.

Adjudicator: Gaye Gay

* WINNERS & NOMINEES

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 ~ The Droitwich Discovery
Hartwell Players ~ Fur Better or Worse
Frankston Theatre Group ~ A Dog’s Life

Most Outstanding Actor – Male

* James Shaw, Felix – Fur Better or Worse ~ Hartwell Players
Stephen Mitchell, Chad – Separating the Dust ~ Cosmic Players
Aston Elliot, Michael – Separating the Dust ~ Cosmic Players
Roy Thompson, Fritz – A Dog’s Life ~ Frankston Theatre Group
Keith Gledhill, Ben – A Dog’s Life ~ Frankston Theatre Group
Ivan Koetsveld, Terry Shakespeare – The Droitwich Discovery ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Bruce Grainger, Jack – Living on the Edge ~ FAMDA

Most Outstanding Actor – Female

* Genya Mik, Daphne – Waiting for Doggett ~ Pop Culture Theatre
Rosie Renye, Toni – Fur Better or Worse ~ Hartwell Players
Aynslie Watson, Robyn – Fur Better or Worse ~ Hartwell Players
Angie Tonkin, Erica Banks – Cleanskin ~ Pop Culture Theatre
Christine Davies, Fifi – A Dog’s Life ~ Frankston Theatre Group
Janet Glenhill, Ginger – A Dog’s Life ~ Frankston Theatre Group

Most Outstanding Director

* Laura Bradley – Fur Better or Worse ~ Hartwell Players
Annette O’Shea – Lost ~ Latrobe Theatre Company
Aron Toman – The Droitwich Discovery ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Jan Bull – Living on the Edge ~ FAMDA

Most Outstanding Play

* Hartwell Players ~ Fur Better or Worse
RUNNER-UP - Frankston Theatre Group ~ A Dog’s Life
Pop Culture ~ Waiting for Doggett
Leongatha Lyric Theatre ~ The Droitwich Discovery
FAMDA ~ Living on the Edge

More great photographs from the 2010 One Act Play Festival can be seen at “lifegames photography” http://lifegames.com.au/one-act-play-festival-2010/

YOUTH SECTION

*     *     *     *     *

DRAMA QUEENS, Lakes Entrance

THE CHOCOLATE AFFAIR . by Stephanie Walker
Directed by Tiffany Brennan

Bev ~ Peta Jane Venet-Sanos
Mr. Goodbar ~ Jordyn Rooks
M&M ~ Lily Rooks
Bev 2 ~ Chloe Roworth

Stage Manager ~ Jacinta Mason
Publicity ~ Alex Venet-Sanos

..

LATROBE THEATRE COMPANY

LAFFIN SCHOOL by Keith Jackson
Directed by Annette O’Shea

Miss Crabapple ~ Lauren Burns
Miss Quackenbush ~ Shelby Fisher
Jack ~ Cameron Bianconi
Fred ~ Corey O’Shea
Dorothy ~ Estelle Fraser
Patsy ~ Laura Campbell
Skippy ~ Jacinta Hodge
Little Mary ~ Payge O’Shea
George ~ Matthew Bianconi
Peggy ~ Jasmine O’Shea
Shirley ~ Chloe McGill

Assistant Director ~ Viki Hodge
Lighting Design ~ Russell Stewart & Annette O’Shea
Lighting & Sound ~ Viki Hodge
Backstage ~ John O’Shea

.

DRAMA QUEENS, Lakes Entrance

CINDY & JULIE.by Bruce Kane
Directed by Tiffany Brennan

Cindy ~ Lily Rooks
Julie ~ Jordyn Rooks
Girl ~  Chloe Roworth

Stage Manager ~ Jacinta Mason
Publicity ~ Alex Venet-Sanos

.

THE THRILLERS, Bairnsdale

LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER . by Tiffany Brennan based on a story by Roald Dahl
Directed by Tiffany Brennan

Mary ~ Jess Sroczynski
John ~ Jake Kinder
Sam ~ Rosie Sidebottom
Noonan ~ Kim Robertson
O’Malley ~ Allison Dagge
Constable K ~ John Lewis

Stage Manager ~ Trish Lewis
Crew ~ Kaaren Meates

.

*       *       *

ADULT SECTION

*       *       *

.

Latrobe Theatre Company

LOST .. by Alex Broun
Directed by Annette O’Shea

Edith ~ Alissa Puurunen
Veronica ~ Denise Twite
The Stranger / Ryegold ~ Lord Wispa (David Brownell)
God ~ Annette O’Shea

Assistant Director ~ Viki Hodge
Lighting Design ~ Russell Stewart & Annette O’Shea
Lighting & Sound ~ Viki Hodge
Backstage ~John O’Shea

.

HARTWELL PLAYERS

FUR BETTER OR WORSE .by Colin Donald
Directed by Laura Bradley

Toni ~ Rosie Renye
Felix ~ James Shaw
Robyn ~ Aynslie Watson

Stage Manager ~ Fiona Lilley

.

POP CULTURE THEATRE

WAITING FOR DOGGETT by Michael Olsen
Directed by John Jennings

Daphne ~ Genya Mik
Sheila ~ Sharon Mahood

.

POP CULTURE THEATRE

CLEANSKIN. by Michael Olsen
Directed by John Jennings

Melanie Crain ~ Rosslyn Angus
Erica Banks ~ Angie Tonkin

.

COSMIC PLAYERS

SEPARATING THE DUST, a drama by Darren Bealey
Directed by Darren Bealey

Chad ~ Stephen Mitchell
Michael ~ Aston Elliot
Raelene ~ Ingrid Gaeng

Stage Manager ~ Cat Lawton
Set  / Props ~ Chris Sliwczynski

.

FRANKSTON THEATRE GROUP

A DOG’S LIFE . by Pam Valentine
Directed by Pixie Jones

THE DOGS
Fifi ~ Christine Davies
Ben ~ Keith Gledhill
Ginger ~ Janet Glenhill
Fritz ~ Roy Thompson

THE HUMANS
The Warden ~ Tom Barrett
The Woman ~ Gwen Thompson

.

MEENIYAN AMATEUR DRAMATICS SOCIETY Inc

THE UMBRELLA  by Cerise de Gelda
Directed by Avril Van Wamel, Pat and Paul Hendry

Alex ~ Alex Beyer
Rose ~ Kate Ball
Rachel ~ Raewyn Parnell
Bernard ~ Luke Toohill
Karen ~ Sherri Rochforte
Luke ~ Tish Hanks
Kylie ~ Avril Van Wamel
Jack ~ Paul Hendry

.

POP CULTURE THEATRE COMPANY

CONVENTIONAL BEHAVIOUR, a comedy by John Jennings
Directed by John Jennings

Perenelle ~ Karen Arieca Powell
Hal ~ Damian Clancy
Ray ~ Sean Hand
F.E. ~ Kaity Russell
Darth Vader ~John Jennings
Seraphina ~ Dominique Allis
Darth Vader 2 ~ Justin Duijkers

.

LEONGATHA LYRIC THEATRE Inc

THE DROITWICH DISCOVERY . by Nick Warburton
Directed by Aron Toman

Terry Shakespeare ~ Ivan Koetsveld
Mrs Craddock ~ Noel Stringer
George ~ Mike Street
Oliver ~ Michael Dixon
Dilly ~ Sharon Hailey
Karen ~ Beth Dortmans

Backstage ~ Maddi Dale & Daniel Hansen

.

FOSTER AMATEUR MUSIC & DRAMA ASSOCIATION Inc

LIVING ON THE EDGE .by Ruth Carson
Directed by Jan Bull

Lorna ~ Bernadette Grainger
Jack ~ Bruce Grainger
Muriel ~ Lee-Anne Mitchell
Rob ~ Antony Norden
CFA person ~ John Davies

Sound & Lighting ~ Andrew Oldroyd

.

PLAY FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

.

SATURDAY 21 AUGUST

.

SESSION 1 – YOUTH ENTRIES

10:00        Drama Queens, Lakes Entrance ~ The Chocolate Affair
……………… A comedy by Stephanie Walker

10:30*      Latrobe Theatre Company ~ Laffin School
…………….. A classy comedy by Keith Jackson

11:15*      Drama Queens, Lakes Entrance ~ Cindy and Julie
……………… By Bruce Cane

11:40*      The Thrillers, Bairnsdale ~ Lamb to the Slaughter
……………… By Tiffany Brennan based on a story by Roald Dahl

12:10*      Adjudicator’s Session ~ Presentation of Youth Awards

12:30*                                       LUNCH BREAK

SESSION 2

2:00          Dandenong Theatre Company ~ Death of a Fish Finger
A mixture of satire and pathos by Rhys Martin
UNFORTUNATELY THIS PRODUCTION WAS WITHDRAWN

2:35*        Latrobe Theatre Company ~ Lost
……………… An off-beat, quirky comedy by Alex Broun

3:35*                                          AFTERNOON TEA

4:00          Hartwell Players ~ Fur Better or Worse
……………… A cat’s tale by Colin Donald

4:55*        Pop Culture Theatre ~ Waiting for Doggett
……………… A drama by Michael Olsen

6:00*                                          DINNER BREAK

SESSION 3

8:00          Pop Culture Theatre ~ Cleanskin
……………… A heavenly drama-comedy by Michael Olsen

8:50*        Cosmic Players ~ Separating the Dust
……………… A drama by Darren Brealey

9:35*        Frankston Theatre Group ~ A Dog’s Life
.…………….. A whimsical piece by Pam Valentine

10:30*      Adjudicator’s Comments on the Day’s Plays
.

