrestagegeelong.com

Encore Theatre – SYLVIA ~ Created by A. R. Gurney, Sylvia is a Manhattan pooch who brings changes to the life of a middle-aged couple
13 – 14, 20 – 22, 26 – 28 July @ 8pm, Matinées 2:15 Sundays 15 & 22 July
Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke Street, Clayton  Melway: 79 C3
www.encoretheatre.com.au  ..  1300 739 099 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Leongatha Lyric Theatre – NARNIA ~ Based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe from C.S. Lewis’ famous children’s fantasy novel series
8:00pm July 13, 14,  19, 20, 21,  23, 26, 27, 28  Matinées 2:00pm Sunday 15 & 22 July
Mesley Hall, Leongatha Secondary College, Nerrena Rd., Leongatha
www.lyrictheatre.net.au ….. Bookings: Mushroom Crafts    5662 3940

PLOS Musical Theatre – HAIRSPRAY~ A musical on body image – more than just hair
27 July – 4 August .. 8pm 27  & 28, Tuesday 31 July – Friday 3 August
Matinées 2:00pm Sunday 29 July & (final preformance) Saturday 4 August
Frankston Arts Centre, Davey Street, Frankston
www.plos.asn.au …. Bookings: Frankston Arts Centre box office      9784 1060

Sherbrooke Theatre Co. Inc. – RABBIT HOLE ~ A couple’s bittersweet search for comfort after a life-shattering accident
8:15 27 & 28 July, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11 August   Sunday twilight  5:15pm 29 July & 5 August
Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Road, Doncaster … Melway 47 E1
www.sherbrooketc.org.au … 1300 650 209  * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Eighteen Twelve Theatre – BRILLIANT LIES ~ David Williamson’s play on political correctness and sexual harassment in the workplace.
9 August – 1      (8:00 Wednesdays to Saturdays,  Sunday matinées @ 4:00pm)
Theatre: bakery@1812, 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully 3156
www.1812theatre.com.au ….. 9758 3964 or 0406 752 067

FAMDA hosts The 12th FOSTER  ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
11 – 12 August
Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, Main Street, Foster

Williamstown Musical Theatre Company – DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
~ Junior production
7:30pm Fri 10, Sat 11, Fri 17 & Sat 18 August.. Matinées 2pm Sunday & Saturday 18 August
Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr. Williamstown Rd. & Electra St., Williamstown
www.wmtc.org.au …..  1300 881 545

Peridot Theatre –THE SHELL SEEKERS ~ set in London and Cornwall between World War II and the present
8pm 10 – 25 August  Wednesdays – Saturdays
matinées 2:15pm Sunday 12 & Saturday 18  August  Twilight 4pm Sunday 19 August
Unicorn Theatre, Mt. Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd. * 2012 VDL Award Entry *
www.peridot.com.au .. 1300 138 646 (no mobiles),   9898 9090 (for mobiles)

The Basin Theatre Group – OUT OF ORDER ~ Ray Cooney’s  political comedy,
winner of the 1990 Olivier Award for Comedy of the Year
10 August – 5 Sept. ..8pm Thurs – Saturdays    Sunday matinées 2pm Aug 12, 19 &26
Theatre: Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Roads, The Basin
www.thebasintheatre.org.au ….. 1300 784 668

Gemco Players Community Theatre – THE CRUCIBLE ~ Arthur Miller drama
16 – 26 August  8:15 Wednesdays to Saturdays + Tuesday of Last week  2pm Sundays
19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald
www.gemcoplayers.org … 0411 723 530… * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre – THE WOMAN IN BLACK ~ A theatrical thriller
22 August – 8 September 8:15 Wed’s to Sat’s + Tuesday of last week  2pm Sundays
39 – 41 Castella Street, Lilydale
www.lilydaletc.com …… 9735 1777

Malvern Theatre Company – LOYAL WOMEN ~ Directed by Richard Keown, Gary Mitchell takes us behind the scenes and behind the politics to show how Irish women live and what has made them what they are.
24 August – 8 September  . 8.15 Tuesdays to Saturdays
Matinées 2:00pm Saturday 25 August & Sunday 2 September
29a Burke Road, East Malvern
www.malverntheatre.com.au …. 1300 131 552

The Mount Players – WUTHERING HEIGHTS ~ Drama by Randolph Carter adapted from Emily Brontë’s novel
24 August – 15 September
56 Smith Street Macedon, Macedon
www.themountplayers.com … 1300 463 224 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Essendon Theatre Company – THE ANNIVERSARY ~ Comedy by Bill McIlwraith
30 August – 8 September
Community Centre, 9 Bradshaw St., West Essendon (off Buckley St.)  (Melways 28 B3)
www.essendontheatrecompany.com  .. 0422 029 483 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Eltham Little Theatre – MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS ~ Rewriting the script for Gone with the Wind
30 August – 15 September
1602 Main Road, Research
www.eltamlittletheatre.com.au … 9437 1574 . * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company – OUR TOWN~ Thornton Wilder’s classic
31 August – 15 September … 8:00pm Thursday, Friday, Saturdays. Matinées 2:00pm Sundays
Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., West Geelong
www.geelongrep.com.au ….Bookings: www.gpac.org.au  .. 5225 1200

Beaumaris Theatre Inc. – JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT ~ Family entertainment in Andrew Lloyd-Webber & Tim Rice’s colourful version of a biblical story.
31 August – 23 September
82 Wells Road, Beaumaris  ….. Melways 86 G6
www.beaumaristheatre.com.au …. 9583 6896

Williamstown Little Theatre - DOUBT: A PARABLE ~ Innocent or guilty? – A gripping story of suspicion, less about scandal than questions of moral certainty.
6 – 22 September ..Tuesday – Saturday 8:15, Sundays 5pm plus final Saturday matinée 2pm
2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown … Melways 56 B7
www.wlt.org.au ….. 9885 9678 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Brighton Theatre Company – CALENDAR GIRLS ~ See it all!  An uplifting British comedy adapted from the  2003 film.
6 – 22 September . 8pm Tuesday – Saturday & Sunday matinées 9 & 16 September @ 2:15
Brighton Arts & Cultural Centre, Wilson Street, Brighton
www.brightontheatreco.com ….. 9589 0005 … * 2012 VDAward Entry *

Heidelberg Theatre Company – SUMMER OF THE SEVENTEENTH DOLL ~
The iconic Australian play by Ray Lawler
13  – 29 September .. 8:00 Thursday to Saturday + Wednesday of last week
Matinées 2:00 Sundays 16 & 23 September
36 Turnham Avenue,  Rosanna
www.htc.org.au ….. 9457 4117

Mordialloc Theatre Company – PRELUDE TO A KISS ~ A romantic fairytale
by Craig Lucas directed by Tim Long
14 – 29 September .. ..8pm, Sunday matinées 2:30
Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale
www.mordialloctheatre.com  … .9587 5141

Hartwell Players – DAISY PULLS IT OFF ~ Schoolgirl comedy
14 – 29 September September
Performing Arts Centre, Ashwood College, Vannam Drive, Ashwood (off High Street Rd)
www.hartwellplayers.org.au .. 9513 9581 (Recorded Service). * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Peridot Theatre hosts THE MONASH ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
21 – 23 September
Unicorn Theatre, Mt. Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Road
www.peridot.com.au

Altona City Theatre – SWEENEY TODD ~Stephen Sondheim musical on the demon barber of Fleet Street
21 September – 6 October .. 8pm Fridays & Saturdays & last Thursday
2pm matinées Sundays & last Saturday
Altona Civic Centre, Civic Parade, Altona
www.altonacitytheatre.com.au ... 0425 705 550

FAMDA – DREAM BOATS ~ A musical fantasy with puppets and pirates by Edwin Coad
28 September – 6 October
Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, Main Street, Foster
0400 867 872

OXAGEN – SPAMALOT ~ Monty Python on Broadway
5 – 7 & 11 – 13 October
Genazzano FCJ College, Madeleine Centre

Dionysus Theatre – EXIT THE KING ~ The Eugene Ionesco comedy in which Geoffrey Rush won a Tony Award
5 – 12 October
emmaloustu@hotmail.com … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Geelong Lyric Theatre Society – THE KING AND I~ 19th Century Siam in all its glory with Rodgers & Hanmmerstein’s music
5 – 13 October
Ford Theatre, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, 50 Lt Malop Street, Geelong
www.glts.asn.au…  Bookings: www.gpac.org.au  ..  5225 1200

Eighteen Twelve Theatre – LONESOME WEST ~ Two brothers and their rivalry
11 October – 3 November     (8:30 Wednesdays to Saturdays,  Sunday matinées @ 4:00pm)
Theatre: bakery@1812, 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully 3156
www.1812theatre.com.au ….. 9758 3964 or 0406 752 067

Babirra Music Theatre – HELLO DOLLY ~ The musical of The Matchmaker with Jerry Herman’s toe-tapping music
12 – 20 October .. 8pm 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20 Oct. .. Matinées 2pm Saturdays & Sundays
Whitehorse Centre, 397 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
www.babirra.org.au …….. 9262 6555

Encore Theatre – THE KINGFISHER ~ Cedric is a best-selling novelist living comfortably with his butler, Hawkins, who has served him for fifty years when he suddenly decides to contemplate marriage.
October 12 – 13, 19 – 20, 25 – 26
Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke Street, Clayton  Melway: 79 C3
www.encoretheatre.com.au  …….  1300 739 099

Sherbrooke Theatre Co. Inc. - SLIM CHANCE ~ How do you motivate slimming club members to lose weight?
8:15 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 & 27 October   Sunday twilight  5:15pm 14 & 21 October
Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Road, Doncaster … Melway 47 E1
www.sherbrooketc.org.au …. 1300 650 209

Kyneton Theatre Company– THE SHIFTING HEART ~ Australian drama by Richard Beynon (staged by FAMDA in 1971)
12 – 28 October
* 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Catchment Players – HAIRSPRAY ~ directed by Brad Fischer & Nathan Firmin
Opens 19 October
Darebin Arts Centre, Cnr. Bell Street & St George’s Rd., Preston
www.catchmentplayers.org.au ….. 0437 228 246

MOaRTZ (Moe) – STEEL MAGNOLIAS ~ Remember the movie with Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Sally Field & Julia Roberts?
19 – 27 October   … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Mountain District Musical Society – AIDA ~ Musical by Elton John & Tim Rice
October
Karralyka Theatre, Mines Road, Ringwood
www.mdms.org.au … 0431 940 984 (a.h.)

Purely Pensive Productions - BLACKROCK ~ An Australian suburban drama by Nick Enright
25 – 27 October – 8pm Thurs 25 & Friday 26 + 2pm & 8pm Saturday 227 October
Mechanics Institute of Performing Arts (MIPAC) Cnr Sydney & Glenlyon Rd, Brunswick
www.purelypensive.com.au … 0405 114 063… * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Malvern Theatre Company – THE GLAZED LOOK ~ Directed by Richard Burman, an hilarious broad comedy by New Zealand playwright, Terence Journet
2 – 17 November  . 8.15 Tuesdays to Saturdays … Matinées 2pm Saturday 3  & Sunday 11 November
29a Burke Road, East Malvern
www.malverntheatre.com.au ….. 1300 131 552

Fab Nobs Theatre – THE DROWSY CHAPERONE ~ A spoof of old time musicals -
a musical within a comedy, winner of 5 x 2006 Tony Awards including Best Book & Score
November
The Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place (Off Malvern Street), Bayswater
Bookings:   www.fabnobstheatre.com.au .… Anne 0401 018 846

Latrobe Theatre Company – ARE YOU BEING SERVED?
November
www.latrobetheatrecompany.org.au     

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre – CALENDAR GIRLS ~ Creating an international phenomen – a charity calendar with a difference! Remember the film with Helen Mirren & Julise Walters?
7 – 24 November 8:15 Wednesdays to Saturdays + Tuesday of Last week  2pm Sundays
39 – 41 Castella Street, Lilydale
www.lilydaletc.com …… 9735 1777

Brighton Theatre Company – SECRET BRIDESMAIDS’ BUSINESS ~ Elizabeth Coleman’s funny play about serious issues like truth, loyalty, denial, sex, love, the meaning of marriage, female friendship and the plight of modern woman with a biological clock that just won’t keep up with the times!
8 – 24 November. 8pm Tuesday – Saturday & Sunday matinées 11 & 18 November @ 2:15
Brighton Arts & Cultural Centre, Wilson Street, Brighton
www.brightontheatreco.com ….. 9589 0005

Williamstown Musical Theatre Company – NEXT TO NORMAL ~ The tale of a suburban housewife, nominated for 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this show won the 2009 Tony gongs for Best Original Score, Best Orchestration and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical (for Alice Ripley)
9 – 24 Nov  8pm 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24 Nov  Matinées 2pm Sundays 11 & 18 November
Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr. Williamstown Rd. & Electra St., Williamstown
www.wmtc.org.au …..  1300 881 545

Peridot Theatre – ME & JEZEBEL ~ what happens when Bette Davis comes to visit
8pm November 9 – 24  Wednesdays – Saturdays
matinées 2:15pm Sunday 11 & Saturday 117 February  Twilight 4pm Sunday 18 Nov
Unicorn Theatre, Mt. Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Road
www.peridot.com.au ….. 1300 138 646 (no mobiles),   9898 9090 (for mobiles)

Mordialloc Theatre Company – MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS ~
Rewriting the screenplay for Gone with Wind in 5 days on a diet of peanuts and bananas
9  – 24 November .. ..8pm, Sunday matinées 2:30
Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale
www.mordialloctheatre.com  … .9587 5141

The Basin Theatre Group – OVER MY DEAD BODY ~ Gerald’s wife has died recently but her forward planning leads to a few surprises, both sad and funny
9 Nov – 1 Dec ..8pm Thurs – Saturdays    Sunday matinées 2pm Nov 11, 18 &25
Theatre: Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Roads, The Basin
www.thebasintheatre.org.au ….. 1300 784 668

Williamstown Little Theatre - THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB ~ 4 summer reunions over 33 years of former members of a champion swimming team
15 Nov – 1 Dec ..Tuesday – Saturday 8:15pm, Sundays 5pm plus final Saturday matinée 2pm
2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown … Melways 56 B7
www.wlt.org.au ….. 9885 9678

Eighteen Twelve Theatre – THE 39 STEPS ~ Only 4 actors, yet The 39 Steps contains every legendary scene from the award-winning film, including the chase on the Flying Scotsman and the escape on the Forth Bridge. Throw in some good old fashioned romance, mistaken identities, tongue in cheek references to murder mysteries, and you have a night of intriguing, rollicking fun.
15 November – 8 December    (8:00 Wednesdays to Saturdays,  Sunday matinées @ 4:00pm)
Theatre: bakery@1812, 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully 3156
www.1812theatre.com.au ….. 9758 3964 or 0406 752 067

Beaumaris Theatre Inc. – THE VICAR OF DIBLEY ~ The irreverent reverend is back – Live on stage!
16 November – 1 December
82 Wells Road, Beaumaris  ….. Melways 86 G6
www.beaumaristheatre.com.au …. 9583 6896

Strathmore Theatre Arts Group – HAY FEVER ~ A Noel Coward a comedy of bad manners, in which a family of insufferably self-regarding bohemians treat their more conventional guests with abominable rudeness at a weekend house party.
22 November – 1 December    (Wednesdays – Saturdays plus Sunday matinées)
Community Centre, Theatre: Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts, Strathmore … Melways 16 G10
www.stagtheatre.org ….. Drew: 9382 6284

Heidelberg Theatre Company – ARSENIC AND OLD LACE ~ What happens when an alcoholic servant, 2 crazy spinsters, 24 dead bodies and deadly drinks cross paths?
22 November – 8 December .. 8:00 Thursday to Saturday + Wednesday of last week
Matinées 2:00 Sundays 26 November & 2 December
36 Turnham Avenue,  Rosanna
www.htc.org.au ….. 9457 4117

Frankston Theatre Group – MURDERED TO DEATH ~ A 1976 film comedy by Neil Simon
Mt. Eliza Community Centre  …. November – December
www.frankstontheatregroup.org.au …  .1300 665 377

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company – THE LADY IN THE VAN ~ by Alan Bennett
23 November – 8 December   8:00pm Thursday, Friday, Saturdays. Matinées 2:00pm Sundays
Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., West Geelong
www.geelongrep.com.au ….Bookings: www.gpac.org.au  .. 5225 1200

WHAT’S BEEN ON

PLOS Musical Productions – THE KING AND I ~ Splendour in 19th Century Siam
features Phil Haby as the King and Hayley Doran as Anna Leonowens
also Tamika Ball (in FAMDA’s The Producers & Cinderella in Into the Woods)
in palace ensemble, including Little Topsy
5pm Saturday 31 Dec., 7:30 Monday 2, Wednesday 4, Thursday 5 & Friday 6 January
1:30 & 7:30 Saturday 7 January  and 1:30 Sunday 8 January
Frankston Arts Centre, Davey Street, Frankston
www.plos.asn.au …… Bookings: Frankston Arts Centre box office      9784 1060

Encore Theatre – CINDERS ~ A pantomime of the traditional Cinderella story
12 – 21 January 2012 – Shows @ 11:00am & 2:00pm
Thursday 12, Friday 13,  Saturday 14, Thursday 19, Friday 20 & Saturday 21 January
Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke Street, Clayton  Melway: 79 C3
www.encoretheatre.com.au  …….  1300 739 099

Hartwell Payers – THE REAL STORY OF PUSS IN BOOTS ~ Family-friendly summer fun
Evenings – 7pm  Fri 13, Sat 14, Fri 20, Sat 21 Fri 27, Sat 28 January
Matinées – 2pm   Sat 14, Sun 15, Sat 21, Sun 22, Sat 28 January 2012
Ashwood College Performing Arts Centre, Vannam Drive, Ashwood… Melway: 60 J10
www.hartwellplayers.org.au …. 9889 5006

SHooSH! Productions – PAGEANT~ The musical comedy beauty contest
27 January – 4 February (8:pm Fri, Sat, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat & 5pm Sunday 4 Feb)
Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St. (Cnr. Westbourne Grove) as part of the Midsumma Festival
www.northcotetownhall.com.au ….. 9408 1350 ….. 9481 9500

Footlight Productions – CATS ~ T.S. Eliot’s poetry, Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s music
8pm January 28, February 2 – 4, 8 – 10 …Saturday matinées 2pm Feb 4 & 5pm Feb 11
Ford Theatre, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, 50 Lt Malop Street, Geelong
www.footlightproductionsvic.com ….. 5225 1200

Peridot Theatre – SAME TIME NEXT YEAR ~ by Bernard Slade
8pm February 3 – 18  Wednesdays – Saturdays
matinées 2:15pm Sunday 5 & Saturday 11  February  Twilight 4pm Sunday 12 Feb
Unicorn Theatre, Mt. Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Road
www.peridot.com.au ….. 1300 138 646 (no mobiles),   9898 9090 (for mobiles)

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company – THE 39 STEPS
February 03, 04, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 @ 8pm   Matinees: February 5 & 12 @ 2pm
Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., West Geelong
www.geelongrep.com.au ….5225 1200

ARC Theatre (Amateur Repertory Company) – THE BREAKFAST CLUB ~
8pm Thursday 9, Friday 10 & Saturday 11 plus 2pm Saturday 11 February
($1 from every ticket donated to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre)
Banyule Theatre, Viewbank College, 10 Buckingham Drive, Heidelberg  Melways 32 D3
www.arc-theatre.com…. 0435 062 087 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Peridot Theatre – SAME TIME NEXT YEAR ~ by Bernard Slade
8pm February 3 – 18  Wednesdays – Saturdays
matinées 2:15pm Sunday 5 & Saturday 11  February  Twilight 4pm Sunday 12 Feb
Unicorn Theatre, Mt. Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Road

Swan Hill Theatre Group Co-Op. Ltd – THE GREAT FLOOD ~ written and directed by Andrew R. Kelly
3 – 19 February   * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Eighteen Twelve Theatre – LIFE TIMES ~ A selection of one-act plays
9 – 11 and 16 – 18 February
Theatre: bakery@1812, 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully

Williamstown Little Theatre - MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS ~ A comedy
on the problems of rewriting the script for ‘Gone with the Wind’
9 – 25 February ..Tuesday – Saturday 8:15pm, Sundays 5pm final Saturday matinée 2pm
2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown … Melways 56 B7
www.wlt.org.au .…. 9885 9678

BLOC Music Theatre – ZOMBIE PROM
16 – 18 February 8pm Thursday 16, Fri 17,  Sat 18 plus Saturday matinée 2pm
Helen Macpherson Smith Theatre, Camp St, University of Ballarat, Ballarat
www.trybooking.com/Bookin

Malvern Theatre Company –  MAN ALIVE ~ by John Dighton
17 Feb – 3 March .. Tuesday to Saturday, matinées Saturday 18 Feb &  Sunday 26 Feb
29a Burke Road, East Malvern
www.malverntheatre.com.au ….. 1300 131 552

The Basin Theatre Group – TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE ~ A delightful play
based on Mitch Albom’s inspirational book
17 Feb. – 10 March ..8pm Thurs – Saturdays ..  Matinées 2pm Feb 19 & 16, March 4
Theatre: Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Roads, The Basin
www.thebasintheatre.org.au ….. 1300 784 668

Brighton Theatre Company – ALBERT NOBBS
23 February – 10 March .8pm Tuesday – Saturday .. Sunday matinées 2:15
Brighton Arts & Cultural Centre, Wilson Street, Brighton
www.brightontheatreco.com ….. 9589 0005

Cardinia Performing Arts Company (CPAC) – LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS ~
Fun and games in the flower shop
Sat Feb 25 8pm, Sunday 26 2pm, Sat March 3 8pm, Sun 4 2pm, Thurs 8 7pm, Fri 9 8pm
Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevarde, Pakenham
www.cardiniaperformingarts.com …. 0407 090 354

Heidelberg Theatre Company – THE LION IN WINTER ~ A witty story of a dysfunctional royal family in 12th Century France.
23 Feb – 10 March .. 8:00 Thursday to Saturday + Wednesday of last week
Matinées 2:00 Sundays 26 February & 4 March
36 Turnham Avenue,  Rosanna
www.htc.org.au ….. 9457 4117 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Strathmore Theatre Arts Group – THE MOUSETRAP ~ An Agatha Christie whodunit
1-10 March    (Wednesdays – Saturdays plus Sunday matinées)
Community Centre, Theatre: Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts, Strathmore … Melways 16 G10
www.stagtheatre.org …… Drew: 9382 6284 (ah)…. * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Waterdale – PARADE ~ An American musical masterpiece by Jason Robert Brown
2-10 March    (8pm 2, 3, 8, 9 & 10 March and 5pm Sunday 4 March)
Rivergum Theatre, Parade College, 1436 Plenty Road, Bundoora
www.waterdale.org.au ….  0400 212 566

Frankston Theatre Group – WAIT UNTIL DARK ~ Hitchcock thriller which starred
Audrey Heburn.  What frightens us more, the evil you see coming, or the evil you don’t?
2 – 10 March .. (8pm 2, 3, 9 & 10 March, one matinée 2:15 Saturday 10 March)
George Jenkins Theatre, Monash University, McMahon’s Rd. Frankston
Melways 102 F4 Map 476 Building A
www.frankstontheatregroup.org.au …. 9905 1111

Gemco Players Community Theatre – WAIT UNTIL DARK ~  Suspense builds toward an electrifying, heart-stopping final scene.
2 – 17 March (8pm 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 March . 2:30pm 4, 11 & 17 March)
19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald
www.gemcoplayers.org …. 0411 723 530

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre – GLORIOUS! ~ Based on  Florence Foster Jenkins’ true story
7 – 24 March    (8:15 March 7-10, 15-17, 21-24.   Sunday matinées 2:30 March 11 & 18)
39 – 41 Castella Street, Lilydale
www.lilydaletc.com …… 9735 1777 (Before 2pm Monday, Wednesday & Fridays)

Eighteen Twelve Theatre – ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN ~ A comedy from Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Norman Conquests’ trilogy
8 – 31 March ….. (8:00 Wednesdays to Saturdays,  Sunday matinées @ 4:00pm)
Theatre: bakery@1812, 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully 3156
www.1812theatre.com.au … 9758 3964 or 0406 752 067

Altona City Theatre – ALADDIN ~The Rock Pantomime
9 – 24 March . 7:30  Fridays, 2pm matinées Sat 10  & Sundays, 2pm + 7:30 Sats 17 & 24
Altona Civic Centre, Civic Parade, Altona
www.altonacitytheatre.com.au … 0425 705 550

The Mount Theatre – ART ~ A comedy by Yasmina Reza
9 – 31 March  … 8:00pm Fridays & Saturdays, Matinées 2:00pm Sundays
Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith Street, Macedon (only 40 mins from CBD)
www.themountplayers.com …. 1300 463 224 (10am – 5pm Tues to Sat)

Sherbrooke Theatre Co. Inc. – THE SHOEHORN SONATA ~ Events in a Japanese POW camp come to light with the filming of a TV documentary
8:15 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24 March   Sunday twilight matinées  5:15pm 11 & 18 March
Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Road, Doncaster … Melway 47 E1
www.sherbrooketc.org.au …. 1300 650 209

Eltam Little Theatre – DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER ~ Classic comedy by Marc Camoletti
15 – 31 March ..8:00pm Thursdays – Saturdays,   matinée 2:00 Sunday 25 March
Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Road Research … Melways: 22 H1
www.eltamlittletheatre.org.au … 9437 1574

Essendon Theatre Company – CARAVAN ~ An Australian holiday by Colin Macdonald
15 – 24 March     8pm Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays . Matinée 2pm Sunday
Community Centre, 9 Bradshaw St., West Essendon (off Buckley St.)  (Melways 28 B3)
www.essendontheatrecompany.com  .. 0422 029 483

Encore Theatre – RUMORS ~ A Neil Simon comedy
March 16 – 17, 23 – 25, 29 – 31
Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke Street, Clayton  Melway: 79 C3
www.encoretheatre.com.au  …….  1300 739 099

Fab Nobs Theatre – AVENUE Q ~ Sesame Street for adults
16 – 31 March (Thursday – Saturday plus Monday 19 March [cheap night] & last Wednesday)
The Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place (Off Malvern Street), Bayswater
Bookings:   www.fabnobstheatre.com.au .… Anne 0401 018 846

Beaumaris Theatre Inc. – TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD ~
Harper Lee’s novel set in Alabama in 1936
16 – 31 March (8pm 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, 30 & 31 March and 5pm Sunday 25 March)
82 Wells Road, Beaumaris  …. Melways 86 G6
www.beaumaristheatre.com.au …. 9583 6896 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Quirky Productions – LA CAGE AUX FOLLES ~ Jerry Herman’s music with lots of sequins and feathers.
with former Gippslander Nicholas Kong as Jacob
16 – 24 March … (8pm Thursay – Saturdays, 2pm Sunday)
National Theatre, Cnr. Carlisle & Barkly Streets, St Kilda   Melway 58 B10
www.quirkyproductions.com..  0416 146 738 or 413 874 282 or
www.nationaltheatre.org.au