SUNDAY 22 AUGUST

SESSION 4

12:00        Meeniyan Amateur Dramatics Society ~ The Umbrella
…………….. A comedic series by Cerise De Gelda

12:45*      Pop Culture Theatre ~ Conventional Behaviour
. . ………… A comedy by John Jennings

1:45*        Leongatha Lyric Theatre ~ The Droitwich Discovery
.  ………….. A comedy by Nick Warburton

2:45*        Foster Amateur Music & Drama Association ~ Living on the Edge
……  ……… A bushfire drama by Ruth Carson

3:30*                                          AFTERNOON TEA

4:00*        Adjudicator’s Session – Announcement & Presentation of Awards

* Approximate starting times

FAMDA CAST

Rona: Nicole Cooper
Leaf Coneybear:  Ivan Koetsveld
Marcy Park: Katelyn Ardley
William Barfée: Emmi Latham
Chip Tolentino: Josh Gardiner
Olive Ostrovsky: Gabby Venning
Logianne Schwartzandgrubenierre: Jemma Eva
Douglas Panch: Noel Stringer
Mitch Mahoney: To be confirmed

Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who have barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that loosing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.
That’s the story line for The Twenty-Fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a musical comedy conceived by Rebecca Feldman with music and lyrics by William Finn, a book by Rachel Sheinkin.
The show centres around a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous American Putnam Valley Middle School where six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally-quirky grown-ups.
The 2005 Broadway production, directed by James Lapine, earned good reviews and box-office success and was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning two, including Best Book.

.

There are nine cast members.
The casting can be somewhat flexible – when Melbourne Theatre Company staged the Australian premiere of  The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee directed by Simon Phillips, Magda Szubanski played William Barfée.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Rona Lisa Peretti: The #1 Realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champ and returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children but can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Principal Panch, who has feelings for her that she most likely does not return.

Vice Principal Douglas Panch: After five years’ absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an “incident” at the 20th Annual Bee, but he claims to be in “a better place” now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis.

Mitch Mahoney: The Official Comfort Counsellor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students.

Olive Ostrovsky: A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come at some time during the bee. She made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her make it to the competition.

William Barfée: A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy personality.

Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre: Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures, with two overbearing gay men as parents. She is a bit of a neat freak and speaks with a lisp.

Marcy Park : She is the poster child for the Over-Achieving Asian, and attends a Catholic school called “Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows.” She is also not allowed to cry.

Leaf Coneybear: Leaf comes from a large family of former hippies and makes his own clothes. He spells words correctly while in a trance.

Chip Tolentino: A boy scout and champion of the 24th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment.

Many Choir members thought “wouldn’t it be loverly” just to get together again in the Foster Anglican Church hall and to enjoy an informal evening singing familiar songs.

With the blessing of the Reverend Tim, rector of the Anglican Church,  the singers resumed singing at 7:30pm on Tuesday 1 June 2010 with fortnightly sessions thereafter.

With an exciting project in the pipeline for 2011, Christmas carols and Andrew Jamieson taking the singers through their paces, it was decided that weekly practices would resume on Tuesday nights from 31st August.

Of course new members are always welcome to join the Singers. A fee, of $3.00 per evening for each singer, covers the cost of purchasing music and hall hire etc.

To join in the “Let’s get together and SING” program, or for further details, contact:

Andrew Jamieson via email: acjammo @ ozemail.com.au or 5683 2683
OR
Shirley Wilson via email:  saw @ tadaust.org.au or on 5682 1363 or 1413 278 204

Next singing session

Anglican Church Hall, Station Road, Foster

7:30 Tuesday 7 September 2010

Some new repertoire & Christmas carols are now on the menu!

*    *    *    *

Congratulations to Larry Hills and the Bass Coast Chorale on their performance of the Miners’ Requiem in Wonthaggi on 19 & 20 June 2010.

Several current and past members of the Prom Coast Singers joined with the Bass Coast Chorale to perform the Miners’ Requiem composed by Larry Hills.

A MESSAGE FROM LARRY HILLS

I’ve written the Miners’ Requiem specifically for the Wonthaggi Centenary celebrations. It is being performed by the Bass Coast Chorale accompanied by a full orchestra. It is a beautiful and moving work. There are only two performances: Saturday, 19 June at 8pm and Sunday, 20 June at 2pm. The performance will be of great significance to the citizens of the Wonthaggi area, but also of significance to other parts of the world due to recent mining tragedies in the US and in China.

15 February 1937, the day 20-Shaft blew up, was the blackest day in the history of Wonthaggi. The whole town rallied, united in their anguish, to save thirteen miners trapped behind thousands of tons of fallen rock, engulfed in plumes of black smoke and deadly gasses. The valiant attempt to rescue the miners captured the attention of a whole nation.

As we celebrate our centenary, we remember those men who lost their lives that day and all miners over 100 years who also lost their lives in the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi.
Requiem  (Rest in Peace)

.

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

Despite the competitive element, the festival is always a very friendly and social occasion with audience members and 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 the tenth annual South Gippsland One Act Play Festival at the FosterWar Memorial Arts Centre on the weekend of Saturday & Sunday, 21 & 22 August.

The festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than usual with more entries than ever before and well over $2000 in prize money,  including  $1000 prize money for the most outstanding play and a runner-up prize in that category of $200.

Ticket prices: $8.00 per session, $15.00 for two or a complete Festival pass for $20.00.

GREAT FOOD

To allow time for more socialising, Catherine McGlead is offering an in-house catering package. (BYO drinks).

For dinner on Saturday night she is offering curries and rice with a vegetarian option plus dessert for $20.  The dinner will be served in the supper-room, adjacent to the auditorium at the hall where we perform.  BYO drinks / refreshments – ask us for glassware.

To enjoy the convenience and camaraderie of this in-house dinner you must book by contacting Catherine via 0407 543 371, famda@dcsi.net.au catmcglead@dcsi.net.au by Monday 16 August.

Audience members are also welcome to bring their own drinks and nibbles.

Festival passes available at Main Street Revelations

.

Festival passes & session tickets on sale at the door

Entries closed 28 July 2010
>> DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM HERE <<

*    *    *    *    *    *

ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVALS CIRCUIT 2010

Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 July 2010

MAROONDAH ROSE STREET FESTIVAL
The Bakery@1812, Upper Ferntree Gully

Saturday 17 to Sunday 18 July 2010

THE MOUNT PLAYERS ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
Macedon

Friday 16 to Sunday 18 July 2010

DANDENONG RANGES ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
Gemco Players, Emerald

Saturday 31 July & Sunday 1 August 2010

ARARAT ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL

Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 August 2010

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

Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 August 2010

SOUTH GIPPSLAND  ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
FAMDA – Foster War Memorial Arts Centre

Saturday 28  & Sunday 29 August 2010

ANGLESEA 21st ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
Anglesea Hall, McMillan Street. Anglesea

Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 September 2010

KYNETON’S 54th FESTIVAL OF ONE ACT PLAYS
Bluestone Theatre, Hutton Street, Kyneton

Friday 17 to Sunday 19 September 2010

MONASH ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
Peridot Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College

Friday 8 & Saturday 9 October 2010

DELORAINE FESTIVAL OF ONE ACT PLAYS
Deloraine, Tasmania

For full details of the 2010 Victorian One Act Play circuit, entry conditions etc visit the Victorian Drama League, www.theatrecraft.org.au

on

Saturday 17 July 2010 at 7:00 pm

at

Foster War Memorial Arts Centre

The night will include:

A Silent Auction

featuring Artwork by Local Artists

Door Prizes, Raffles

Games & Trivia

$10 per Person

BYO Drinks and Nibbles

For table or individual bookings
email: famda [@] dcsi.net.au or
call: Tania  0427 832 303 or Andrew 0439 884 311
visit: Deborah Harris @ Main Street Revelations, Foster

FAMDA’s Arty-Farty Trivia Party is designed as a fun night for everyone, particularly theatrical people and a chance for recent cast members from many different thatre groups to get together again and enjoy each other’s company.

*     *     *     *     *

FAMDA’s Arty-Farty Trivia Party was a trivia night with a difference.

Quiz master, Andrew Oldroyd, really kept the night moving.  Naturally there were lots of trivia questions, some related to visual and performing arts, music, stage and screen, plus more general knowledge topics of the history, geography, sport variety.

What made this night special was a Trivia Party with a very social aspect to it, lots of other games and prizes to be won plus some FAMDA “stars”, John Laurie and Josh Gardiner  providing musical entertainment.

Leongatha Lyric Theatre and Wonthaggi Theatrical Group were well represented on the occasion.

SILENT AUCTION

Several local artists generously donated works to be sold. There are drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture and woodwork by such noted South Gippsland artists as Marilyn Ardley, Ann Parry, Jason Pell (South Coast Joinery), Elizabeth Richardson, Anne Roussac–Hoyne and Kerry Spokes.

The winning table was made up of Barbara Partridge, Arie Bos, Fleur & Graeme Wheeler, Llew, Jane & Tom Vale, Bev and Don Nicoll.

Congratulations to all who helped make the night such a huge success.