Wangaratta Players – WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF
16 – 24 March …… * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Sunshine Community Theatre – BREATHING CORPSES
22 -31 March … 8pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 2pm Sunday 25th March
82 Pheonix Street, North Sunshine   Melways 26 J 10
www.sunshinecommunitytheatre.webs.com …. 0407 802 165

Warrandyte Theatre Company – FOLLIES 2012, A SPACE ODDITY ~
March 22, 23 & 24, March 29, 30 & 31 and April 12, 13 & 14 –  7:30 for 8pm.
Mechanics Institute Hall, on the corner of Yarra Street and Mitchell Avenue, Warrandyte
www.warrandytehallarts.asn.au/Theatre  … Book a table on 0488 333 575

Leongatha Lyric Theatre – HABEAS CORPUS ~ Hilarious comedy by Alan Bennett
23 – 31 March 8:00pm 23, 24,  29, 30 & 31 March  Matinée 2:00pm Sunday 25 March
Mesley Hall, Leongatha Secondary College, Nerrena Rd., Leongatha
www.lyrictheatre.net.au .. Mushroom Crafts   5662 3940    * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

SLAMS Music Theatre – HAIRSPRAY ~ A musical on body image – more than just hair
Friday 23rd – Saturday 31st  March .
Mahon Theatre, Aquinas College, Great Ryrie Street, Ringwood ..
www.knox.vic.gov.au/theatretix… 9720 3205

Break A Leg  Theatre – IT’S MY PARTY (and I’ll die if I want to) ~ A play to die for
Friday 23 – Saturday 31 March ..Thursday, Fridays & Saturday 8pm + 2pm Sunday 25
Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, Grey Street, Traralgon
www.breakalegtheatre.com.au …. …5176 3559

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company – DANCING AT LUGHNASA ~ by Brian Friel
13 – 28 April … 8:00pm Thursday, Friday, Saturdays. Matinées 2:00pm Sundays
Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., West Geelong … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *
www.geelongrep.com.au ….Bookings: www.gpac.org.au  .. 5225 1200

Hartwell Players – MACBETH ~ Shakespeare’s Scottish play
13 – 28 April  … 8pm Fri 13, Sat 14, Fri 20, Sat 21, Fri 27, Sat 28,
2pm Sat 14, Sat 21, Sat 28 & 5pm Sun 22 April
Performing Arts Centre, Ashwood College, Vannam Drive, Ashwood (off High Street Rd)
www.hartwellplayers.org.au  … 9513 9581  (Recorded Service)

The Company of Companies – THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS – THE MUSICAL ~
5 Styles, 5 Actors, 5 Shows, 1 Plot - hilarious musical theatre parody / homage
7:30 Tuesday 17 April – Saturday 21 April + matinée 2:30 Saturday 21 April
‘open stage’, University of Melbourne, 757 Swanston St. (Cnr Swanston & Grattan St)
www.themusicalofmusicals.com

PEP Productions – BAT BOY – THE MUSICAL ~
8pm Fri 20, Sat 21, Wednesday 25 – Saturday 28 + Saturday matinée 2pm 28 April
Maroondah Secondary College, Brentnall Rd., Croydon
www.pepproductions.org.au …. 0423 935 320

Eighteen Twelve Theatre – WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF
18 April – 4 May …. (8:00 Wednesdays to Saturdays ..  Sunday matinées @ 4pm)
Theatre: bakery@1812, 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully
www.1812theatre.com.au ….. 9758 3964 or 0406 752 067

Williamstown Little Theatre - COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY ~ 1661 and women are now allowed on stage!  Victorian première of a lavish epic with humour and high drama based on historical fact.
19 April – 3 May ..Tuesday – Saturday 8:15pm, Sundays 5pm plus final Saturday matinée 2pm
2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown … Melways 56 B7
www.wlt.org.au ….. 9885 9678

Malvern Theatre Company –  NEVER THE SINNER ~ A courtroom drama
20 April – 5 May … 8.15 Tuesdays to Saturdays . Matinées 2pm Saturday 21 & Sunday 29 April
29a Burke Road, East Malvern
www.malverntheatre.com.au … 1300 131 552 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

Purely Pensive Productions – TWO WEEKS WITH THE QUEEN
26 – 28 April – 8pm Thurs 26 & Friday 27 + 2pm & 8pm Saturday 28 April
Mechanics Institute of Performing Arts (MIPAC) Cnr Sydney & Glenlyon Rd, Brunswick
www.purelypensive.com.au …. 0405 114 063

Peridot Theatre – THE PEPPERCORN TREE ~ a humourous and deeply moving Australian play by Alison Campbell Rate
8pm 27 April – 12 May Wednesdays – Saturdays
matinées 2:15pm Sunday 29 April & Saturday 5 May   Twilight 4pm Sunday 6 May
Unicorn Theatre, Mt. Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Road
www.peridot.com.au ….  1300 138 646 (no mobiles),   9898 9090 (for mobiles)

Heidelberg Theatre Company – AN INSPECTOR CALLS ~ J.B. Priestley’s haunting thriller
3  – 19 May .. 8pm Thursday to Saturday + Wednesday of last week Matinées 2pm Sundays
36 Turnham Avenue,  Rosanna
www.htc.org.au ….. 9457 4117

Croydon Parish Players – A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED in the morning newspaper!
Agatha Christie sets the scene  for Miss Marple in an intriguing mystery
8pm Fri 4 (gala supper), Sat 5, Tues 8, Thurs 10 & Fri 11 May + 6pm Saturday 12 May
www.croydonparishplayers.com … 0447 014 584

Geelong Lyric Theatre Society – HAIRSPRAY~ Broadway’s Big Fat Musical Comedy Hit
4 – 12 May … 7:30 4, 5, 10, 11 & 12 May plus Saturday matinée 1:30 12 May
Ford Theatre, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, 50 Lt Malop Street, Geelong
www.glts.asn.au… .Bookings: www.gpac.org.au … 5225 1200

Williamstown Musical Theatre Company – RED HOT AND COLE ~
The Cole Porter story – a scintillating mixture of biography and song
Sheona Gregg (Leongatha Lyric 42nd Street & Merryn Degnan ex Latrobe Theatre)
4 – 19 May (8pm Fridays & Saturdays & Thursday last week, 2pm Sundays)
Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr. Williamstown Rd. & Electra St., Williamstown
www.wmtc.org.au …..  1300 881 545

CLOC Music Theatre – SUNSET BOULEVARD ~ with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Based on the 1950 film, the plot revolves around Norma Desmond, a faded star of the silent screen era, living in the past in her decaying mansion on the fabled Los Angeles street.
4 – 19 May … 8pm Wednesdays -  Saturdays, 2pm Sundays
National Theatre, Cnr. Carlisle & Barkly Streets, St Kilda   Melway 58 B10
www.cloc.org.au  …..  1300 362 547

Mordialloc Theatre Company – THE HEIRESS ~ Based on
Henry James’ novel, Washington Square
4 – 19 May   8:15 Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays + last Wednesday, 2:15 Sundays
Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale
www.mordialloctheatre.com  . .9587 5141 … * 2012 VDL Award Entry *

THE PRODUCTION COMPANY
The Arts Centre – State Theatre
2012 Season Dates
11 – 15 July – The Producers
22 – 26 August – Chess
3 – 7 October – Promises Promises

2013
Latrobe Theatre Company – SWEENEY TODD
10 – 26 May 2013
Little Theatre, Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, Corner Grey & Breed Streets,Traralgon
www.latrobetheatrecompany.org.au

GIPPSLAND ASSOCIATED THEATRE

……………………….. 2012 Committee

President: Phillip van Nes
Vice President: Dan Clancy
Secretary: Michelle Linahan
Treasurer: Norm Willoughby
Judges’ Co-ordinator: Christine Skicko

Company Reps: Mandy Clancy (Break a Leg Theatre)
…….. Beck Gardiner (Maffra Dramatic Society)
…….. Kirshy McAinch (Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre)
…….. Chris Ross (Latrobe Theatre Company)
…….. David Wall (Wonthaggi Theatrical Group)

NOTE
The 2012 Gippsland Theatre GAT Awards will be presented on Saturday 1 December.

2011 Gippsland Associated Theatre Awards

Presented Saturday 3 December @ Trafalgar Public Hall

The Gippsland Associated Theatre awards were announced at Trafalgar on Saturday, 3 December 2011 with FAMDA’s production of  Heroes winning three major awards.
Bruce Grainger was judged to be the Most Outstanding Lead Male Actor in a Comedy or Drama for his performance as Henri.
Andrew Oldroyd won the Most Outstanding Director trophy in his first involvement as a director of a full length production while being mentored by the late Max Hastings.
FAMDA also won the Alby Fisher Memorial Award for Creative Design for the beautiful moving dog used in Heroes which was the work of Bruce Crowl, Max Hastings and Brendan Ryan.
In addition Jennifer Paragreen received a Judge’s Award for the extremely well set and informative program used in FAMDA’s production of Heroes.

Heroes - FAMDA GAT winners, Tania Pell (with Alby Fisher Creative Design trophy), Andrew Oldroyd (Most Outstanding Director) & Bruce Grainger (Most Outstanding Lead Actor)

WONTHAGGI WINNERS

The big winner on the night was undoubtedly Wonthaggi Theatrical Group which won the Most Outstanding Musical Award for their production of Cabaret as well as the Most Outstanding Comedy or Drama Award for their staging of Minefields and Miniskirts.
Eight other GAT trophies were awarded to Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s Cabaret.
Britt Lewis was judged to be the Most Outstanding Lead Actor – Female for her performance as Sally Bowles.
Carmel Slater won the Most Outstanding Musical director Award and Bron Kalos earned the Choreography trophy.
Colin Mitchell was awarded as the Most Outstanding Director, Set Designer and Costume Designer.
The Kit Kat Girls and Boys won the Most Outstanding Ensemble award and Ewan Cole received the GAT trophy for the Most Outstanding Lighting Design.

Leongatha Lyric Theatre’s Jekyll and Hyde also scored well with awards going to Andrea Carcassi in the dual role of Jekyll / Hyde, Christine Skicko as Nellie for the Most Outstanding Cameo Performance, Sharon Cheesman, Maria Arestia and Jane Trease in the Hair and Make-Up category and to Mercia Eva for the Most Outstanding Programme.
In addition Leongatha Lyric Theatre earned the Technical Achievement Award for its staging of Jekyll and Hyde.
A full list of nominees and award winners follows.

Gippsland Associated Theatre Entries 2011
MUSICALS
Latrobe Theatre Company ~ The Sound of Music
Leongatha Lyric Theatre ~ Jekyll & Hyde
Production Line Theatre, Bairnsdale ~ Fiddler on the Roof
Warragul Theatre Company ~ Guys and Dolls
Wonthaggi Theatrical Group ~ Cabaret

DRAMA / COMEDY
Break A Leg Theatre ~ ‘night, Mother
Break A Leg Theatre ~ The Servant of Two Masters
FAMDA ~ Heroes
Latrobe Theatre Company ~ Blithe Spirit
Maffra Dramatic Society ~ It’s My Party (and I’ll die if I want to)
Production Line Theatre, Bairnsdale ~ The Dixie Swim Club
Wonthaggi Theatrical Group ~ Minefields and Miniskirts
.

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS 2011

 MUSICAL THEATRE

MOST OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR – Male
* Andrea Carcassi, Jekyll / Hyde – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Michael Donohue, Cliff Bradshaw – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Will Hanley, Emcee – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
John Watson, Herr Schultz – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

MOST OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR – Female
* Brittany Lewis, Sally Bowles – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Siobhan Barry, Sarah Brown – Guys & Dolls – Warragul Theatre Company
Rebecca Bickerton, Miss Adelaide – Guys & Dolls – Warragul Theatre Company
Brodie Dorling, Lucy Harris – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Brodie Dorling, Maria – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ACTOR – Male
* Lawrie Fildes, Max Dettweiller – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
John Black, Sir Danvers Carew – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Josh Gardiner, Bobby – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Charles Gruen, Ernst Ludwig – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Callum McKay, Benny Southstreet Guys & Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Nathan McLean, Nicely Nicely Johnson – Guys & Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ACTOR – Female
* Mary Mirtschin, Mother Abbess – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Elizabeth Barry, Emma Carew – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Ashley Hansen, Liesl – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Elly Poletti, Fraulein Kost – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

MOST OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTOR
* Carmel Slater – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Cheryl Connor & Colin Chandler – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Jeremy Richards – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
David Williams – Guys & Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
John Schmidli – Fiddler on the Roof, Production Line Theatre

 MOST OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER
* Bron Kalos – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Monique Goss – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Kate Taylor & Kirk Millan – Guys & Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Penny-Lee Tomkins – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company

 MOST OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR
* Colin Mitchell – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Michelle Carrigy – Guys & Dolls, WTC
Nathan Eva – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Christine Skicko – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company

 MOST OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION
* Cabaret – Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Guys & Dolls – Warragul Theatre Company
Jekyll & Hyde – Leongatha Lyric Theatre
The Sound of Music – Latrobe Theatre Company

DRAMA/COMEDY

MOST OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR – Male
* Bruce Grainger, Henri – Heroes, FAMDA
John Bridgeman, Ron Patterson – It’s My Party & I’ll Die If I Want To, Maffra Dramatic Society
Max Hastings, Philippe – Heroes, FAMDA
Murray Maclean, Gustave – Heroes, FAMDA
Scott Miller, Charles Condomine – Blithe Spirit, Latrobe Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR – Female
* Michelle Linahan, Madame Arcarti – Blithe Spirit, Latrobe Theatre Company
Beck Gardiner, Debbie Patterson – It’s My Party & I’ll Die If I Want To, Maffra Dramatic Society
Marg Geraghty, Thelma – ‘night, Mother, Break A Leg Theatre
Christine Skicko, Ruth Condomine – Blithe Spirit, Latrobe Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ACTOR – Male
* Brian Teese, Michael Patterson – It’s My Party (and I’ll die if I want to),  Maffra Dramatic Society
Ryan Smith, Ted Wilkins – It’s My Party & I’ll Die If I Want To – Maffra Dramatic Society

MOST OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ACTOR – Female
* Jill McCubbin, Jessie – ‘night, Mother, Break A Leg Theatre
Kelly Foster, Eve – Minefields & Miniskirts, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Karen Jansen, Sheree Hollinger – The Dixie Swim Club, Production Line Theatre
Ann Roffe, Dawn Patterson – It’s My Party & I’ll Die If I Want To, Maffra Dramatic Society
Tiffany Vatcher, Lexi Richards – The Dixie Swim Club, Production Line Theatre
Michelle Dal Masetto, Ruth – Minefields & Miniskirts, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

MOST OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR
* Andrew Oldroyd – Heroes, FAMDA
John Bridgeman – It’s My Party & I’ll Die if I Want To, Maffra Dramatic Society
Sophie Cuttriss – Minefields & Miniskirts, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Dan Clancey – ‘night, Mother, Break A Leg Theatre

MOST OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION
* Minefields & Miniskirts – Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
It’s My Party & I’ll Die If I Want To – Maffra Dramatic Society
Heroes – FAMDA
‘night, Mother – Break A Leg Theatre

GIPPSLAND THEATRE

MOST OUTSTANDING YOUTH PERFORMANCE
* Melody Paulet, Gretl – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Lauren Burns, Louisa – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Ethan Detering, Kurt – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Thomas Headon, Kurt – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING CAMEO PERFORMANCE
* Christine Skicko, Nellie – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Leanne Horn, Anna – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Emmi Latham, Grace – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Scott Millar, Spider – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre

MOST OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE
* Kit Kat Girls & Boys – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Jekyll & Hyde Ensemble – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
The Sound of Music Ensemble – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN
* Colin Mitchell – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Colin Mitchell – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
John Cuttriss – Minefields & Miniskirts, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Geoff Davey – Heroes, FAMDA
Simon Hemming – Blithe Spirit, Latrobe Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
* Colin Mitchell – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Libby & David Panther – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Judy Degnan – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Naomi MacLean – Guys & Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Christine Skicko – Blithe Spirit, Latrobe Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING MAKEUP AND HAIR DESIGN
* Sharon Cheesman / Maria Arestia / Jane Trease – Jekyll & Hyde,
Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Mardie Parsons & Kylie Sinclair – Guys & Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Darren George Talbot & Jessica McCurdy – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Sue Thompson – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN
* Ewan Cole – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Ewan Cole & John Cuttriss – Minefields & Miniskirts, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Jimmi Jones-Ellis – Guys & Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Matt Saario – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Russell Stewart – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
* Jekyll & Hyde – Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Cabaret – Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Guys & Dolls – Warragul Theatre Company

MOST OUTSTANDING PROGRAM
* Mercia Eva – Jekyll & Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Jodie Dalton/Quirky Graphics – Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
PropaGANDA Workshop – Guys & Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Wayne Musgrove – The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Jennifer Paragreen – Heroes, FAMDA

ALBY FISHER MEMORIAL AWARD FOR CREATIVE DESIGN
* FAMDA - The beautiful moving dog used in Heroes
.. The work of Bruce Crowl, Max Hastings and Brendan Ryan

Murray Maclean (Gustave), the Dog, Max Hastings (Philippe) and Bruce Grainger (Henri) on stage in 'Heroes'.

JUDGES’ AWARDS

Jill Allen
Tina Lund for her great work as the dialect coach for Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company’s The Dixie Swim Club

Beverly Campbell
Break A Leg Theatre for the clever use of space in ‘night, Mother, giving the illusion of a three roomed set

Mandy Clancey
Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company for their process of ‘ageing’ the characters between the scenes and their effective portrayal of time changes in their production of The Dixie Swim Club

Lawrie Fildes
Larry Hills for his wonderful Musical Direction in Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s production of Minefields and Miniskirts

Peter Larsen
Wonthaggi Theatrical Group for the tasteful and informative Front of House Display which really placed their production of Minefields and Miniskirts in its correct historical context

Andrew Oldroyd
Wonthaggi Theatrical Group for their wonderful “Cabaret” sign used in their production of the same name

Ann Roffe
Scott Hogan for his fabulous drumming in Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s production of Cabaret

Noel Stringer
Jennifer Paragreen for her extremely well set and informative program used in FAMDA’s production of Heroes

Julie Ward
Gavin Prior for being able to continue Maffra Dramatic Society’s success with It’s My Party & I’ll Die If I Want To by taking on the pivotal role of the undertaker with only a few hours’ notice

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The Victorian Drama League awards were announced at Merrimu Receptions in Murrumbeena on Sunday 4 December 2011 with twenty eight companies vying for the judges’ attention.

FAMDA was thrilled to receive six nominations for its June production of Heroes.

Nominations went to
……. Geoff Davey for Set Design
……. Rob Ellis for Sound Design
……. Andrew Oldroyd x 2 for Lighting Design and also as Director of a Comedy
……. Bruce Grainger was nominated as a lead male performer in a Comedy
……  FAMDA’s Heroes was one of five comedies nominated as Best Comedy

Jennifer Paragreen, Dianne Paragreen and Norman Willoughby with FAMDA's VDL nomination certificates for 'Heroes'.

MOaRTZ Theatre from Moe also earned two nominations.
. ….. Best actress in a comedy
.. …. Sharon King as Myra Marlowe/Sis Sadie in A Bad Year For Tomatoes by John Patrick
.. …. Best supporting actress in a comedy
…. .. Janie-Lee Zwagerman as Reba Harper in A Bad Year For Tomatoes by John Patrick

The award for Best Comedy went to Beaumaris Theatre Company for its staging of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre won the Best Drama trophy for its production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman.

Plays nominated in the best production categories were:

BEST PRODUCTION – COMEDY
‘Allo! ‘Allo! by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft – Werribee Theatre Company
Cosi by Louis Nowra – Gemco Players Community Theatre
Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras - FAMDA
The History Boys by Alan Bennett – Heidelberg Theatre Company
* The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde – Beaumaris Theatre Company

BEST PRODUCTION – DRAMA
* Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller – Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company
Life After George  by Hannie Rayson – Encore Theatre
Speaking in Tongues by Andrew Bovell - Dandenong Theatre Company
The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin - Malvern Theatre Company

A full list of Victorian Drama League nominations and winners can be found at www.theatrecraft.org.au

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The Music Theatre Guild of Victoria’s  Bruce Awards were presented at Frankston Arts Centre on Saturday 10 December.

Congratulations to Wonthaggi Theatrical Group – winner of the Best Musical brick for Cabaret, in a tie with The Boy from Oz staged by leading note theatre from Ballarat.

Other awards won by Wonthaggi’s Cabaret
Colin Mitchell – Direction
Colin Mitchell – Costumes
Elly Poletti as Fräulein Kost - Female Performer in a Supporting Role
Britt Lewis as Sally Bowles - Junior Performer in an Open Production
Elly Poletti as Fräulein Kost - Gladys Moncrieff Award for First Performance in a Featured Role

In a year when the awards were shared across quite a few companies, the large number of tied awards was indicative of the high standard and competitive nature of the entries.
There was even a triple dead heat for Junior Male Performer in a Leading Role between
…… Daniel Carison, Henry Higgins, My Fair Lady, M2 Theatre Company
…… Adrian Callegari, Leo Frank, Parade, St Michael’s Grammar School
…… Matthew Douglas, Ko Ko, The Mikado, Scotch College & Presbyterian Ladies’ College

Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s Cabaret and new Ballarat company, leading note theatre’s The Boy From Oz were involved in a tie for both Best Production and also for Direction (Colin Mitchell and Stephen O’Neil).

In the Junior Performer in an Open Production category Britt Lewis as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group tied with Georgia Wilkinson as Maria in West Side Story for Babirra Music Theatre.

Nearly every company nominated in the Production of the Year category received at least one award.
Kiss of the Spiderwoman, SHooSH! Productions

Avenue Q, Altona City Theatre
Design Award – Kristen Mitchelmore, Puppets

Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Production of the Year (Tied)
Direction (Tied) – Colin Mitchell
Wardrobe – Colin Mitchell
Female Performer in a Supporting Role – Elly Poletti, Fräulein Kost
Junior Performer in an Open Production (Tied) – Britt Lewis, Sally Bowles
Gladys Moncrieff Award for First Performance in a Featured Role – Elly Poletti, Fräulein Kost

West Side Story, Babirra Music Theatre
Musical Direction – Ben Hudson
Choreography – Leigh Barker / Ashley Tynan
Junior Performer in an Open Production (Tied) – Georgia Wilkinson, Maria
Dancer’s Award – Robbie Carmelotti, Bernardo

The Boy from Oz, leading note theatre
Production of the Year (Tied)
Direction (Tied) – Stephen O’Neil
Male Performer in a Leading Role – Andrew Ronay-Jenkings, Peter Allen

Floyd Collins, Octave Theatre

Aspects of Love, CLOC Musical Theatre
Settings – Brendan Staples
Technical Achievement

Chicago, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company
Lighting – Jason Bovaird
Female Performer in a Leading Role – Katie Weston, Roxie Hart
Male Performer in a Supporting Role – Angelo De Cata, Billy Flynn

Two awards went to companies not nominated in the Production of the Year category
Cameo Performance
Lachy Joyce, YMCA receptionist and others, Sweet Charity, Footlight Productions

Ensemble Performance
The cast, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Beaumaris Theatre

The Junior Production of the Year trophy was awarded to The Mikado staged by Scotch College in conjunction with Presbyterian Ladies’ College

*  *  *

Congratulations to the many Gippsland performers earning nominations or commendations.

MTGV NOMINATIONS

PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR
Kiss of the Spiderwoman, SHooSH! Productions
Avenue Q, Altona City Theatre
* * * Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group = Winner
West Side Story, Babirra Music Theatre
* * * The Boy from Oz, leading note theatre = Winner
Floyd Collins, Octave Theatre
Aspects of Love, CLOC Musical Theatre
Chicago, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company

MTGV GIPPSLAND NOMINATIONS

PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR
* * * Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group – WINNER

DIRECTION
* * * Colin Mitchell, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group = WINNER

MUSICAL DIRECTION
Carmel Slater, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

CHOREOGRAPHY
Bron Kalos, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

SETTINGS
Colin Mitchell, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Colin Mitchell, Jekyll and Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre

WARDROBE
* * * Colin Mitchell, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group – WINNER
Libby and David Panther, Jekyll and Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre

TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

MALE PERFORMER IN A LEADING ROLE
Will Hanley, Emcee, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

FEMALE PERFORMER IN A LEADING ROLE
Britt Lewis, Sally Bowles, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

MALE PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
John Watson, Herr Schultz, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

FEMALE PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
* * * Elly Poletti, Fräulein Kost, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group – WINNER

JUNIOR PERFORMER IN AN OPEN PRODUCTION
Callum Mackay, Rolf, The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
* * * Britt Lewis, Sally Bowles, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group = WINNER
Siobhan Barry, Sarah Brown, Guys and Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company

GLADYS MONCRIEFF AWARD FOR FIRST PERFORMANCE IN A FEATURED ROLE
* * * Elly Poletti, Fräulein Kost, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group – WINNER
Elizabeth Barry, Emma Carew, Jekyll and Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Josiah Brooks, Sky Masterson, Guys and Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Nathan McLean, Nicely Nicely, Guys and Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company

DANCER’S AWARD
Anthony DiDonato, Guys and Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Will Hanley, Emcee, Cabaret, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE
The prisoners, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, SHooSH! Productions (includes Will Hanley)
The Salzburg children, The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company

MTGV COMMENDATIONS

PRODUCTIONS
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Beaumaris Theatre
Spring Awakening, BLOC Music Theatre
Curtains, UMMTA (University of Melbourne Music Theatre Association)
The Sound of Music, BLOC Music Theatre
Jekyll and Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Nine, Four-Letter-Word Theatre

MTGV GIPPSLAND COMMENDATIONS

PRODUCTIONS
Jekyll and Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre

DIRECTION
Christine Skicko, The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Michelle Carrigy, Guys and Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Nathan Eva, Jekyll and Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre

MALE PERFORMER IN A LEADING ROLE
Bernard Detering, Captain von Trapp, The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Tristan Vanyai, Nathan Detroit, Guys and Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Josiah Brooks, Sky Masterson, Guys and Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Andrea Carcassi, Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, Jekyll and Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre

FEMALE PERFORMER IN A LEADING ROLE
Brodie Dorling, Maria, The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Siobhan Barry, Sarah Brown, Guys and Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Rebecca Bickerton, Miss Adelaide, Guys and Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company
Brodie Dorling, Lucy Harris, Jekyll and Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre

MALE PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Lawrie Fildes, Max Detweiller, The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Callum Mackay, Rolf, The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Nathan McLean, Nicely Nicely, Guys and Dolls, Warragul Theatre Company

FEMALE PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Samantha Grumley, Liesl, The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company
Elizabeth Barry, Emma Carew, Jekyll and Hyde, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Tamika Ball, Jenny Dillingham, Aspects of Love, Cardinia Performing Arts Company

JUNIOR PERFORMER IN AN OPEN PRODUCTION
Samantha Grumley, Liesl, The Sound of Music, Latrobe Theatre Company

There were 72 Open Section productions in 2011.