The Basin Theatre Group – DISPOSING OF THE BODY ~ comedy with a dash of mystery
8:15pm 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, August, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 September
also 2:15pm 29 August, 4 & 12 September
The Basin Theatre: Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Roads, The Basin
www.thebasintheatre.org.au ….. 1300 784 668

Magnormos Musicals – [title of show] ~ return season
of the quirky hit musical about a quirky hit musical
8:00 26 August – 11 September.. Matinées: Sat 4  & Sat 11 September@ 2.00 pm
Theatre Works, 14 Ackland St., St Kilda
www.magnormos.com … Bookings: www.magtix.com ….. 9534 3388

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company – TWELFTH NIGHT by William Shakespeare
27 August – 11 September      Woodbin Theatre, Coronation Street, Geelong             
www.geelongrep.com.au ….. 5225 1200

Malvern Theatre Company – THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES ~ by Frank Gilroy
8:15pm 27, 28, 31 August, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 September
2:00pm Sat 28 August & Sun 5 September
29a Burke Road, East Malvern
www.malverntheatre.com.au ….. 1300 131 552

The Mount Players – THE BREAKFAST CLUB
27 August – 18 September ….. Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith Street, Macedon
www.themountplayers.com …… 1300 463 224 or 5428 1557

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Group – DIAL M FOR MURDER! ~  murder mystery
31 August – 18 September              39 – 41 Castella St., Lilydale
www.lilydaleatc.com … .. 9735 1777

Leongatha Lyric Theatre – EDUCATING RITA ~ a comedy by Willy Russell,
creator of Shirley Valentine and Blood Brothers
3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 Sept.       Dakers Centre, Cnr. Smith & Watts Streets, Leongatha
www.lyrictheatre.net.au ….. Bookings: Mushroom Crafts     5662 3940

Beaumaris  Theatre Inc. - THE SHAPE OF THINGS
82 Wells Rd Beaumaris
8:00 pm Frid 3, Sat 4, Frid 10, Sat 11, Thurs 16, Frid 17 and Sat 18 September
www.beaumaristheatre.com.au ….. 03 9583 6896

Essendon Theatre Company – THE UNDERPANTS ~ a comedy by Carl Sternheim
adapted by Steve Martin
9 – 18 September   9, 10 , 11 @ 8:00pm  &  Sunday 12  @ 2:00pm
September 16, 17, 18 @ 8:00pm
Theatre restaurant style, BYO food & drinks 7:30pm sit down for 8:00pm start
www.essendontheatrecompany.com …….. 9330 4808   ….. …..

Williamstown Little Theatre – HOTEL SORRENTO by Hannie Rayson
9 – 25 September        Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown
www.wlt.org.au ….. 9885 9678

Union House Theatre – SWEENEY TODD – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Expect the unexpected in a riotous & gleeful version of Sondheim’s all-singing, all-slashing classic
10 – 18 September     Union Theatre, Ground Floor Union House, Melbourne University
7:30 10-11, 15-18 September.  … www.union.unimelb.edu.au/sweeneytodd .

Mordialloc Theatre Company – THE WISDOM OF EVE ~ Source play for the movie,
All About Eve
10  – 25 September      Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkers Rd., Parkdale
www.mordialloctheatre.com ….. 9587 5141

COMING SHOWS

Heidelberg Theatre Company – GLORIOUS ~ (A Williamstown Little Theatre production)
a truly uproarious comedy based on the true story of wealthy eccentric American widow, Florence Foster-Jenkins
16 September – 2 October    ….. Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Avenue Rosanna
www.htc.org.au …… 9457 4117

CLOC Musical Theatre – MAN OF LA MANCHA ~ Dream the Impossible Dream
The  musical drama by Dale Wasserman, Mitch Lee & Joe Darion
National Theatre, 20 Carlisle St, St Kilda
Sept 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25 29, 30, October 1, 2 at 8:00pm plus Sept 19 & 26 at 2:00pm
www.cloc.org.au ….. 1300 362 547

Altona City Theatre – HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL - based on the movie
17 September – 2 October …… Altona City Theatre, Civic Parade, Altona
www.altonacitytheatre.com.au ……. 0401 378 546

Panorama Theatre Company – A CHORUS LINE - Broadway dance auditions
8:00pm Thursday – Saturday 23, 24, 25 September &  2:00pm Sunday 26 September…
Frankston Arts Centre …… 9784 1060…Frankston Arts Centre

Lors Sommers Camp & Powerhouse – DON’S PARTY ~
David Williamson’s classic election night social comedy
8:00pm Thursday 7, Friday 8, Saturday 10 October
www.lordsomerscamp.org/productions

Dandenong Theatre Company  – THE LARAMIE PROJECT ~ by Moises Kaufman et al
“In October 1998 Matthew Sheppard was kidnapped, beaten, tied to a fence and left to die . .because he was gay and, while the whole world watched, hate was redefined by courage and beauty.” .
Hallam Community Theatre, Frawley Road, Hallam
15 – 30 October Performances: 8pm, Matinée 23 October, 2pm
www.dandenongtheatre.org.au

Whitehorse Musical Theatre – RENT ~ La Bohème 1990s New York style
8:00 7 – 9 Oct, Mon 11, Wed – Sat 13 -  16 Oct  plus 2:00 Sundays 10 & 17 October
Besen Centre,  87 – 89 Station St., Burwood
www.whitehorsemusical.com.au ….. 9262 6555

Babirra Music Theatre – SWEET CHARITY ~ with songs Big Spender,
If My Friends Could See Me Now, The Rhythm of Life and more . . .
8 – 16 October      Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading
www.babirra.org.au … .. 9262 6555

Old Scotch Music Club – MY FAIR LADY ~ a “loverly” musical
Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College, 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn
October 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 @ 8:00pm  Matinées Oct 17 & 24 @ 2:00pm
9824 4768

Catchment Players – NUNSENSE ~ Musical by Dan Goggin
28 – 30 October (TBC)      Banyule Theatre, Viewbank College, Buckingham Drive, Heidelberg
www.catchmentplayers.org.au           0437 228 246

Nova Music Theatre – OKLAHOMA! ~ Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first classic musical
22 October – 7 November   Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading
www.novamusictheatre.com.au ….. 1300 305 771

The Basin Theatre Group – WEDDING GAMES ~ a sequel to Lipstick Dreams
8:15pm 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28 November, 2, 3, 4 December
also 2:15pm 21 November, 5 December
The Basin Theatre: Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Roads, The Basin
www.thebasintheatre.org.au ….. 1300 784 668

Brighton Theatre Company – THE WHALES OF AUGUST ~
A gentle play by David Berry  set in the 1950s on the coast of Maine
11 – 29 November      Brighton Arts & Cultural Centre, Wilson Street, Brighton
www.brightontheatreco.com ….. 9589 0005

FAMDA – THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE ~ Tony award winning
musical with six quirky adolescents competing in a spelling bee run by three equally quirky grown-ups.
8:00pm Friday 5, Saturday 6,  Thursday 11, Friday 12, Sataturday 13 November
Matinée 2:00pm Sunday 7 November   …… Foster War Memorial Arts Centre
www.famda.org.au   Bookings: Main Street Revelations, Foster

Williamstown Musical Theatre Company – DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS ~
Set on the French Riviera, based on the 1988 movie starring Steve Martin & Michael Caine
8:00pm Fri 5, Sat 6,  Fri 12, Sat 13, Thur 18, Fri 19, Sat 20 November
Sunday matinées 2:00pm 7 & 14 November Williamstown Mechanics Institute
www.wmtc.org.au ….. 1300 881 545

Malvern Theatre Company – THE DRAWER BOY ~ by Michael Healey
8:15pm 5, 6,  9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 November
2:00pm matinées Saturday 6 & Sunday 14 November
29a Burke Road, East Malvern
www.malverntheatre.com.au ….. 1300 131 552

Peridot Theatre – COSI by Louis Nowra
8:15pm Fri 5 – Sat 6 , Wed 10 – Sat 13, Tues 16– Sat 20 November
matinées 2:15pm Sunday 7 & Saturday 13  November
Unicorn Theatre, Mt. Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Road
www.peridot.com.au ….. 1300 138 646 (no mobiles),   9898 9090 (for mobiles)

Mordialloc Theatre Company - I HATE HAMLET by Paul Rodnick
12 – 27 November       Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkers Rd., Parkdale
www.mordialloctheatre.com ….. 9587 5141

Williamstown Little Theatre – HABEAS CORPUS by Alan Bennett
18 November – 4 December        Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown
www.wlt.org.au ….. 9885 9678

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company – ‘ALLO  ‘ALLO by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft
19 November – 4 December      Woodbin Theatre, Coronation Street, Geelong             
www.geelongrep.com.au ………. 5225 1200

SOME PAST SHOWS

Kyneton Theatre Co. Inc. – 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD
9 – 24-April Bluestone Theatre, Hutton St., Kyneton
5422 1083

Torquay Theatre Troupe – THE SCOTTISH PLAY
15 – 24-April (includes April 24 matinée 2:00 pm) Senior Citizens’ Hall, Price St., Torquay
5261 9035

Gemco Players – BOUNCERS AND SHAKERS
16 – 24 April The Gem Community Arts Centre, Kilvington Drive, Emerald
www.gemcoplayes.org 0411 723 530

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company – THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN
16 April – 1 May
www.geelongrep.com.au 5225 1200

Eltham Little Theatre – QUARTET
22 April – 8 May Performing Arts Centre, Main Rd, Research
www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au 9437 1574

Heidelberg Theatre Company – GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
22 April – 8 May Heidelberg Theatre, Turnham Avenue, Rosanna
www.htc.org.au 9457 4117

Williamstown Little Theatre – SKYLIGHT
22 April – 8 May Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown
www.wlt.org.au 9885 9678

Encore Theatre – GALLIPOLI REVISITED
23 & 24 April Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke St., Cayton
www.encoretheatre.com.au 1300 739 099

Frankston Theatre Group – ONE FLEW OVER THE COOCKOO’S NEST
23 April – 2 May George Jenkins Theatre, Monash University Frankston
www.frankstontheatregroup.org.au 9905 1111

Malvern Theatre Company – HEROES
23 April – 8 May 29a Burke Road, East Malvern
www.malverntheatre.com.au 1300 131 552