For complete lists of all winners, nominations and commendations in both the open and youth sections, visit www.musictheatreguildvic.org

*  *  *  *  *  *

This festival, called SING SOUTH GIPPSLAND, included workshops by the fabulous Australian choral composer, conductor and educator, Stephen Leek, at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre.

An energetic and enthusiastic Stephen Leek proved to be also an encouraging and entertaining inspiration to one hundred and seventeen choristers involved through two choral workshops as part of the Sing South Gippsland!

On Saturday evening each of the six choirs participating in the festival entertained each other and their audience with songs they had been rehearsing in preparation for the event.

Foster’s Prom Coast Singers under musical director, Paddy Broberg, presented songs composed by Stephen Leek and some traditional melodies arranged by John Rutter.

The Vivace Singers, directed by Ross Fairhurst from Phillip Island, presented a diverse mix of songs which included ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’, ‘Lean on Me’ and Redgum’s ‘Poor Ned’.

Warragul choir, the West Gippsland Singers directed by Jan Maclean, presented two religious pieces and a suite of songs by George Gershwin.

A second Foster choir, Bec’s Bonny Boners led by Rebecca Bone, performed a variety of songs which ranged from African melodies to ‘Dancing with Daisies’, a song which Rebecca had composed for her daughter.

The formal concert ended with Larry Hills conducting the combined forces of the Bass Coast Chorale and the South Gippsland Singers in performances of extracts from two of his major works, ‘Starscapes and Visions’ and ‘The Miners’ Requiem’, plus popular songs including Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Send in the Clowns’.

A second singing workshop was held on Sunday morning after which the singers enjoyed a light lunch and then the general public was invited in to Stephen Leek conduct a master class working with individual choirs using some of the music which had been presented on the previous evening and reiterating many of the principles discussed during the workshops.

Stephen worked with the Prom Coast Singers on two of his own songs, ‘Monkey and Turtle’ and ‘Trade Winds’.

With the Vivace Singers the master class piece was ‘Cockles and Mussels’ and Stephen worked on Sting’s ‘Fields of Gold’ with the combined choir of the Bass Coast Chorale and the South Gippsland Singers.

Sing South Gippsland! also involved a sit down dinner for one hundred and twenty singers and their partners plus plenty of opportunity for singers from different choirs to get to know each other better.

Stephen provided an inspirational weekend of singing and the opportunity Gippsland choristers to meet and socialise. Foster turned on ideal weather and the whole event was thoroughly enjoyable for both the singers and their audience.

 .

SING SOUTH GIPPSLAND! FESTIVAL -  PARTICIPATING SINGERS

Bass Coast Chorale & South Gippsland Singers ~ Conducted by Larry Hills, accompanied by Barbara Kershaw

Margaret Atkins, Yvonne Bain, Annie Bain, Pauline Beedle, Genevieve Brayley, Peter Brooks, Joyce Brown, Neville Chapman,  Gaye Cleeland, Alan Forbes, Claire Gatto, Sebastian Gatto, Joan Harris, Larry Hills, Clive Hollins, Judy Jennison, Jan Kershaw, Wayne Moloney, Tony Morris, Janine Morris, Mary Nadler, Geraldine Price, Sarah Spencer-Smith, Julie Thomas, Sandra Thorley, Carol Thorn, Nola Thorpe, Marty Waters, Nicky Waters, Lorna White, Ronald Wilmann, Kathleen Wilmann, Fred Zwygart, Lynoree Drury, Carol Hurst, Maree Ludenia, Peter McAlpine, Elaine Taylor, Lew Wilson.

Bec’s Bonny Boners ~ Conducted by Rebecca Bone

Yvonne Austin, Taliya Barker, Rebecca Bone, Marcella Brennan, Jenny Cocksedge, Maureen Collins, Jack Croft, Kate Facey, Tracy Fraser, Deborah Harris,  Linda McMullan, Alicia Miller, Joanne Moloney, Lyana Ryan.

,

Prom Coast Singers ~ Conducted by Paddy Broberg

Fran Allott, Tania Bird, Arie Bos, Paddy Broberg, Ruth Carson, Neil Chandler, Edwin Coad, Pamela Coad, Geoff Davey, Jenny Davies, Frank Deane,   Patricia Doran, Barbara Fleming, Lorraine Froiland, Larry Giddy, Brian Hoskins, Andrew Jamieson, Lyn Jamieson, Peter McAlpine, Phil Nightingall, Dianne Paragreen, Jennifer Paragreen, Pamela Park, Barbara Partridge, Anne Roussac-Hoyne, Dick Straw, Bronwyn Wakely, Fleur Wheeler, Shirley Wilson, Kate Woodward, Marilynne Zanella.

Vivace Singers ~ Conducted by Ross Fairhurst

Jan Bates, Rob Bates, Mike Cleeland, Barbara Fairhurst, Ross Fairhurst, John Stott, Ash Stuchbery, Hilary Stuchbery, Anna Van Caem, Lois Wenham.

West Gippsland Chorale ~ conducted by Jan Maclean, accompanied by Simon Loveless

Margaret Carlile, Marion Cohen, Janice Eshuis, Judy Hopkins, Susan Lester, Geoff Leunig, Simon Loveless, Jan Maclean, Elizabeth McCaffery, John McCaffery, Elizabeth Medling, Peter Medling, Brooke Mollison, Joshua Mollison, Tamara Mollison, Des Parker, Joy Parker, Venetia Somerset, David Tanner, Dianne Wilkie, Alan Woollard, Alan Wright, Christine Wright.

Individual Singers
Rosemary Bird-Carroll, Ronnie Carroll, Jennie Deane, Sheila Hill, Michael Strong, Mark Wakely.

Larry Hills, director of Bass Coast Chorale and South Gippsland Singers, Stephen Leek, Paddy Broberg, Prom Coast Singers' director and Michael Strong, master of ceremonies for Sing South Gippsland!

.Bass Coast Chorale and South Gippsland Singers in performance

Paddy Broberg, director of the Prom Coast Singers,
with Ross Fairhurst, Vivace Singers’ director, and Stephen Leek

 STEPHEN LEEK’S IMPRESSIONS OF SING SOUTH GIPPSLAND! CHORAL FESTIVAL
Now for some really positive news ….. South Gippsland in Eastern Victoria is one of those unspoiled magical destinations where the ocean melts into the lush rolling hills. The olive groves and vineyards co-habit the green fields easily with dairy cows and horses. Many of the locals, whose grand designed houses dot the landscape, have escaped the big smoke of the city for a much more relaxed and creative lifestyle. The sense of community in the numerous small towns is palpable.

So, this was where I spent one of my recent weekends….with five local choirs in the land of “The Prom” (Wilson’s Promontory). Sing South Gippsland was a wonderful event staged by Paddy Broberg and a most energetic and enthusiastic team from the Prom Coast Singers. For two days the choirs from the region shared with me in workshops, concerts, meals and socialising. What a pleasure it was to have the opportunity to work with five great and very different choirs of such enthusiasm, all eager to discover more about their choral art.

This event marked Paddy’s retirement from working with the Prom Coast Singers after many, many years of wonderful work. I know we all wish Paddy the very best for the future. I must send very big thank you to Andrew and Lyn for your wonderful hospitality on your beautiful property. Thank you also to all the participants for your generous and warm friendship, and of course, your enthusiastic choral singing. I hope I can return again someday soon.

 SING SOUTH GIPPSLAND!  CHORAL FESTIVAL PROGRAM

……… SATURDAY 17^th September

12:00… …  Lunch for Stephen Leek and choral directors

1:30pm  … Participant registration commences

2:30pm …. Choral Workshop with Stephen Leek

4:00pm …  Afternoon tea …. …. Afternoon tea

4:30pm . . Sound check and rehearsals in situ for choirs individually

6:30pm … Festival Dinner

8:00pm … Festival Concert – performances by participating choirs
………………… fiinishing with commentary by  Stephen Leek

……… SUNDAY 18^th September

10:30am ..  Second Choral Workshop with Stephen Leek

1:00pm ….. Festival Lunch

2:30pm ….. Master Class – Choral Showcase Performance

STEPHEN LEEK

Stephen Leek is an internationally recognised composer, conductor and educator on choral music and the vice president of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM).

His distinctive music is immediately recognizable, capturing the enigmas, drama, rhythms, colours and ethos of Australia. He has been accredited with having made a significant impact on and a major contribution to the development of Australian choral composition and performance and how that has been promoted and discussed throughout the world over the past 25 years.

Born in Sydney in 1959, Stephen Leek is an extensively commissioned freelance composer, freelance conductor, educator and publisher. Teaching sessional Composition and Improvisation at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University until 2009 Leek, resigned from this position in order to develop further his already hectic free-lance schedule of commissions, workshops and guest appearances and to take up a non-remunerative position on the Board of the International Federation of Choral Music – a project of UNESCO.

Stephen has become a pioneer in developing composer residencies.  His involvement with numerous choral and music groups at every level of accomplishment has had vital influence on recent Australian music.

Having worked extensively at all levels of Australian and international music-making, Leek has devoted much of his time to generating workshops and repertoire that stimulates, excites and challenges the very youngest performers to seasoned professionals, putting performance practices and skills in place to enable all ages and skills levels to interpret, understand and appreciate the unique qualities of his music and other Australian composers.

For further information on his musical activities and achievements visit www.stephenleek.com

Keynote presenter ~ Stephen Leek

Master of Ceremonies ~ Michael Strong

Workshop pianist ~ Barbara Fleming

Front of House Manager ~ Nan Mackay
Assistant ~ Jo MacKenzie

Catering Manager ~ Catherine McGlead

FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

Chairman: Andrew Jamieson
Paddy Broberg,  Edwin Coad,  Pamela Coad,  Lyn Jamieson,  Nan Mackay,  Dianne Paragreen,  Jennifer Paragreen,  Jon Wathen,  Ros Wathen

Special thanks t0

 Arie Bos,  Barbara Partridge,  Edwin Coad,  Fleur Wheeler,  Main Street Revelations,
Cr. Mohya Davies,  Paragreen Real Estate,  Robert Paragreen,
South Gippsland Secondary College, South Gippsland Shire Council, Cr. Warren Raabe,
Yanakie Hall Ladies and our front of house volunteers.

Photos by Robert Paragreen (R. A. Pargreen Photography 03 5682 2421)

Max joined FAMDA in 1984 as Gremio in Kiss Me Kate. Since then he has performed with FAMDA in plays like High Infidelity, Top Silk, A Month of Sundays, Shadowlands, Blue Remembered Hills and, most recently, Heroes.

He had major roles in musicals, playing Jud in Oklahoma!, Angel Chicago in Follow the Star, Pseudolus  in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Motel in Fiddler on the Roof, Harold Hill in The Music Man and Mr Sowerberry in Oliver!.

Directing credits include The Golden Legion of Cleaning Women, The Bespoke Overcoat, Educating Rita, Shadowlands and Blue Remembered Hills plus the joint FAMDA / Leongatha Lyric production of Guys and Dolls.

Max also worked with other Gippsland theatre companies, performing in Wind in the Willows and playing Georg Von Trapp in The Sound of Music  for Leongatha Lyric Theatre and starring as Thénadier in Warragul’s 2000 version of Les Misérables.

An extremely talented performer, Max won Gippsland Associated Theatre awards as the most outstanding actor in a play for performances as C. S. Lewis in Shadowlands, Cooper in A Month of Sundays and The Actor in The Woman in Black, and  best supporting actor awards in a musical as Motel in Fiddler on the Roof’ and in a play as Donald in Blue Remembered Hills.

Max also earned Gippsland Theatre awards for his direction of The Bespoke Overcoat, Educating Rita, Guys and Dolls and Blue Remembered Hills.

He was nominated by the Victorian Drama League as best actor in a leading role for his performance in The Woman in Black and by the Music Theatre Guild of Victorian as best supporting actor for his role as Mr. Sowerberry in Oliver!.

Max has left an indelible mark on FAMDA and Gippsland theatre. He will be sadly missed as a friend and theatrical mentor.

Sincere sympathy to Judy, Joanne, Dom & Ruby and Chris & Maddy.

Memorial Service for Max Hastings

2pm on Saturday 5 November 2011
at Foster War Memorial Arts Centre,
the scene of many of Max’s theatrical activities

Bruce Grainger, Max Hastings and Murray Maclean, as Henri, Philippe and Gustave, in FAMDA’s production of Heroes, staged 17 – 25 June 2011.

..

THE BRUCE CROWL AWARD
MOST OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION

2011: POP CULTURE THEATRE COMPANY ~ Seven Deadly Sins
……… by Simon Denver adapted by Michael Olsen

2010: HARTWELL PLAYERS ~ Fur Better or Worse by Colin Donald

2009: BEAUMARIS THEATRE  ~  An Englishman Abroad by Alan Bennett

2008: 1812 THEATRE ~ The Dock Brief  by John Mortimer

2007: THE GREEN ROOM PLAYERS ~  Five Candles for Danny by Eve Old

2006: TWILIGHT THEATRE FACTORY, Morwell ~  Double Tap by Michael Olsen

2005: ADELPHI PLAYERS ~ The Pigeon by Peter Finnane

2004: ADELPHI PLAYERS ~ The Signalman by Charles Dickins adapted by Wilkie Collins

2003: ADELPHI PLAYERS ~ Ritual for Dolls by George MacEwan Green

2002: LEONGATHA LYRIC THEATRE ~ A Kind of Justice by Margaret Wood

2001: FAMDA ~ Altered  Egos by John Burls
.

RESULTS – FOSTER  FESTIVAL OF ONE-ACT PLAYS

Eleventh One Act Play Festival – 2011
Adjudicator – Malcolm Sussman

The Bruce Crowl Award ~ Most Outstanding Production
POP CULTURE THEATRE – Seven Deadly Sins
by Simon Denver adapted by Michael Olsen

Runner-Up Most Outstanding Production
NUWORKS THEATRE - Fawk by David Dunn

Most Outstanding Director
DAVID DUNN – Fawk ~ Nuworks Theatre

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
DANN BARBER, Iago – Fawk ~ Nuworks Theatre

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
DEBORAH McKELVEY, Vonnie – Mrs Thally F ~ Hartwell Players

Most Outstanding Support Actor
STUART BRUCE, Mouse – Fawk ~ Nuworks Theatre

Most Outstanding Design
NUWORKS THEATRE – Fawk

Most Outstanding Youth Production
LEONGATHA LYRIC THEATRE – A Dog’s Life by Pam Valentine

Most Outstanding Youth Performance
NUWORKS THEATRE – MEG DUNN & ANDREW LOPES ~ Fawk

Adjudicator’s Choice Award
LATROBE THEATRE COMPANY – The cast of The Singing Princess
written and directed by Aron Toman

Victorian Drama League Encouragement Award
HARTWELL PLAYERS - Rachel Cox & Dominic Lee Watt,
the young dancers in Mrs Thally F
.

Tenth One Act Play Festival – 2010
Adjudicator – Gaye Gay

Most Outstanding Production
HARTWELL PLAYERS - Fur Better or Worse by Colin Donald

Runner-Up Most Outstanding Production
FRANKSTON THEATRE GROUP - A Dog’ s Life by Pam Valentine

Most Outstanding Director
LAURA BRADLEY – Fur Better or Worse ~ Hartwell Players

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
JAMES SHAW, Felix – Fur Better or Worse ~ Hartwell Players

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
GENYA MIK, Daphne – Waiting for Doggett ~ Pop Culture Theatre

Most Outstanding Youth Performance
SHELBY FISHER, Miss Quackenbush – Laffin School ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

Victorian Drama League Encouragement Award
MICHAEL DIXON, Oliver – The Droitwich Discovery ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre

Adjudicator’s Choice Award
IVAN KOETSVELD, Terry Shakespeare – The Droitwich Discovery ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre

Most Outstanding Design
LEONGATHA LYRIC THEATRE ~ Props in The Droitwich Discovery
.

Ninth One Act Play Festival – 2009
Adjudicator – Gaye Gay

Most Outstanding Play
BEAUMARIS THEATRE COMPANY – An Englishman Abroad by Alan Bennett

Most Outstanding Director
RITA CRISPIN – An Englishman Abroad ~ Beaumaris Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
ALDO KING, Mike – St. Francis Talks to the Birds ~ Warrandyte Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
CORAL BROWNE, Jenny Tudor – An Englishman Abroad ~ Beaumaris Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Youth Performance
Matthew O’Brien, Professor Piggins – Pigmalion ~ NUNGURNER PRIMARY SCHOOL

Victorian Drama League Encouragement Award
BRAD BOUCHER, Jerry Profit – Artistic Truth ~ Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

Adjudicator’s Choice Award
VICKI DOAK, Ginger – A Dog’s Life ~ Encore Theatre

Most Outstanding Design
WARRANDYTE THEATRE COMPANY (Lighting) ~ Borneo
.

Eighth One Act Play Festival – 2008
Adjudicator – Mary Eagger

Most Outstanding Play
1812 THEATRE – The Dock Brief  by John Mortimer

Most Outstanding Director
ARON TOMAN for Pheromone Frenzy by Chris Hodson staged by Leongatha Lyric Theatre

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
MAGGIE MOTTRAM – Susan in Roses Are Red, My Love by Pat Wood staged by The Mount Players

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
KEITH HUTTON – Morgenhall in The Dock Brief  by John Mortimer staged by 1812 Theatre

Adjudicator’s Awards
NIGEL LESLEY – Fowle in The Dock Brief  by John Mortimer staged by 1812 Theatre

PETER GILBERT as the Amateur Sleuth in A Little Box of Oblivion by Stephen Bean staged by Leongatha Lyric Theatre

Victorian Drama League – Encouragement Award
SERENA CARTER – the Child in To Dance by Kay Withoutanee staged by Production Line Theatre, Bairnsdale
.

Seventh One Act Play Festival – 2007
Adjudicator – Mary Eagger

Most Outstanding Play
THE GREEN ROOM PLAYERS ~ Five Candles for Danny by Eve Old

VDL Award for the Most Outstanding Junior Performer
LOUISE DOWER for her role as Teagan in FAMDA’s Open Call

Ray Dower Motors Award for Most Outstanding Male Actor
DAVID PANTHER for his role as Martin Michaelson in Leongatha Lyric’s Scuba Lessons

Foster Post Office Award for Most Outstanding Female Actor
JULIE WADE for her role as Vera Slatter in The Greenroom Players’ Five Candles for Danny

Warrawee Holiday Units Award for Most Outstanding Director
ALAN STONE for his direction of The Greenroom Players’ Five Candles for Danny

The Adjudicator’s Award [for non-specific excellence]
EDWIN COAD & PADDY BROBERG for their combined work as writer and musical composer on FAMDA’s Open Call
.

Sixth One Act Play Festival – 2006
Adjudicator – Wayne Brown

Most Outstanding Play
TWILIGHT THEATRE FACTORY, Morwell – Double Tap by Michael Olsen

Most Outstanding Director
BERNARD DETERING – Double Tap ~ Twilight Theatre Factory

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
GEOFF BOWN, Bill – Tuesdays are for Bill ~ Leapfrog Travelling Players, Bairnsdale

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
ERIN PENNEY, Crawford – Double Tap ~ Twilight Theatre Factory

Victorian Drama League Encouragement Award
ASHLEY THOMPSON, Mandy in Tuesdays are for Bill ~ Leapfrog Travelling Players

Adjudicator’s Choice Award
KRISSI THOMAS, Dolman – Double Tap ~ Twilight Theatre Factory
.

Fifth One Act Play Festival – 2005
Adjudicator – Wayne Brown

Most Outstanding Play
ADELPHI PLAYERS – The Pigeon by Peter Finnane

Most Outstanding Director
MICHAEL MACE – Director of all three of Adelphi Players’ entries, The Pigeon, Witzenhausen, Where Are You? and The Beckoning Boy

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
LAWRIE FILDES, Alan – Cracking the Whip ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
EILEEN NELSON, Miss Effie Delamare – The Beckoning Boy ~ Adelphi Players

Adjudicator’s Choice Award
JASON DAWES, Billy Sloane – The Pigeon ~ Adelphi Players
.

Fourth One Act Play Festival – 2004
Adjudicator – Richard Keown

Most Outstanding Play
ADELPHI PLAYERS ~ The Signalman by Charles Dickins adapted by Wilkie Collins

Most Outstanding Director
MICHAEL MACE – The Signalman ~ Adelphi Players

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
ANDREW LE CLERCQ, Signalman – The Signalman ~ Adelphi Players

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
JULIET HAYDAY, Agatha – The Conversion of the Anglo Saxons ~ Frankston Theatre Group

Adjudicator’s Choice Award
PRODUCTION LINE THEATRE – Last Tango in Poowong
.

Third One Act Play Festival – 2003
Adjudicator – Richard Keown

Most Outstanding Play
ADELPHI PLAYERS – Ritual for Dolls by George MacEwan Green

Most Outstanding Director
NORMAN SOUTHERBY – Ritual for Dolls ~ Adelphi Players

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
BRUCE LANGDON, Bravo – Ritual for Dolls ~ Adelphi Players

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
KATE AITKEN, McGarrity Morgan – McGarrity Morgan ~ FAMDA

Adjudicator’s Choice Award
ASHLEY RYAN NICHOLAS, Jo-Jo – Ritual for Dolls ~ Adelphi Players
.

Second One Act Play Festival – 2002
Adjudicator – Jasper Bagg

Most Outstanding Play
LEONGATHA LYRIC THEATRE – A Kind of Justice by Margaret Wood

Most Outstanding Director
BILLIE RUSSELL – Last Tango in Little Grimley ~ Peridot Theatre

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
DAVID BEATTIE, Gordon – Last Tango in Little Grimley ~ Peridot Theatre

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
REBECCA LONG, Laura – Light Lunch ~ Mount Players

New Talent with Most Potential
WAYNE DOWER, Director – A Kind of Justice ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre
.

First One Act Play Festival – 2001
Adjudicator – Jasper Bagg

ADULT  SECTION
Most Outstanding Play
FAMDA – Altered Egos by John Burls

Most Outstanding Director
MARY EAGGER - The Proposal ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
Norman Willoughby, Dillman Martini – Altered Egos ~ FAMDA

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
Michelle Linahan, Laura – Cracking the Whip ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

New Talent with Most Potential
Celia Donnellan, Letitia – Altered Egos ~ FAMDA

YOUTH SECTION
Most Outstanding Play
SOUTH GIPPSLAND SECONDARY COLLEGE – Dream Jobs by Graham Jones

Most Outstanding Actor – Male
Paul Dick, Pete - Stiffy ~ Yarram Secondary College

Most Outstanding Actor – Female
JESSICA KELLY, Fiona – Dream Jobs ~ South Gippsland Secondary College

 
Winners and Nominations 2011

The Bruce Crowl Award ~ Most Outstanding Production
* POP CULTURE THEATRE – Seven Deadly Sins by Simon Denver
….. adapted by Michael Olsen

Damian Clancy, Justin Mahood Duijkers, Sharon Duijkers Mahood, Alex Mavor Rauschl, Kaitlyn Russell, Imogen Martin, Madeline Hardie, Bruce Hardie, Jody Keilblock, Genya Mik, John Jennings with Alison Drury (Bendigo Bank).

.

Runner-Up Most Outstanding Production
* NUWORKS THEATRE - Fawk written & directed by David Dunn

.

Most Outstanding Director
* DAVID DUNN – Fawk ~ Nuworks Theatre
.. Edna Bartlett - Der Kriminalkommisar ~ Peridot Theatre
.. Denise Wellington -  It’s All in the Timing ~ Peridot Theatre
.. Michaela Smith - Mrs Thally F ~ Hartwell Players
.. John Jennings – Seven Deadly Sins ~ Pop Culture Theatre Company
.. Ann Marie O’Neill - Committed ~ Hartwell Players
.. Aron Toman - The Singing Princess ~ Latrobe Theatre Company
.

.
Most Outstanding Actor – Male
* DANN BARBER, Iago – Fawk ~ Nuworks Theatre
.. Tommy Clifas, George – Mirror Image ~ Lady Scorpio Productions
.. Sean Hand, Arnold Skinner – Clutterbuck ~ Pop Culture Theatre Company
.

.
Most Outstanding Actor – Female
* DEBORAH McKELVEY, Vonnie – Mrs Thally F ~ Hartwell Players
.. Bronwyn Cameron, Sally Saunders - It’s All in the Timing ~  Peridot Theatre
.. Janis Schneider, Jane McAdams - It’s All in the Timing ~  Peridot Theatre
.. Mary Walker, Princess Madeline - The Singing Princess ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Support Actor
* STUART BRUCE, Mouse – Fawk ~ Nuworks Theatre

.

Most Outstanding Design
* NUWORKS THEATRE – Fawk
.. Peridot Theatre – Der Kriminalkommisar
.. Latrobe Theatre Company – The Singing Princess

.

.
Most Outstanding Youth Production
* LEONGATHA LYRIC THEATRE – A Dog’s Life by Pam Valentine

.

Most Outstanding Youth Performance
* MEG DUNN & ANDREW LOPES, Hazel & Young Crow – Nuworks Theatre ~ Fawk
.. Amy Mitchell, Margaret Shelly – Art ~ J.A.F.A. Theatre
.. Michael Dixon, Fritz – A Dog’s Life ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre
.. Madeline Hardie, Julie Waghorn – Clutterbuck ~ Pop Culture Theatre Company

.