Mordialloc Theatre Company – CHAIM’S LOVE SONG
23 April – 8 May Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkers Rd., Parkdale
www.mordialloctheatre.com 9587 5141

Croydon Parish Players – HAT TRCK (3 x One Act Plays)
30 April – 8 May Uniting Church Hall, Tallent St., Croydon
www.croydonparishplayers.com 9725 5903

Peridot Theatre – THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB
30 April – 15 May Unicorn Theatre, Mt. Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Road
www.peridot.com.au 1300 138 646 (no mobiles), 9898 9090 (for mobiles)

Geelong Lyric Theatre – MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT
30 April – 15 May Blakiston Theatre, Geelong Performing Arts Centre
www.glts.asn.au 5225 120

Leongatha Lyric Theatre – HIGH SOCIETY
30 April – 22 May Mesley Hall, Leongatha Secondary College
www.lyrictheatre.net.au

The Mount Players – SWEENEY TODD
30 April – 29 May Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon
www.themountplayers.com 1300 463 224 or 5428 1557

Nova Music Theatre – LITTLE WOMEN
7 – 22 May Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading
www.novamusictheatre.com.au 1300 305 771

Warragul Theatre Company – LES MISÉRABLES
14 – 29 May West Gippsland Arts centre, Warragul
www.warragultheatrecompany.org.au 5624 2456

Whitehorse Music Theatre – ANYTHING GOES
15 – 29 May Besen Centre, Station St., Burwood
www.whitehorsemusical.com.au

CLOC Music Theatre – DUSTY
21 May – 5 June National Theatre, St Kilda
www.cloc.org.au

Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre – THE PAJAMA GAME
21 – 30 May Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre

The Basin Theatre Group – MARY STUART ~ by John Patrick, an historical drama
20 May – 13 June      Theatre: Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Roads, The Basin
www.thebasintheatre.org.au 1300 784 668

Eighteen Twelve Theatre – THREE DAYS OF RAIN ~ by Richard Greenberg.
20 May – 19 June      Theatre: 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully, 3156.
www.1812theatre.com.au 9758 3964

Strathmore Theatre Arts Group – THE HISTORY BOYS ~ by Alan Bennett
27 May – 5 June      Community Centre, Theatre: Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts, Strathmore
www.stagtheatre.org 9379 5348

Brighton Theatre Company – THE POPULAR MECHANICALS ~ a comedy based on
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
27 May – 12 June      Brighton Arts & Cultural Centre, Wilson Street, Brighton
www.brightontheatreco.com 9589 0005

Babirra Music Theatre – KISMET ~ an Arabian Nights musical with music by Alexander Borodin
8:00pm 28, 29 May, 2, 3, 4, 5 June, also 2:00pm matinées 30 May & 5 June
Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading
www.babirra.org.au 9262 6555

Break A Leg Theatre & City of Traralgon Band – BRASSED OFF ~ Remember the movie?
7:30pm 28, 29, May & 3, 4, 5 June (also 2:00pm matinée 30 May)
Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon
5176 3559 or email boxoffice@latrobe.vic.gov.au

Wonthaggi Theatrical Group – OLIVER! ~  Lionel Bart musical based on Dickens’ novel, Oliver Twist
with Wayne Moloney (Roger DeBris in FAMDA’s The Producers) as Fagin
7:30 28, 29, May, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 June also 2:00 30 May, 5 & 12 June plus 5:00 6 June
Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre
Bookings:   Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club    5672 1083

Maffra Dramatic Society – GREASE
29 May - 5 June in Maffra and
7:30pm Sat 12 June & 2:00pm Sun 13 June@ Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Group – NOISES OFF! ~ a theatrical comedy by Michael Frayn
1 – 19 June 39 – 41 Castella St., Lilydale   www.lilydaleatc.com

Windmill Theatre Company – MISS SAIGON ~ Madame Butterfly meets Les Misérables
with Matt Hillman (Max Bialystock in FAMDA’s The Producers) as The Engineer
11, 12, 13*, 18, 19, 20*, 25, 26, 27*  June  (* = matinee)       Drum Theatre, Dandenong
www.wtc-theatre.com 9771 6666

Mountain District Musical Society – JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR ~
Andrew Lloyd-Webber & Tim Rice’s first sensational show
8:00pm 11, 12, 18, 19 June plus matinees 2:00pm Sat 12, Sun 13 & Sat19 June
Karralyka Theatre, Mines Road, Ringwood
mdms.org.au 0457 053 905

PLOS Musical Productions – THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE ~
The 2005 Tony Award winning musical
with Kate Williams (Ulla in FAMDA’s The Producers) as Marcy Park
8:00pm 17, 18, 19 June and 2:00pm Sunday 20 June   Frankston Arts Centre
Bookings: Frankston Arts Centre box office      9784 1060

Fab Nobs Theatre – REEFER MADNESS ~ a modern musical
with former Gippslander, Nick Kong, as Jimmy Harper
18 June – 3 July @ The Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater
8:00pm 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26  June, 1, 2, 3 July plus midnight show on Saturday 26 June
Bookings:   www.fabnobstheatre.com.au Anne 0401 018 846

Malvern Theatre Company – THE ARCADIANS ~ The My Fair Lady of 1909
8:15 pm 25, 26, 29, 30 June, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 July  2:00pm Sat 26 June & Sun 4 July
29a Burke Road, East Malvern
www.malverntheatre.com.au 1300 131 552

Mordialloc Theatre Company – THE UNDERPANTS ~ a comedy by Carl Sternheim
adapted by Steve Martin
25 June – 10 July        Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkers Rd., Parkdale
www.mordialloctheatre.com 9587 5141

Williamstown Musical Theatre Company – THAT MUSICAL FEELING! ~
Then, Now and Always! – a gala concert Cabaret performance   All tix $28
7:30 Saturday 26 June 2010 ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY @ Williamstown Town Hall
www.wmtc.org.au     1300 881 545

Williamstown Little Theatre – GLORIOUS! by Peter Quilter
1 – 17 July        Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown
www.wlt.org.au 9885 9678

Encore Theatre Company – DAYLIGHT SAVING ~ a comedy by Nick Enright
2 – 17 July    www.encoretheatre.com.au

Octave Theatre  – Once on this Island ~ a musical set on the French island of Antilles
8 – 11 July (8 & 9 July – 8:00pm, 10 July 5:00 & 9:00, 11 July 6:00)
Chapel Off Chapel

Frankston Theatre Group – YOUNG TURKS ~ a drama by Ray Thompson
16 – 25 July

Aspect Inc – CABARET ~ Fred Ebb & John Kander classic with Liza Minnelli in the movie
8pm 23, 24, 29 & 30 July plus 2:00pm 24 & 31 July
Shirley Burke Theatre, 164 Parkers Road, Parkdale
www.aspecttheatre.com 9580 8415 or 0419 308 636

Latrobe Theatre Company – HAY FEVER ~ a Noel Coward comedy
8:00pm July 30 & 31 … “The Wings”, Ronald Reserve Hall, Vary Street, Morwell
2:00pm & 8:00pm August 7 ... Traralgon Little Theatre
2:00pm & 8:00pm August 14 … Toongabbie Hall
www.latrobetheatrecompany.org.au

Sherbrooke Theatre Company - DOUBT ~ Pulitzer Prize drama by John Patrick Shanley
July 30,  31,   Aug 5, 6, 7,   12, 13, 14 @8.15pm also Aug 1 & 8 @5.15pm
Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
www.sherbrooketc.org.au …….. 1300 650 209

Catchment Players – HONK! Jr. ~ a contemporary musical based on
Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling
13 – 15 August      Banyule Theatre, Viewbank College, Buckingham Drive, Heidelberg
www.catchmentplayers.org.au           0437 228 246

BuST Co – CABARET ~ Musical with John Kander’s music, Fred Ebb’s lyrics
12, 13, 14 and 18, 19, 20, 21 August @ 8:00pm Sunday matinée  2:00pm 15 August
Phoenix Theatre (P1.28), Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy., Burwood
Bookings: 0410 746 555

Adamson Theatre Company – CHESS ~ the legendary musical
16, 17, 18, 20 & 21 August ….. Wesley College, St.Kilda Road ….. 1300 785 660

Peridot Theatre – SANDCASTLES a comedy by Bob Larbey
13 – 28 August Unicorn Theatre, Mt. Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Road
www.peridot.com.au ….. 1300 138 646 (no mobiles),   9898 9090 (for mobiles)

Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group – PRESENT LAUGHTER ~ a Noel Coward comedy
8:00pm 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 August also 2:00pm 22 August
Strathmore Community Centre, Cnr. Loeman & Napier Streets, Strathmore
www.stagtheatre.org …….9379 5348

Melbourne French Theatre - L’ENMERDEUR  (The Pain in the @*#!)
Collingwood College, corner Cromwell Street & McCutcheon Way
Tuesday 24 August to Saturday 28 August inclusive at 8.00 pm
Matinées: Fri 27 August & Sat 28 August at 2.30 pm
www.mftinc.org …… 9349 2250

1812 Theatre – DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE ~ a macabre and eerie tale
of transformation and the battle of good and evil.
5 August – 4 September,  evenings 8:30 matinées 4:00pm
3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully
www.1812theatre.com.au …… 9758 3964 

Brighton Theatre Company – IRON ~ a drama by Rona Monro directed by Richard Keown
13 August – 4 September      Brighton Arts & Cultural Centre, Wilson Street, Brighton
www.brightontheatreco.com ….. 9589 0005

CPAC (Cardinia Performing Arts Company) – THE MUSIC MAN ~ 76 Trombones
in a Tony award winning musical
8:00pm 21, 27, 28, 29 Aug, 3 Sept,  2:00pm Sundays 22 & 29 August, 7:00pm Friday 2 Sept
Cardinia Performing Arts Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham
0407 090 354 …    .. email:  mene70@hotmail.com..