Adjudicator’s Choice Award
* LATROBE THEATRE COMPANY – The cast of The Singing Princess

.
Victorian Drama League Encouragement Award
* HARTWELL PLAYERS – Rachel Cox & Dominic Lee Watt, the young dancers in
….. Mrs Thally F

Michaela Smith and Alison Drury, Manager of Foster branch of Bendigo Bank, with Hartwell Players' prize cheques

Photos by R. A. Paragreen Photography – 03 5682 2421

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A gentle comedy translated from French and adapted by Tom Stoppard
from Le Vent des Peupliers [The Wind in the Poplars] by Gérald Sibleyras

8:00pm Friday 17, Saturday 18, Friday 24 & Saturday 25 June
Matinées 2:00pm Sunday 19 & Saturday 25 June 2011

Foster War Memorial Arts Centre

Gustave, the Dog, Philippe and Henri

THE CAST
Gustave ~ Murray Maclean
Henri ~ Bruce Grainger
Philippe ~ Max Hastings

THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Director ~ Andrew Oldroyd
Composer ~ Rob Ellis
Set Design ~ Geoff Davey
Lighting Design ~ Andrew Oldroyd
Sound Design ~ Rob Ellis
Costume Design ~ Bruce Grainger, Max Hastings, Murray Maclean
Production Manager ~ Tania Pell
Set Construction Manager ~ Bruce Crowl
Set Construction ~ Bruce Crowl, Bert Fabel
………….//……… Vince Bucello, Larry Giddy, Max Hastings, John Laurie
…………………….. Phil Nightingall, Bill Park, Jason Pell, Jenni Richards
…………………….. Don Roberts, Brendan Ryan
Scenic Painting ~ Geoff Davey
Stage Manager ~ Phil Nightingall / John Laurie
Lighting Operation ~ Andrew Oldroyd
Sound Operation ~ Rob Ellis
Hair & Make-Up ~ Tania Pell
Tiered Seating Installation ~ Glen Baldwin, Rhonda Bland, Anthony Bravington
…………///………. Bruce & Kate Crowl, Matthew Brown, Max Hastings, John Laurie
……………………… James McIntyre, Jason Pell
Front of House Manager ~ Dianne Paragreen
Publicity & Marketing ~ Jennifer Paragreen
Graphic Design ~ Geoff Davey
Photography ~ Robert Paragreen
Programme ~ Jennifer Paragreen
.

For production photos by Yianni Banikos see the bottom of this article.

‘Heroes’ staged by a multi-talented, much-awarded team

Director, Lighting Designer & Operator: Andrew Oldroyd
The winner of four consecutive Gippsland Associated Theatre awards for his lighting design with FAMDA’s Oedipus Rex, Stringlines, Into the Woods and Blue Remembered Hills, which also earned a Victorian Drama League award.

Bruce Grainger: Henri
Bruce first performed with FAMDA in The Cemetery Club. He has won Gippsland Theatre awards with FAMDA (Oedipus Rex) and Leongatha Lyric (A Little Hotel on the Side) and a Victorian Drama League Best Supporting Actor award for multiple roles in Oedipus Rex.
Before coming to live in South Gippsland Bruce performed with several of Melbourne’s best known theatre companies with major roles in  plays such as The Woman in Black with Mordialloc, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe with Ravens Players, Shadowlands at Lilydale, Skylight and Molly Sweeney for Heidelberg Theatre Company and Camberwell Theatre’s Equus.

Max Hastings: Philippe
Max has won Gippsland Theatre awards as the best actor in a play for performances as C. S. Lewis in Shadowlands, Cooper in A Month of Sundays and The Actor in The Woman in Black, and  best supporting actor awards in a musical as Motel in Fiddler on the Roof’ and in a play as Donald in Blue Remembered Hills.
As well as major roles in FAMDA plays and musicals like Oklahoma!, Follow the Star, High Infidelity, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Top Silk, Max has also performed with Leongatha Lyric in The Sound of Music and Wind in the Willows and with Warragul Theatre Company playing Thénardier in Les Misérables.
He was nominated by the Victorian Drama League as best actor in a leading role for his performance in The Woman in Black and by the Music Theatre Guild of Victorian as best supporting actor for his role as Mr Sowerberry in Oliver!.

Murray Maclean: Gustave
Murray’s active involvement with FAMDA dates from his 1982 performance of the title role in Don’s Party.  Other roles include Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Leopold Bloom in The Producers and Willie in Blue Remembered Hills.
With Leongatha Lyric acting credits include plays such as Dracula, Twelve Angry Men and Taking Steps and roles in the musicals like Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly, Rooster Hannigan in Annie and Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls.
He won the Gippsland Theatre best actor trophy as Roy in Cosi and his performance as Mr. Kleiman in Mack and Mabel earned a Victorian Music Theatre Guild nomination.
Direction credits include Lyric’s The Odd Couple and FAMDA’s Top Silk, Hotel Sorrento and The Cemetery Club for which he won a Gippsland Theatre Best Director award.

Set Designer & Scenic Painter: Geoff Davey
Geoff’s artistic design, creativity, meticulous research skills and attention to detail have impressed audiences with the sets for musicals like Follow the Star, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Fiddler on the Roof and the much praised Oliver! which earned a Victorian Music Theatre Guild Technical Achievement award.
Geoff has designed great sets for plays such as Barefoot in the Park, A Month of Sundays, Shirley Valentine and Bush Magic.  Set design awards include the Gippsland Theatre Award for Educating Rita and the Victorian Drama League Silver Award for Hotel Sorrento.
His realistic set for Stringlines, which included the construction of a building project onstage and a stunning evocation of Australian outback scenery, earned Geoff yet another Gippsland Theatre Most Outstanding Set trophy.

Set Construction Manager: Bruce Crowl
Bruce’s woodworking, organisational and problem solving skills have been lavished on many FAMDA sets including the GAT award winning sets for Round and Round the Garden, Educating Rita, Hotel Sorrento, Guys and Dolls and Stringlines.
He considers the Oliver! set to be his finest achievement – it won both the Gippsland Theatre Most Outstanding Set Award and the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Technical Achievement Award.

Composer, Musician & Sound Designer: Rob Ellis
Rob’s musical score and sound design for Hotel Sorrento earned awards from both the Victorian Drama League and Gippsland Associated Theatre, including the VDL Gold Award for Sound Design and A Month of Sundays which received the VDL Silver award. Rob was also the composer and musician for Shirley Valentine,  Shadowlands, which earned a VDL nomination, and The Cemetery Club.
His sound design for Oedipus Rex and the dinner music CD for Dinner at Hugo’s both earned accolades from the VDL and also Gippsland Associated Theatre.
Among other projects the one-act plays, Duchess on Thursday and Pavane are testament to Rob’s considerable talent. He created an evocative soundscape for Stringlines, composed incidental music for Twisted Tales from the Woods and the score for Bush Magic.

We greatly appreciate Yianni Banikos for supplying these fabulous photographs taken of the Heroes cast members.

ENTRIES 2011

(As scheduled in performance order)

YOUTH SECTION

Leongatha Lyric Theatre ~ A Dog’s Life
A comedy by Pam Valentine
Directed by Peter McAlpine

Fifi – Kate Ball  (16)
Ginger – Asha Casey  (12)
Ben – Alex Beyer  (17)
Fritz – Michael Dixon  (16)
The Warden – Sophie McHarg  (14)
The Visitor – Holly Monaghan  (15)

.

Hartwell Players ~ Running Battle
A comedy by Phil Freeman
Directed by Laura Bradley

Pat Dingle- Aynslie Watson  (Adult)
Mick Dingle – Marcus Ingleby  (Adult)
Paula Dingle - Grace Kiely  (19)
Bradley Dingle – Dominic Lee Watt  (15)
Fran Dingle – Pollyanna Redding  (12)
Davey / Shane – Gordon Bedlow  (15)
Vinny / Sophie – Rachel Cox  (17)
Jean - Laura Bradley  (Adult)
Kelly - April Muller  (14)
Jane / Ingrid – Kiera Macdonald  (15)
Paul - Alex O’Neill  (19)

.

OPEN SECTION

Peridot Theatre (Mt. Waverley) ~ Der Kriminalkommissar
A drama by Michael Maclean
Directed by Edna Bartlett

Erika Lindner, a surgeon – Penny Peck
Martin Lindner, her husband, a professor -  Chris Hodson
Kriminalkommisar Mueller – Neil Barnett
Inspector Beckmann – Brett Currie
Alexander Lindner – Harley Beechey  (9)

.

Hartwell Players ~ Mrs. Thally F
A drama by John Romeril
Directed by Michaela Smith

Vonnie – Deborah McKelvey
Mother -  Chloe Bedlow
Mrs Roach / Mrs Witchard - Tanya Jenkinson
Imaginary Vonnie – Rachel Cox  (17)
Dessie / Bluey – Dominic Lee Watt  (15)
Recorded Voice -  Jeff Saliba
Recorded Voice -  Jim Thompson

.

Peridot Theatre (Mt. Waverley) ~ It’s All in the Timing
A comedy by Alison Campbell Rate
Directed by Denise Wellington

Sally Sanders, an actress – Bronwyn Cameron
Jane McAdams, an actress -  Janis Schneider
Terry Love, the stage manager – Peter Kostopoulos
Phillip Strutter, the director – Aaron McDonald
Louise Strutter, his wife – Bec Gooley

.

Pop Culture Theatre Company (Cheltenham) ~ Clutterbuck
A dark comedy / drama by Bruce Foot
Directed by John Jennings

Julie Waghorn – Madeline Hardie
Arnold Skinner – Sean Hand

.

J.A.F.A. Theatre (Bairnsdale) ~ Art
A locally written drama by C. D. Colquhoun
Directed by Deborah Colquhoun

Cayed Ratthoun – Ash Cotter
Margaret Shelly – Amy Mitchell  (16)
Uncle Charlie / Prison Guard – John Florance

.

Leongatha Lyric Theatre ~ Close to Croydon
A slice of life by Gillian Plowman
Directed by David Tattersall

Hugo Morgan, PR Consultant – Geoff Robson
Martha Morgan, Museum Education Officer – Jo Street
George Townsend – Mike Street
Anthea -  Sharon Cheesman

.

MOaRTZ Theatre (Moe) ~ Nellie’s Fishy Fate
A melodrama by G. S. Cudette
Directed by Michelle Linahan

Nellie – Krissi Creighton
Mrs. Vonderhoff – Kathy Ross
Winthrop Vonderhoff – Andrew Hood
Clara Maude Vonderhoff – Michelle Linahan
Benjamin Barrymore III -  Scott Miller
Elvira Hernandez – Bobbie Neil
Dr. Fairbanks -  John Lord
Harvey (The Copper) – Bernard Detering

Props – Linda Beamish

.

Cosmic Players (Trentham) ~ Aunt Ethel’s Death Notice
A comedy written and directed by Darren Brealey

Peter – Henrik Axelsson
Daphne – Rauri Barker
Brian -  Cameron Burnnard
Jannece – Ingrid Gang

Stage Manager -  Cat Lawton
Set Design -  Chris Sliwczynski

.

Pop Culture Theatre Company (Cheltenham) ~ Seven Deadly Sins
A comedy by Simon Denver adapted by Michael Olsen
Directed by John Jennings

Matron, One, Voice (Pride) – Genya Mik
Barbie, Natalie Lillicrap, Cynthia – Kaitlyn Russell
Doctor, Algy Pugg, Ken, Rock Steel, Roger - Damian Clancy
Matron’s Minion, Jealousy Imp, Two – Madeline Hardie  (12)
Jean-Luc – Bruce Hardie
Tammy, Sound Effects (Greed), Adjudicator – Imogen Martin
Susan, Betty Scott, Daphne – Jody Keilblock
Rupert Bear, Narrator, Toby – Alex Mavor Rauschl
Tiger-Lily, Gloria -  Sharon Duijkers Mahood
PC Growler, Voice (Lust), Caligula – Justin Mahood Duijkers
.
.
.

.

Lady Scorpio Productions (Essendon) ~ Mirror Image
A drama written and directed by Josie Parrelli

Annie – Kim Morrell
George – Tommy Clifas

.

Foster Amateur Music & Drama Association ~ An Unreal Reality
A drama written locally by Ruth Carson
Directed by Jan Bull

Viv – Dianne Paragreen
Gareth – Lloyd Morcom
Sam -  Sherri Rochforte  (19)
The Master -  Jon Wathen

Lighting & Special Effects – Andrew Oldroyd

.

Hartwell Players ~ Committed
A home-grown comedy by Alison Knight
Directed by Ann Marie O’Neill

Dave Endicott – Barry Baker
Frank Finnigan – Peter Fowler
Di Finnigan – Alicia Mew
Polly Thompson -  Claire Watt
Gwen Foster – Laura Bradley
Zoe Schmidt – Michaela Smith
Nick Bellingham – Marcus Ingleby
Secretary -  Sue Minshull
Heather Brown – Alison Knight

Thanks to Peter Bedlow for recorded organ music

.

Pop Culture Theatre Company (Cheltenham) ~ Onorata
A comedy / melodrama by Michael Olsen
Directed by John Jennings

Constanza -  Genya Mik
Isadora – Kaitlyn Russell
Barnardo -  Damian Clancy

.

Nuworks Theatre Company (Edithvale) ~ Fawk
A drama written and directed by David Dunn

Hazel – Meg Dunn  (13)
Teacher – Jeanette Dunn
Scarecrow -  Peter Noble
Iago – Dann Barber
Mouse -  Stuart Bruce
Young Crow – Andrew Lopes  (16)
Cat -  Callum Dale

Stage Manager -  Callum Dale / Janne Barber
Costume Designer -  Janne Barber

.

.

Latrobe Theatre Company ~ The Singing Princess
A comedy / musical written and directed by Aron Toman

Princess Madeline – Mary Walker
Vincent – Matt Arthur
The Curator – Katharine Linde
Lenny – Aron Toman

Stage Manager – Daniel Hansen (and team)
Stage Combat Choreography – Matt Arthur
Set, Costume & Sound Design – Aron Toman
Set Construction – Nicola Toman

.

Photos by R. A. Paragreen Photography – 03 5682 2421

.

*    *    *    *    *    *

 ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVALS CIRCUIT 2011

Friday 24 to Sunday 26 June 2011

CENTRAL COAST THEATREFEST Wyong NSW
Entire festival is devoted to unpublished plays
.

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 July 2011

THE MOUNT PLAYERS ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Macedon
.

Friday 22 to Sunday 24 July 2011

DANDENONG RANGES ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Gemco Players, Emerald
.

Saturday 31 July & Sunday 1 August 2011

ARARAT ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Ararat Performing Arts Centre, Barkly St.
.

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August 2011

BENDIGO BANK FOSTER ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
Hosted by FAMDA @ Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, South Gippsland
.

Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 August 2011

ROYAL SOUTH STREET ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Her Majesty’s Theatre – Ballarat
.

Saturday 27  & Sunday 28 August 2011

ANGLESEA 22nd ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Anglesea Hall, McMillan St., Anglesea
.

Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 September 2011

KYNETON’S 55th FESTIVAL OF ONE ACT PLAYS Bluestone Theatre, Hutton St.
.

Friday 23 to Sunday 25 September 2011

MONASH ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
Hosted by Peridot Theatre @ Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College
.

Friday 7 & Saturday 8 October 2011

DELORAINE FESTIVAL OF ONE ACT PLAYS Deloraine, Tasmania

For full details of the 2011 Victorian One Act Play circuit, entry conditions, closing dates etc. visit the Victorian Drama League, www.theatrecraft.org.au

Born in Sydney in 1959, Stephen Leek is an extensively commissioned freelance composer, freelance conductor, educator and publisher. Teaching sessional Composition and Improvisation at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University until 2009 Leek, resigned from this position in order to develop further his already hectic free-lance schedule of commissions, workshops and guest appearances and to take up a non-remunerative position on the Board of the International Federation of Choral Music – a project of UNESCO. A pioneer in developing composer residencies, Leek’s involvement with numerous choral and music groups at every level of accomplishment has had vital influence on recent Australian music.“

Luminary is not an exaggeration when applied to Stephen Leek. His music is published, performed and recorded in many countries of the world. His name is well-known among many thousands of people, not all of them seasoned musicians. He has influenced the lives of many hundreds of young Australians…. Only a relatively small percentage of Australia’s many composers might boast such a profile, yet books on Australian music – even the more recent ones – have ignored Leek’s work, or at best, passed it of in one of two sentences.”
Dr Helen Lancaster – Music Council of Australia

In Australia he has been Composer in Residence to numerous leading organisations such as the Sydney Children’s Choir / Gondwana Choirs, The St Peters Chorale, the National Music Camps Association of Australia (AYO), and the Eltham East Primary School Choir, that have defined new directions and pathways for Australian music. Leek has also be widely commissioned here and abroad with some of the most recent commissions including The Australian Voices (AUS), The Glen Ellen Children’s Choir (USA), The Adelaide Chorale (AUS), Eltham East Primary School Choir (AUS), SongBridge 2000 (Netherlands), Gondwana Choirs (AUS), the San Francisco Girls Chorus (USA), Taipei Male Choir (Taiwan), Sydney Male Choir (AUS)  World Sun Songs Project (Latvia) Singapore Chamber Choir (Singapore) to name but a few. Having worked extensively at all levels of Australian and international music-making, Leek has devoted much of his time to generating workshops and repertoire that stimulates, excites and challenges the very youngest performers to seasoned professionals, putting performance practises and skills in place to enable all ages and skills levels to interpret, understand and appreciate the unique qualities of his music and other Australian composers.

And now, Stephen Leek is coming to Foster!

The Prom Coast Singers will be hosting a choral festival, called SING SOUTH GIPPSLAND, which will include workshops by this fabulous Australian choral composer, conductor and educator.

Stephen will provide an inspirational weekend of singing and the opportunity to  get together with other Gippsland choirs.  There will even be a special session for young singers.

It’s all happening at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre on the weekend of 17th and 18th September.

Now is the time for choirs to express their interest.

With such an inspirational Guest Conductor in attendance, we have decided to allow singers both Youth and Adult who are not choir members for any reason, to attend the Festival and hope this might lead to new recruits for the choirs.

If you know of any singers in this category we would be very happy if you encouraged them to join us.

For further information on Stephen Leek’s musical activities and achievements visit www.stephenleek.com

Download a form to register for the
SING SOUTH GIPPSLAND! Choral Festival with workshops by Stephen Leek*

* Please note: APPLICATION DATE HAS BEEN EXTENDED

Download ADULT Registration Form

Download YOUTH Registration Form

Download SOLO ADULT Registration Form

Rehearsal schedule

7:30  Tuesdays

Anglican Church Hall
Station Road, Foster

REHEARSALS  RESUME
TUESDAY 15 MARCH 2011

Interested in joining the Prom Coast Singers or for answers to any questions?

Please phone
….. Paddy Broberg – 5682 2000

….. Andrew Jamieson – 5683 2683….

or use the contact form.

A DECADE OF MUSIC MAKING 1998 – 2008

In November 1997, FAMDA staged a highly successful production of the Broadway musical, Annie, with Neil Goodwin as director and Paddy Broberg as the musical director.

The next year several of the Annie cast members found they really missed the fun and camaraderie of the rehearsal and performance process. Their frustration got the better of them and they besieged Paddy with requests to let them sing again and, one evening in April 1998, eight former members of the Annie cast and crew met at Foster Primary School for the first sing-along of what was to become the Prom Coast Singers.

Under the umbrella of FAMDA with the guidance of Paddy Broberg, the Singers’ initial performances were in conjunction with community carols in Foster and Toora and singing for the residents of Banksia Lodge and Rose Lodge, Wonthaggi. It was not until Sunday 15 October 2000 that the choir presented its first paid performance in the form of a benefit concert held at the FWMAC in aid of the South Gippsland Hospital and Toora Nursing Home Auxiliaries.

The Singers’ December 2001 project was an impressive performance of Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols in Christ Church Foster.

In July 2003 the choir combined with the South Gippsland Wind Orchestra to present mid-winter concerts at the Dakers Centre in Leongatha as well as the Foster Arts Centre with PCS performing Carmina Burana. This dramatic work was revisited in October when the South Gippsland Singers combined with PCS for a concert in Mesley Hall Leongatha as part of the world-wide choral phenomenon, Voices for Hospices and it was on the program again for the very special 10th Anniversary Concert – 17 August 2008.

Essence of Folk was the title for the program presented by the Singers in 2004. The choir performed in Poowong and Glen Alvie and the next week, on 27 June, they shared the stage with the Bec Bone Singers back in Foster at the FWMAC.

Fauré’s Requiem and Borodin’s Polovtsienne Dances were on the bill when PCS sang in the Foster Anglican Church on 15 May 2005. The following weekend they sang those works in concerts with the South Gippsland Singers and the Korumburra Primary School Choir at Mesley Hall and the Inverloch Community Centre.

The 2005 Voices for Hospices concert had Prom Coast Singers combining with the South Gippsland Singers and the Warragul Chorale for a concert showcasing each choir and featuring music specially composed by Larry Hills for all three choirs.

In the 2007 SeaChange Festival, the Prom Coast Singers demonstrated the diversity of their repertoire in a concert billed as From Pop to Op(era) and sang to Paddy Broberg’s original music in the exciting multi-media Fire Up! project.

The Singers have alsoperformed at the Mossvale Park Music for the People concert. In between times there have been many happy nights of rehearsals with the challenge of learning to sing the right notes and the right words whether they be in English, African, French, German, Italian or Latin. They have sung at community carols, funerals and in FAMDA shows and thoroughly enjoyed the music-making experience under Paddy’s inspirational guidance.

2009 projects include the multi-arts spectacular,  Promontory Dreaming, contributing to FAMDA’s production of Into the Woods and plans to participate in community carols at Christmas.

10th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT – 17 August 2008

Director: Paddy Broberg
Accompanists: Barbara Fleming & Kerry Pritchard
Sopranos: Fran Allott, Verna Anderson, Rhonda Bland, Pamela Coad, Sue Dower, Ellen Fabel, Michelle Gale, Jeannette King, Jennifer Paragreen, Pamela Park, Nerissa Richter, Fleur Wheeler, Shirley Wilson.

Tenors: Peter Bell, Neil Chandler, Dick Straw, Jon Wathen.

Altos: Ruth Carson, Pat Doran, Lyn Jamieson, Bev Nicoll, Dianne Paragreen, Barbara Partridge, Viv Reid, Anne Roussac Hoyne, Ros Wathen, Kate Woodward.

Baritones / Basses: Arie Bos, Edwin Coad, Geoff Davey, Brian Hoskins, Andrew Jamieson, John Laurie, Phil Nightingall.

THE PROM COAST SINGERS’ – first paid performance

The first paid performance was presented on Sunday 15 October 2000 at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre.

The singers at this performance were: Fran Allott, Verna Anderson, Judy Barnard, Rhonda Bland, Arie Bos, Stacey Coates, Geoff Davey, Stephanie Deutschbein, Eric Envy, Rose Fyfe, David Hutton, John Hutton, Cheryl Kane, Robert Liley, Darcy Murphy, Phil Nightingall, Dianne Paragreen, Jennifer Paragreen, Barbara Partridge, Amanda Richter, Chris Richter, Anne Roussac-Hoyne, Rodney Sharp, Colleen Smith, Kiarna Smith, Marina Sparkes, Dick Straw and Fleur Wheeler with Barbara Fleming as the accompanist.

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PROM COAST SINGERS & MUSICIANS 1998 – 2011

Fran Allott, Hailey Anderson, Verna Anderson, Tony Bacon, Sally Baldwin, Judy Barnard, Peter Bell, Tania Bird, Rhonda Bland, Heather Bligh, Arie Bos, Paddy Broberg, Sandra Brown, Ruth Carson, Neil Chandler, Raylene Clymo, Edwin Coad, Pamela Coad, Stacey Coates, Maureen Collins, Murray Dale, Geoff Davey, Wendy Davidson, Jenny Davies, Frank Deane, Jennie Deane, Stephanie Deutschbein, Pat Doran, Louise Dower, Patrick Dower, Sue Dower, Bindi Dunstan, Raymond Dunstan, Ingrid Eddy, Rob Ellis, Eric Envy +, Isabella Envy, Gareth Evens, Ellen Fabel, Jan Fell, Peter Fell, Barbara Fleming, John Fleming, Trish Fleming, Pat Fraser, Lorraine Froiland, Rose Fyfe, Michelle Gale, Larry Giddy, Fran Grimes, Liz Hall, Marg Haycroft, Larry Hills, Brian Hoskins, Barbara Hutton, David Hutton +, John Hutton, Andrew Jamieson, Lyn Jamieson, John Kahsnitz, Cheryl Kane, Jeannette King, Val Latham, John Laurie, Rob Liley, Chris Lines, Amber Loader, Benita Loader, Mary Lucy, Josephine MacKenzie, Lesley Mackin, Annette Marshall, Gene Marshall, Shirley Marshall, Peter McAlpine, Lyn McClelland, Anne Medlyn, Tania Mitchell, Wayne Moloney, Sharon Monk, Jean Moore, Darcy Murphy, Duncan Neil, Bev Nicoll, Phil Nightingall, Belle Nunn, Denise O’Keefe, Dianne Paragreen, Jennifer Paragreen, Pamela Park, Barbara Partridge, Charles Pearce, Ros Pearce, Deb Peck, Lorraine Pratley, Kerry Pritchard, Leona Prue, John Rees, Viv Reid, Amanda Richter, Chris Richter, Nerissa Richter, Geoff Robson, Andrew Rosser, Anne Roussac-Hoyne, Wilma Scheerle, Rodney Sharp, Carmel Slater, Colleen Smith, Elaine Smith, Peter Snell, Phoebe Snell, Marina Sparkes, Andrew Stacey, Kim Stacey, Kathleen Stack, Hannah Stellard, Louise Stone, Dick Straw, Michael Strong, Ashley Stuchbery, Hilary Stuchbery, Isley Sutherland, Brenda Taylor +, Linda Tubnor, Kerrie Tudor, David Velja, Mark Wade, Bronwyn Wakely, Jonathan Wakely, Jim Warren, Jon Wathen, Ros Wathen, Fiona Watts, Fleur Wheeler, Noreen Wills, Shirley Wilson, Franz Windisch, Kate Woodward, Harrie Zanella, Marilynne Zanella, Ugo Zanella.

ABOUT PADDY BROBERG – Choral Director

Paddy’s career as teacher, university lecturer and arts practitioner spans more than thirty years. Her main areas of expertise are music, dance, literature and interdisciplinary arts, particularly music theatre, ranging from revues to opera. Special musical interests include composing and arranging, accompanying and choral direction.

Paddy joined FAMDA in 1995 as joint musical director of The Music Man. She was a performer in Chinamen in Cabaret, and musical director of the award winning productions of Annie and Oliver!, and of the 2004 Music Hall. In 2006 she was a cast member of Oedipus Rex and arranger and musical director of Ebenezer’s Dream.

Recent compositions in 2007 include the musical score for the multi-arts project Fire Up!, original songs for Edwin Coad’s one-act musical, Open Call, and Paul Hendry’s pantomime, Twisted Tales from the Woods, staged in January this year.

Paddy has been the musical director of the Prom Coast Singers since its inception in 1998, and has introduced the choir to many and varied works from the choral repertoire, ranging from simple rounds to major works such as Fauré’s Requiem, and covering songs and musical styles from many different countries, both past and present.

The Prom Coast Singers thank all the friends and supporters who have shared in our musical experience.

If you would like to join us in singing, please phone Paddy Broberg on 5682 2000.