Tania Pell has become the young face of FAMDA when she was elected president of Foster Amateur Music & Drama Association at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 11 March 2010.

Joining her on the committee is Andrew Oldroyd as secretary plus new members, Nicole Cooper, Louise Harfield, Amanda Mahomed, Jane Park and Peter Rushen.

The committee is now enriched with some vibrant and enthusiastic young blood, keen to take on the challenges ahead for FAMDA.

Dianne Paragreen, Norm Willoughby and Jennifer Paragreen remain on the committee as Vice President, Treasurer and Publicity Officer respectively with Linda Giddy and Barbara Partridge, giving the committee a good blend of youth and experience.

Outgoing chairman, Max Hastings, thanked the retiring members of the committee for their past efforts and expressed the hope that that they will continue their involvement with FAMDA.

Committee  2010 – 2011

President:  Tania Pell
Vice President:  Dianne Paragreen
Secretary:  Andrew Oldroyd
Treasurer:  Norm Willoughby
Publicity Officer:  Jennifer Paragreen

General:  Nicole Cooper,  Linda Giddy,  Louise Harfield,  Amanda Mahomed,  Jane Park,  Barbara Partridge, Peter Rushen.

ACTIVITIES REPORT  2009 – 2010

Delivered by Max Hastings

RESIGNATION OF PRESIDENT

I would like to begin this report by acknowledging Max Adam’s term as President of FAMDA.

Max has been a member of FAMDA since 2001, served as president from 2006 – 2009 and has otherwise served on the committee since 2002 During his term as president the group has achieved great progress in organisation and success in engaging new members. His leadership style has encouraged members of the community to be involved with FAMDA on many differing levels and has contributed significantly to the group’s success.

Max directed the One Act Play Altered Egos in 2001. This was his first directorial involvement. He appeared in Guys and Dolls in 2002 and directed his first Music Hall in 2003.

He assumed the presidency following my resignation in May 2006. He was elected President at AGM 2007 and continued until October 2009.

It was with regret that the committee also accepted the resignations of LeeAnne Mitchell, Andrew Oldroyd, Trish O’Neill, Tania Pell, Dianne Frey, Genevieve Moore and Raymond Dunstan during the year. Their work on behalf of FAMDA is greatly appreciated.

CAPITAL WORK AND EQUIPMENT

We added to our lighting grid with the purchase of lighting equipment at a cost of $5000.  A dollar for dollar Shire grant softened the impact of this purchase.

We purchased 14 new wireless microphones for our production of  Into the Woods.

This decision was taken because the cost of purchase was not appreciably different from the cost of hire. While the outlay was a significant one, an opportunity to recoup costs exists in hiring the equipment to other companies.

WEBSITE

Elizabeth Richardson has established an informative attractive and user friendly website with links to many other like sites.

SPONSORSHIPS

We continue to sponsor an arts scholarship at South Gippsland Secondary College and two Gippsland Associated Theatre awards.

We also seek a major sponsor for FAMDA as identified through our Five Year Plan discussions.

On the other hand we thank the local businesses who have supported FAMDA, by sponsoring advertising and in kind, during 2009.

AFFILIATIONS

We continue to support Gippsland Associated Theatre, the Victorian Drama League and the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria through our membership and participation in their activities.

PLANNING AND PROTOCOLS

Work continues on planning processes, protocols and job descriptions.

Linda Giddy has been leading us through workshop sessions to help us clarify our goals and to better understand the most effective and efficient ways of communicating with our community, through the preparation of a five year action plan. We will continue to address the issues raised through her workshops, [organisational / promotional / financial / planning / facilities], under her guidance.

Refinement continues of the Standards and Expectations document presented in March 2009, providing a reference point for FAMDA activities that will be especially useful to new members.

FAMDA 2009 PROGRAM

Bush Magic - An Edwin Coad pantomime complete with puppets

Dinner at Hugo’s -  An Edwin Coad drama directed by Raymond Dunstan

One Act Play Festival – Very high standards and increased entries

Into the Woods  - A Sondheim classic

The Prom Coast Singers performed at Promontory Dreaming as part of Seachange Festival and also at the Anzac Day ceremony and Community Carols with Paddy Broberg as director.

FAMDA 2010 PROGRAM

Family films
These were screened over four days in January this year to very modest audiences but remain a possible service to the community in future years.

Speaking in Tongues
Scheduled for May 2010, this play by Andrew Bovell had to be abandoned because unfortunately, it failed to attract a cast.

The South Gippsland One Act Play Festival
This will continue on 21 & 22 August 2010.

We are endeavouring to make this festival a feature of the Victorian one act play circuit and the support and standard of entries last year encourages us in that goal.

Sponsorship from the Toora and District Branch of the Bendigo Bank also makes it a very enticing competition.

Cabaretro

A sophisticated cabaret reminiscent of Paris in the 1890’s and Berlin in the 1920’s is planned for September/October 2010. It will make use of the vast array of talent available in South Gippsland and promises to provide a diversity of entertainment, inviting atmosphere and quality dining.

AWARDS

Congratulations to FAMDA’s award winners of 2009.

Music Theatre Guild of Victoria – Louise Dower as Milky White in Into the Woods.

Victorian Drama League and Gippsland Associated Theatre – Rob Ellis, John Laurie and Jules Schmidt for composing, playing and recording the “dinner music” for Dinner at Hugo’s.

Gippsland Associated Theatre – Fiona Watts (Lead Female), Josh Gardiner (Junior Male), Louise Dower (Junior Female) and Andrew Oldroyd (Lighting Design) all for Into the Woods.

It was also pleasing to see John Laurie earn a Music Theatre Guild commendation for his direction of Into the Woods.

THE FAMDA FAMILY

The FAMDA family continues to flourish.

Into the Woods saw 8 performers new to the FAMDA stage.

The production included a new director, new set designers, a new choreographer and at least 10 new production crew helpers.

Dinner at Hugo’s also introduced 2 new performers to the FAMDA stage.

Bush Magic saw a large number of people join FAMDA.

As Max Adam noted in last year’s annual report, ‘Our door is always wide open to anyone who may consider getting involved in performance or production.’  And so it remains.  FAMDA welcomes anyone who wishes to become involved with any aspect of the group’s activities.

GRANT APPLICATIONS

During the year we applied for a Regional Arts Fund grant to run workshops. This application was unfortunately unsuccessful.

We also made a successful application to Bendigo Bank – One Act Play Festival Sponsorship for 2010.

GIPPSLAND ASSOCIATED THEATRE REPRESENTATION

Norm Willoughby has continued to represent FAMDA on the Gippsland Associated Theatre Committee. He is also the G.A.T. treasurer.

Jennifer Paragreen’s knowledge of theatre and literary skills are invaluable assets in her continuing representation of FAMDA on the G.A.T. judging panel.

Andrew Oldroyd will serve as FAMDA’s G.A.T. judge for 2010.

Our thanks to Norm, Jennifer and Andrew.

THANKS

Thanks once again to everyone involved in FAMDA’s activities during 2009.

Finally, I would like to conclude by thanking FAMDA members, especially the FAMDA committee, for their continuing involvement and support of community theatre in Foster.

Max Hastings
Acting Chair

PRESENTATIONS

Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Max Adam and Raymond Dunstan.

MAX ADAM

in recognition of his  enthusiastic involvement with FAMDA 2001 – 2009

Max offered to direct Altered Egos for FAMDA’s inaugural One Act Play Festival.   He  joined the committee in 2002, ultimately serving as president from 2006 – 2009.

During this time he  produced, directed and chaired two Music Halls for FAMDA and took on the challenge of directing the world première of Stringlines.

As a representative of FAMDA, Max has sung, danced, acted, directed, produced, been an MC, public speaker and a diplomat.  Always willing to take on new challenges, he even developed puppeteering skills put to use in Bush Magic.

While president, Max saw FAMDA achieve great progress in organisation and success in engaging new members and contributed significantly to the group’s success.

RAYMOND DUNSTAN

in recognition of the great contribution he has made to FAMDA to date

FAMDA appreciates Raymond’s fine efforts as a director, actor, committee member and a friend.

He has given us some inspirational experiences especially as director / designer for Oedipus Rex, Ebenezer’s Dream and Dinner at Hugo’s and encouraged us to embark on the One Act Play circuit.

We have admired his acting skills in productions such as Shadowlands and A Month of Sundays and appreciated Raymond’s willingness to take on daunting tasks and his meticulous attention to detail as a director and as our secretary.

FAMDA thanks him for the vision which has encouraged us to expand our theatrical horizons.

ENTERTAINMENT

After the formalities of the Annual General Meeting, Martin and Jack Chatfield provided some excellent musical entertainment which was followed by a tasty supper.

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

With the pending retirement of our founding Musical Director, Paddy Broberg, there is great enthusiasm from 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, now 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 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.

Musical 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. The position is not salaried although travel expenses can be met.

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 Pam 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.

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. PCS 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.

Expressions of Interest Wanted

To continue this rich music making history the Prom Coast Singers are now seeking a 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.

The position is not salaried although travel expenses can be met.

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

*    *    *    *

Members of the Prom Coast Singers again contributed to the 2010 Anzac Day ceremony in Foster .

*    *    *    *

FAMDA’s PLANNED PRODUCTION OF

SPEAKING IN TONGUES …………………………………………………..

HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED

FAMDA would like to hear from
anyone willing to direct a play for
FAMDA to stage in May – July 2010

Interested?

Contact:  Max Hastings   5682 2293 or mjh [@] dcsi.net.au

Speaking in Tongues by Andrew Bovell

The Australian play leading to the movie, Lantana.

4 actors [2m /2f] playing 9 roles

Directed by Max Hastings to be staged 14 – 22 May 2010

Speaking in Tongues is an intriguing drama by the Australian playwright, Andrew Bovell, whose most recent play, When the Rain Stops Falling, was one of the hits of the 2009 Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, when staged by Brink Productions in association with the Melbourne Theatre Company.

In both Speaking in Tongues and When the Rain Stops Falling characters reappear, others disappear. Stories told in one part take on significance in another part.

The plays are driven by a sense of mystery. The answers are there but they are elusive.

The plot doesn’t always move forward – it leaps sideways and backwards,  often travelling back to moments already seen but revealing them from a different angle.

Speaking in Tongues was written by Andrew Bovell and first staged in 1998.

Bovell later adapted his own storyline  as the screenplay for the 2001 psychological thriller, Lantana, which starred Anthony LaPaglia and Kerry Armstrong with Rachel Blake, Geoffrey Rush, Leah Purcell and Barbara Hershey.

In Speaking in Tongues two married couples switch partners for the night.  Who will have the courage for betrayal?  Who will walk away?

A man weeps in the street after realising that his only love, long vanished, is alive and well – and has completely forgotten him.

A woman disappears on a lonely road, late at night, leaving ominous last words on her absent husband’s answering machine; at the same time, a man covered in blood comes home and throws a woman’s shoe into an adjacent empty lot.

There are nine characters in the storyline of Speaking in Tongues, but Bovell’s play dictates that they are played by four actors – two males and two females.

FAMDA is taking on the challenge of presenting this fascinating theatrical piece by staging Speaking in Tongues i14 – 22 May 2010 under the direction of Max Hastings.

FAMDA’s PRODUCTION OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES  …… HAS BEEN CANCELLED

The Steve Sedergreen Trio provided a near capacity audience with a wonderful evening of twilight jazz in Foster on Sunday 7 February2010.

The Trio, comprising Steve Sedergreen on piano, James Clark on bass and Michael Jordan on drums and occasional vocals began the evening with “Watch What Happens”.

What happened was a great feast of music with songs ranging from “Someday My Prince Will Come”, “Corcovado (Quiet Nights)” and “Sunny Side of the Street” to “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”.

In the second half of the program some of Steve Sedergreen’s students from Monash University joined in the music making.

The audience was delighted by Foster lad, David Dower’s interpretation on piano of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ and “All the Things You Are”.

Max Pfeifer augmented the Trio playing “Georgia” on trumpet and Chloe Dempsey thrilled the audience as the drummer for “Caravan”.

The performance resulted in a great boost to FAMDA’s depleted coffers and a good time was had by all, audience and musicians alike.

Enjoy the best jazz Melbourne has to offer with

the Steve Sedergreen Trio

Steve is a well established figure in the Melbourne jazz scene through a variety of activities including director of Dizzy’s Jazz Club (1999 – 2006); 20 years of teaching jazz (including mentoring members of The Cat Empire) and, of course, as a constantly in-demand musician over a wide range of performance situations from jazz clubs to major music festivals.

This highly respected jazz identity and pianist will be performing in Foster with his trio featuring Michael Jordan on drums and James Clark on bass.

You can enjoy a sensational evening of accessible and spirited jazz when the Steve Sedergreen Trio plays in Foster in the Anglican Church Hall, Station Road, from 6:00 to 8:30pm on Sunday 7 February.

This musical highlight is being hosted by FAMDA.

The ticket price is just $25.00.  Bookings via Main Street Revelations in Foster,  5682 1381.

Well over 200 theatre lovers flocked to the event, most of them really getting into the spirit of the evening by wearing colourful masks as the theme was masquerade.

Warragul Theatre Company’s version of the musical based on characters from Dr. Seuss’ stories, Seussical, was declared to be the most outstanding musical staged by a Gippsland company in 2009.

In the comedy and drama section Latrobe Theatre Company’s  Who Goes Bare? was victorious.

FAMDA’s production of the Stephen Sondheim musical, ‘Into the Woods’, earned four major awards.

The most outstanding lighting award was won by Andrew Oldroyd.
It was the fourth consecutive occasion on which Andrew has won this trophy and no mean feat as, on this occasion, not only had he designed the lighting plot, he also had a major on stage role as the Baker.
In accepting the award on Andrew’s behalf, the show’s director, John Laurie, paid tribute to Jan Bull who actually operated the lights for the production.

Fiona Watts won the award for the most outstanding lead actress in a musical for her performance as the Baker’s Wife so her Gippsland Theatre award will be heading to Western Australia.

Louise Dower, followed up her success at the Victorian Music Theatre Guild awards by winning the most outstanding junior female award as Milky White, Jack’s cow in Into the Woods.
In her acceptance speech Louise acknowledged the remarkable work of Amanda and Chris Mahomed in creating the cow’s costume.

The most outstanding junior male award was won by Josh Gardiner for his performance as Jack.
Josh has had an extremely busy year theatrically as he earned a Music Theatre Guild nomination as a junior male performer for playing Michael Spofford inThe Witches of Eastwick with Leongatha Lyric Theatre and was also in the Victorian State Schools’ production of Barnum in Melbourne.

David Tattersall’s special Judge’s Award went to Rob Ellis, John Laurie and Jules Schmidt for their creativity in composing, playing and recording the “dinner music” for FAMDA’s play, Dinner at Hugo’s, which was staged in May.

The full list of Gippsland Associated Theatre awards for the most outstanding performances of 2009 is included below.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Most Outstanding Lead Actor– Male
Robbie Smith, Cat in the Hat – Seussical ~ Warragul Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Lead Actor– Female
Fiona Watts, The Baker’s Wife – Into the Woods ~ FAMDA

Most Outstanding Support Actor – Male
Scott Millar, Lumière – Beauty and the Beast ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Support Actor – Female
Denise Twite, Mrs Potts – Beauty and the Beast ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Musical Director
Kirk Skinner and Carmel Slater – West Side Story ~ Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

Most Outstanding Choreographer
Leasal Liddle-Pirouet – West Side Story ~ Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

Most Outstanding Director
Neil Goodwin – Seussical ~ Warragul Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Production
Seussical ~ Warragul Theatre Company

COMEDY / DRAMA

Most Outstanding Lead Actor– Male
Bruce Grainger, Benoit Pinglet – A Little Hotel on the Side ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre

Most Outstanding Lead Actor– Female
Krissie Creighton, Minnie – Who Goes Bare? ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Support Actor – Male
James Evans, Maxie Maudlin – Who Goes Bare? ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Support Actor – Female
Christine Skicko, Angelique – A Little Hotel on the Side ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre

Most Outstanding Director
Richard Tyler – Who Goes Bare? ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Production
Who Goes Bare? ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

GIPPSLAND THEATRE

Most Outstanding Youth Performer – Male ~ A TIE
Josh Gardiner, Jack – Into the Woods ~ FAMDA
Xavier Pellin, Jo Jo – Seussical ~ Warragul Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Youth Performer – Female
Louise Dower, Milky White – Into the Woods ~ FAMDA

Most Outstanding Set
John Hall – Beauty and the Beast ~ Latrobe Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Makeup & Hair Design
Shirley Nicholson – Seussical ~ Warragul Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Costume Design
Costume Team – Seussical ~ Warragul Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Lighting Design
Andrew Oldroyd – Into the Woods ~ FAMDA

Most Outstanding Technical Achievement
Flashpots & Pyrotechnics – Beauty and the Beast – Latrobe Theatre Company

Most Outstanding Chorus/Ensemble
The Jets – West Side Story ~ Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

Most Outstanding Program Design
Kerena McLaren – The Witches of Eastwick ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre

Alby Fisher Memorial Award for Creativity
Sacha Lamont – Set dressing, A Little Hotel on the Side ~ Leongatha Lyric Theatre

Congratulations to all involved.

http://lifegames.com.au/gat-awards-2009/

Louise Dower received a Judge’s Award at the prestigious Music Theatre Guild of Victoria held at the Frankston Arts Centre on  Saturday 5  December 2009.

Louise won the award for her sensitive and intelligent performance as the cow, Milky White, in FAMDA’s production of the ‘Into the Woods’, staged in Foster in October.

Louise attended the awards with her father, Ray, and an extra surprise was having her grandmother in the audience because she had gone to see her grandson perform with Carey Musical Theatre Company.

Louise also received congratulations from Leongatha Lyric friends with whom she performed in ‘A Little Hotel on the Side’ and Wonthaggi friends who worked with her last year in ‘Les Misérables’.

It turned out to be an exciting night for South Gippsland theatre companies with four “Bruce Bricks” going to Leongatha Lyric Theatre for its production of ‘The Witches of Eastwick’.

Three of these were awarded to Colin Mitchell in the categories of  Settings, Wardrobe and Design.
The design award was described as being for Colin’s work on the “flying scene / welding scene / moon scene”.
Leongatha Lyric also received the Technical Achievement award for ‘The Witches of Eastwick’.

The Choreography  award was won by Leasal Liddle-Pirouet for her work on ‘West Side Story’ for Wonthaggi Theatrical Group.

Another award going to Wonthaggi was a judge’s award to Chris Beasley for his performance as Tony, in ‘West Side Story’.

The prestigious Production of the Year award went to Ballarat Lyric Theatre for ‘Les Misérables’ which also earned awards for Direction, Musical Direction and Lighting as well as Male Performer in a Leading Role and Cameo performance.

The only other company to earn multiple awards was Williamstown Musical Theatre with two Bruce Bricks for its production of ‘Assassins’.

A full list of Music Theatre Guild of Victoria awards is available on www.musictheatreguildvic.org

VICTORIAN DRAMA LEAGUE

The Victorian Drama League awards for plays were presented in Melbourne on Sunday night, 6 December.

FAMDA scored a Judge’s Award for the original music created for ‘Dinner at Hugo’s’.  The songs were composed and performed by Rob Ellis with assistance from John Laurie and Jules Schmidt.

Leongatha Lyric Theatre had entered its comedy, ‘A Little Hotel on the Side’, and was delighted to receive nominations for Most Outstanding Comedy, Director (Raymond Dunstan), Costumes (Heather Drury), Lead Male (Bruce Grainger), Support Female (Christine Skicko) as well as a Judge’s Award for hairstyling by Maria Arestia.

The award for best comedy went to Geelong Repertory Company for ‘Popular Mechanicals’ and the Most Outstanding Drama award went to ‘Wit’, staged by Encore Theatre.

A full list of Victorian Drama League awards is available on www.theatrecraft.org.au

GIPPSLAND THEATRE

Gippsland theatre’s own night of nights happens on Saturday evening, 12 December, at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre.

It’s time to face the music and find out what the Gippsland Associated Theatre judges thought of each company’s productions and star performers in 2009.

The theme is masquerade and it’s a celebration of all the good things that have happened on the Gippsland theatre scene during the past year.

Come along and support your local theatre group as well as having a great night of theatre as Gippsland’s drama companies strut their stuff.

It’s time to face the music and find out what the GAT judges thought of your company’s productions and star performers in 2009.

You’re invited to put on a happy, glamorous or mysterious face as you frock up, suit up or mask up for this gala occasion.

Naturally there will be plenty of great music as our theatre groups perform.

The night begins with drinks at 7:30 and the awards presentation at 8:00 sharp.

FAMDA’s 2009 productions, Dinner at Hugo’s and Into the Woods, have been nominated in the following categories:

MUSICAL THEATRE

MOST OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION
Into the Woods

MOST OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR – Female
Nicole Cooper – The Witch
Fiona Watts – The Baker’s Wife

MOST OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ACTOR – Male
Tim Gesell – Cinderella’s Prince / Wolf

MOST OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Pamela Coad

MOST OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR
John Laurie

DRAMA/COMEDY

MOST OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION
Dinner at Hugo’s

MOST OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR ~ Male
Lloyd Morcom – Hugo

MOST OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR
Raymond Dunstan, Dinner at Hugo’s

GIPPSLAND THEATRE

MOST OUTSTANDING YOUTH PERFORMANCE – MALE
Josh Gardiner – Jack, Into the Woods

MOST OUTSTANDING YOUTH PERFORMANCE – FEMALE
Louise Dower – Milky White, Into the Woods

MOST OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN
Gavin van Eede / Sindy Virtue – Into the Woods

MOST OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
Anda Banikos – Into the Woods

MOST OUTSTANDING MAKEUP & HAIR DESIGN
Tania Pell & Team: Rhiarna Ball, Jeanette Bath, Denise Bravington, Roslyn Hanks, Durelle Lind, Sarah Lind, Chelsea Shellcott – Into the Woods

MOST OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN
Andrew Oldroyd – Dinner at Hugo’s
Andrew Oldroyd – Into the Woods

MOST OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Storm scene / Sound Effects – Into the Woods

MOST OUTSTANDING PROGRAM
Jennifer Paragreen – Into the Woods

Gippsland Associated Theatre Awards
OFFICIAL NOMINATIONS 2009

* Winners 2009 have been bolded.

Theatre Company Key
FAMDA  -  Foster Amateur Music & Drama Association
LLT  -  Leongatha Lyric Theatre
LTC  -  Latrobe Theatre Company
MDS  -  Maffra Dramatic Society
PLT -  Production Line Theatre, Bairnsdale
STC  -  Sale Theatre Company
WTC  -  Warragul Theatre Company
WTG  -  Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

MUSICAL THEATRE

MOST OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR – Male
Chris Beasley  - Tony West Side Story WTG
Michael Mendez - Horton Seussical WTC
Paul Smith - Darryl Van Horne The Witches of Eastwick LLT
* Robbie Smith - The Cat in the Hat Seussical WTC

MOST OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR – Female
Meagan Atkins - Maria West Side Story WTG
Nicole Cooper - The Witch Into the Woods FAMDA
Nicole Cooper - Jane Smart The Witches of Eastwick LLT
Britt Lewis - Gertrude McFuzz Seussical WTC
* Fiona Watts – The Baker’s Wife Into the Woods FAMDA

MOST OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ACTOR – Male
Andrew Braniff - Lefou Beauty and the Beast LTC
Tim Edwards - Clyde Gabriel The Witches of Eastwick LLT
Tim Gesell - Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf Into the Woods FAMDA
Rory Godbold - Riff West Side Story WTG
* Scott Millar - Lumière Beauty and the Beast LTC

MOST OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ACTOR – Female
Belinda Allen - Felicia Gabrielle The Witches of Eastwick LLT
Natasha Eastman-Nagle - Anybody’s West Side Story WTG
Sarah Kate Hanley - Anita West Side Story WTG
Tracey Rabl - The Sour Kangaroo Seussical WTC
* Denise Twite - Mrs Potts Beauty and the Beast LTC

MOST OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Glenn Calder/ Cheryl Connor - The Witches of Eastwick LLT
Pamela Coad - Into the Woods FAMDA
* Kirk Skinner/Carmel Slater - West Side Story WTG
David Williams - Seussical WTC

MOST OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER
* Leasal Liddle-Pirouet - West Side Story WTG
Penny-Lee Tomkins - Beauty and the Beast LTC
Rose Wray-McCann - The Witches of Eastwick LLT

MOST OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR
Brad Beach - The Witches of Eastwick LLT
Michelle Carrigy - Beauty and the Beast LTC
* Neil Goodwin - Seussical WTC
John Laurie - Into The Woods FAMDA
Karen Milkins-Hendry - West Side Story WTG

MOST OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION
Beauty and the Beast LTC
Into the Woods FAMDA
* Seussical WTC
The Witches of Eastwick LLT
West Side Story  WTG

DRAMA / COMEDY

MOST OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR – Male
Tim Clarke - Major Thomas Breaker Morant STC
Dan Devine - Lt Breaker Morant Breaker Morant STC
* Bruce Grainger - Benoit Pinglet A Little Hotel on the Side LLT
Andrew Hood - Brian Manchip Who Goes Bare? LTC
Lloyd Morcom - Hugo Dinner at Hugo’s FAMDA

MOST OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR – Female
* Krissie Creighton - Minnie Who Goes Bare? LTC

MOST OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ACTOR – Male
Brad Beach - Mathieu A Little Hotel on the Side LLT
* James Evans - Maxie Maudlin Who Goes Bare? LTC
Lawrie Fildes - Angus McSmith Who Goes Bare? LTC
Peter Gilbert - Henri Paillardin A Little Hotel on the Side LLT
Aron Toman - Maxime A Little Hotel on the Side LLT

MOST OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ACTOR – Female
Michelle Linahan - Police Officer Who Goes Bare? LTC
* Christine Skicko - Angelique Pinglet A Little Hotel on the Side LLT
Christine Skicko - Mrs Court-Bending Who Goes Bare? LTC
Jo Street - Victoire A Little Hotel on the Side LLT
Madeleine Carpenter - Nancy McSmith Who Goes Bare? LTC

MOST OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR
Raymond Dunstan - A Little Hotel on the Side LLT
Raymond – Dunstan Dinner at Hugo’s FAMDA
Steve Dwyer - Breaker Morant STC
* Richard Tyler - Who Goes Bare? LTC

MOST OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION
A Little Hotel on the Side LLT
Breaker Morant STC
Dinner at Hugo’s FAMDA
* Who Goes Bare? LTC

GIPPSLAND THEATRE

MOST OUTSTANDING YOUTH PERFORMANCE – MALE
Johnny Costin - Oliver Oliver! MDS
* Josh Gardiner - Jack Into The Woods FAMDA
* Xavier Pellin - Jo Jo Seussical WTC
Adam Turner - Jo Jo Seussical WTC

MOST OUTSTANDING YOUTH PERFORMANCE – FEMALE
* Louise Dower - Milky White Into The Woods FAMDA
Ferlein Fawcett - Nancy Oliver! MDS
Niamh Hassett - The Artful Dodger Oliver! MDS
Kelsea Timmers - Chip Beauty and the Beast LTC

MOST OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE
Fagin’s Gang - Oliver! MDS
The three Witches - The Witches of Eastwick LLT
* The Jets - West Side Story WTG
Who Goes Bare? – Cast Who Goes Bare? LTC

MOST OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN
* John Hall - Beauty and the Beast LTC
Tad Hendry - West Side Story WTG
Colin Mitchell - The Witches of Eastwick LLT
Gavin van Eede / Sindy Virtue - Into The Woods FAMDA
Neil Warren - A Little Hotel on the Side LLT

MOST OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
Anda Banikos - Into The Woods FAMDA
Heather Drury - A Little Hotel on the Side LLT
Colin Mitchell - The Witches of Eastwick LLT
Geelong Lyric Theatre/L Morey/K Creighton/K Dougan - Beauty and the Beast LTC
* Warragul Theatre Co Costume Team - Seussical WTC

MOST OUTSTANDING MAKEUP  & HAIR DESIGN
Maria Arestia / Sharon Hailey - A Little Hotel on the Side LLT
Bronwyn Beach – The Witches of Eastwick LLT
* Shirley Nicholson - Seussical WTC
Tania Pell/ Rhiarna Ball/ Jeanette Bath/ Roslyn Hanks/Trish O’Neill -  Into the Woods FAMDA
Sue Thompson - Beauty and the Beast LTC

MOST OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN
Michael Carmody / Scott Millar - Seussical WTC
Ewan Cole / John Cuttriss - West Side Story WTG
Russell Stewart - Beauty and the Beast LTC
Andrew Oldroyd - Dinner at Hugo’s FAMDA
* Andrew Oldroyd - Into the Woods FAMDA

MOST OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
* Flashpots & Pyrotechnics  - Beauty and the Beast LTC
Overcoming logistics involved in performing in a difficult venue  - Breaker Morant STC
Storm scene / Sound Effects – Into The Woods FAMDA
Flying Scene -  The Witches of Eastwick LLT
Train effect / Mobility of the set - West Side Story WTG

MOST OUTSTANDING PROGRAM
Jodie Dalton - West Side Story WTG
Steve Kirkbride - Seussical WTC
* Kerena McLaren - The Witches of Eastwick LLT
Jennifer Paragreen - Into The Woods FAMDA

FAMDA’s ‘Into the Woods‘ has been nominated by the Music Theatre Guild judges for a Technical Achievement award.

FAMDA will also receive a special judge’s award to be announced at the presentation night.

John Laurie has earned a MTGV commendation for his direction of  ‘Into the Woods‘.

MTGV awards presentation night Saturday 5 December 2009 at Frankston Arts Centre.
Hosted by PLOS.  Directors Brad Fischer and Nathan Firman.  Musical director: Bev Woodford.

MUSIC THEATRE GUILD OF VICTORIA
Awards for Excellence 2009
NOMINATIONS (Open Section)

PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR
Les Misérables, Ballarat Lyric Theatre
Miss Saigon, CLOC Musical Theatre
Seussical, Warragul Theatre Company
Sideshow, Octave Theatre
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!), SHooSH! Productions
Cole Porter’s High Society, CLOC Musical Theatre
Jesus Christ Superstar, Old Scotch Music and Drama Club
Assassins, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company

NOMINATIONS & COMMENDATIONS WITH GIPPSLAND CONNECTIONS

DIRECTION
Karen Milkins-Hendry, West Side Story, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Neil Goodwin, Seussical, Warragul Theatre Company

MUSICAL DIRECTION
Kirk Skinner / Carmel Slater, West Side Story, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

CHOREOGRAPHY
Leasal Liddle-Pirouet, West Side Story, Wonthaggi Theatrical Grou

SETTINGS
Colin Mitchell, The Witches of Eastwick, Leongatha Lyric Theatre

LIGHTING
Matt Saario, The Witches of Eastwick, Leongatha Lyric Theatre

WARDROBE
Colin Mitchell, The Witches of Eastwick, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Sophie Cuttriss, West Side Story, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Costume Team, Seussical, Warragul Theatre Company
Sheila Daniells / Ria Player / Joan Moulton, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Cardinia Performing Arts Company

TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
The Witches of Eastwick, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Into the Woods, FAMDA (Foster Amateur Music and Drama Association)

MALE PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Toby Truscott, John, Miss Saigon, CLOC Musical Theatre
Richard Green, Patsy, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Cardinia Performing Arts Company

FEMALE PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Sarah Kate Hanley, Anita, West Side Story, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

JUNIOR PERFORMER IN AN OPEN PRODUCTION
Josh Gardiner, Michael Spofford, The Witches of Eastwick, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Trent Hopkins, Baby John, West Side Story, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Adam Turner, Jojo, Seussical, Warragul Theatre Company

DESIGN AWARD
Colin Mitchell, flying scene / welding scene / moon scene, The Witches of Eastwick, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Rick Pendry, scenic art, West Side Story, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

ENSEMBLE AWARD
Male gang members, West Side Story, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

JUDGES’ AWARDS
Judges’ Awards will be presented to individuals/groups associated with productions by FAMDA (Foster Amateur Music and Drama Association), SHooSH! Productions, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group, Catchment Players of Darebin, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company and BuSTCo (Burwood Student Theatre Company).

Music Theatre Guild of Victoria
Awards for Excellence 2009
COMMENDATIONS (Open Section)

PRODUCTION
The Witches of Eastwick, Leongatha Lyric Theatre

DIRECTION
John Laurie, Into the Woods, FAMDA (Foster Amateur Music and Drama Association)

MALE PERFORMER IN A LEADING ROLE
Paul Smith, Darryl Van Horne, The Witches of Eastwick, Leongatha Lyric Theatre
Robbie Smith, The Cat in the Hat, Seussical, Warragul Theatre Company
Will Hanley, Buddy Foster, Sideshow, Octave Theatre
Michael Banks, King Arthur, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Cardinia Performing Arts Company

MALE PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Peter Knigge, Lt Schrank, West Side Story, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group
Trent Hopkins, Baby John, West Side Story, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group

FEMALE PERFORMER IN A LEADING ROLE
Sarah-Louise Younger, Lady of the Lake, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Cardinia Performing Arts Company

A full list of Music Theatre Guild Winners, Nominations & Commendations 2009  can be found on www.musictheatreguildvic.org

2008
Prom Coast Singers – 10th Anniversary Concert
One Act Festival – The ‘Ole in the Road
Blue Remembered Hills
Twisted Tales from the Woods

2007
The Producers
One Act Festival – The Bus Jumper / Open Call
Stringlines
Prom Coast Singers – Fire Up!
Prom Coast Singers – From Pop to Op(era)
Love Letters

2006
Ebenezer’s Dream
One-Act Festival – Pavane
Oedipus Rex
Prom Coast Singers – Stars and Maps Cantata

2005
Old Time Music Hall
Prom Coast Singers – Voices for Hospices – Cantata
One-Act Festival – Dinner for One
The Cemetery Club
Prom Coast Singers – Requiem & Polovtsienne Dances
Shadowlands
Alice in Wonderland

2004
Shirley Valentine
One-Act Festival – Chamber Music / Duchess on Thursday
Winter Warmers -Variety Concert
Prom Coast Singers – Essence of Folk

2003
FAMDA’s 50th Birthday Celebration
Old Time Music Hall
Prom Coast Singers – Mid-Winter Concert
One Act Festival – Barney
A Month of Sundays

2002
One-Act Festival – McGarrity Morgan
Guys and Dolls
Hotel Sorrento

2001
PCS – A Ceremony of Carols
One-Act Festival – Altered Egos
The Woman in Black

2000
A Christmas Cracker
Prom Coast Singers – Benefit Concert
Oliver!

1999
Love Letters
Educating Rita

1998
Round and Round the Garden
The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew

1997
Annie
Chinamen in Cabaret

1996
The Triple Treat – The Intruders / Mourning Tea / The Bespoke Overcoat
The Golden Legion of Cleaning Women

1995
The Music Man
Back to Famda

1994
Top Silk

1993
40th Birthday Celebrations
Fiddler on the Roof

1992
Barefoot in the Park

1991
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

1990
Follow the Star
My Friend Miss Flint

1989
Love Marriage & Complications
Oklahoma!

1988
200 Not Out
The Removalists

1987
The Curse of an Aching Heart
Salad Days

1986
Foster Improlympics

1985
Felicity’s Fortune

1984
John Goodfella
High Infidelity
Kiss Me Kate

1983
FAMDA’s 30th Birthday Party
Broadway Memories
Arsenic and Old Lace

1982
The Piperman
Foster’s Larger Music Hall
Don’s Party

1981
Blush
Once Upon a Mattress
An Evening with Barbara Fleming

1980
A Threepenny Christmas
Has Anyone Seen Mrs. Jones?
Arms and the Man

1979
Ten Nights in a Bar-Room

1978
The Importance of Being Earnest

1977
Follow the Star
The Birthday Party

1976
Sleeping Beauty
The Gondoliers

1975
Caught in the Villain’s Web
The Book of the Month
The Pajama Game

1974
Revue 21
The Man who Came to Dinner
Calamity Jane
Boeing Boeing

1973
Pure as the Driven Snow
White Horse Inn
Toad of Toad Hall

1972
Pearls for the Poor / Grand Scandal / Trial by Jury
The Pirates of Penzance

1971
Love Rides the Rails
The Shifting Heart

1970
Aladdin
Goodnight Mrs. Puffin
The Great Uncertainty

1969
Jack in a Beanstalk
Trap for a Lonely Man

1968
But Once a Year
Salad Days
Sailor Beware

1967
The Winslow Boy

1966
Rapunzel
A Lady Mislaid

1962
Patience

1961
The Enchanted Waltz
Maid of the Mountains
Meet a Body

1960
Mother Goose
Our Miss Gibbs
Candied Peel

1959
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
H.M.S. Pinafore
The Feminine Touch

1957
FAMDA’s 1957 Presentation
One Act Plays – Home is the Haunted

1958
Foster FAMDA’s 1958 Presentation
One Act Plays – The Spider Ring / Without the Prince

1956
The Mikado
A Night of One-Act Plays – High Tea

1955
Presentation Night
Trial By Jury / Master Dudley

1954
FAMDA Frolics

1953
Foster Frolics

Find the complete gallery from “Into The Woods” at
http://lifegames.com.au/into-the-woods-famda/

…or feel free to browse through our selections below…

Pictures courtesy of lifegames photography

Paddy has prepared a CD for each part (similar format to those for Prom Dreaming), a copy of which would be available for anyone requesting it.

Rehearsals will be principally on Tuesday evenings. Our first rehearsal is 7:30pm on Tuesday 3rd November at the Anglican Church Hall, Station Road, Foster.

The Prom Coast Singers subsequently performed at the Community Carols in Foster on Sunday 20 December 2009.