Annual Report
for Bendigo Theatre Company inc. 2007
Ladies and gentlemen I present to you the 2007 Annual Report for the
Bendigo Theatre Company.
It is with much pleasure that I commence with the progress on our Arts
Shed and to report that the projects and goals set for development during 2007 were
achieved. The first project, the insulation of the walls in the main area and
line them with plaster. Our extended thanks go to Hume and Iser for the sponsorship
of timber and plaster, builder Tony Cowling for his affordable quote for the
labour and Bendigo Community Correctional Services for painting the walls. With
the installation of heaters we now have greater comfort control which was much
appreciated during the colder months.
The second project was the construction of the toilet block and veranda
off the green room to allow access through the back area. The funding of this
project would not have been possible without the support from the City of Greater Bendigo for the
grant of $8,000 that we matched dollar for dollar and the Australian Technical
College Bendigo apprentice training program for the labour.
The third major project was to upgrade electrical circuits and install
new switchboard. Our thanks for this go to Corvan Hughes, Centravic Pty Ltd electrical
contractors. He generously arranged for
the main switchboard to be donated by Eaton Switchboard manufactures -
approximate value $5,000. This main switchboard contains ELCB safety switches.
An adequate amount of power points have been installed along with the hot water
service.
Opening the wall between the green room and the kitchen has made this
area more accessible and comfortable for all and is being used for rehearsal
breaks and a meeting room. This project was undertaken by Ray Smith who also
gave a tremendous amount of time supporting all other projects completed in
2007. He also constructed tiered costume racks in the men’s wardrobe room and
attended to countless maintenance chores.
Our most sincere thanks go to Ray.
Our financial investment in the Arts Shed this year will be well recouped
by not paying venue hire to other organisations for the use of their space. As
well as having everything under the one roof, another major advantage is having
access at any time of day or evening. I believe this amazing progress will hold
the company and its members in good stead for many decades to come.
To off set the increasing cost of administration and productions, a hire
fee was set for use of our costumes, properties, sets and resources. This has generated income other than
memberships and box office. The income
from hires was and will continue to be used to further develop the Arts
Shed. We have reached the stage where we
are able to hire the venue to schools and community organisations. St Joseph’s primary
school hired the main area for a full day in August to rehearse their
production of ‘Aladdin’. They were
thrilled to rehearse on a space the same size as the Capital. They have
indicated they want the space again in 2008. We will promote this advantage to
other schools and groups in the district. Ideally hiring the space during the
day is a suitable arrangement that doesn’t interfere with our evening use of
the space.
Development will continue during 2008, but now the major projects are
completed the smaller ones will be undertaken at a more comfortable pace. We
are thrilled to have the Australian Technical College Bendigo apprentice
training program support for 2008. They will undertake smaller projects such as
shelving in the green room to house our library, construct more costume racks,
shelves in the props room, and many more minor but important projects that must
be completed.
Our theatre season commenced in the Old Fire Station in April with the
staging of Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Confusions’.
This delightful drama, a collection of five interlinked one act plays,
Mother Figure, Drinking Companion, Between Mouthfuls, Gosforth’s Fete and A
Talk in The Park, with a cast of thirteen who took on multiple roles over the
five plays was directed by John Murray. We have since seen many from his cast
showcased in further productions. We thank John for his commitment to training
the youth in our company.
A matinee preview performance was presented in the OFS to the residents
from Golden Oaks Nursing Home. A grand afternoon was had by all with their
staff providing afternoon tea for all.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was staged in the Capital in
May and showcased some of the finest talent in Bendigo. Marc McIntyre was appointed Director
and Adam Lyon Musical Director. It was with great excitement that the company
prepared for this show. Marc’s artistic concept and vision of a circus theme
allowed us to see ‘Joseph’ as we have never seen it before. All involved in the
production enjoyed his relaxed and thoughtful approach to the show.
The second musical for the year was the popular ‘Old Chestnut’ ‘Oklahoma’.
John Trainor senior was appointed Director, Judy Chalmers Musical Director and Emma-Maree
Rowland Choreographer. It was John’s debut with BTC and there wasn’t much he
didn’t know about his favourite musical. He had been cast in it on many
occasions as well as directing it in Sydney.
Given the restricted time frame between ‘Joseph’ finishing and ‘Oklahoma’ rehearsals
commencing, he quickly bridged the gap and before we knew it, it was opening
night. Well done and thank you John.
The staging of these shows would not have been possible without the
reliable and on going support from so many people in the areas of set
construction, lighting, properties, make up, hair, rehearsal and back stage
crews. These are the people who bring the directors design and concept to life;
thanks are extended to them and their support people for their contribution. To
all involved in the productions we thank you.
For all our productions, the smooth transition from rehearsal to
performance venue was made possible due to the support given by management and
staff at The Capital. We thank them all. Their support is invaluable to ensure
the continued success community theatre.
Horizons Drama
School ran three class levels, Primary,
Intermediate and Advanced. The convenience of classes in the Arts Shed allowed
easy access to costumes, props and sets. This was much appreciated by tutors
and students alike. Our thanks are extended to all tutors for their efforts
during the year.
During the year the company continued to network with many community organisations
and schools by supporting them in many varied ways, such as work placements,
work experience, space and recourses to build sets, hire of sets, costumes and
properties and rehearsal venue space. This
important assistance demonstrates our commitment to the Arts in Bendigo and surrounding
districts.
We have a great year ahead of us, but it is
important to remember that community theatre is run by voluntary members with
varied time to offer. But, if elected or nominated to the committee, it should
be understood that it does require a commitment. Many times the work load is
done by too few.
To our Patron Dawn Colbourne and the Committee of 2007, my biggest thanks
are reserved for you.
We have seen many great things happen this year. Thank you to the committee members whose commitment to the interest of
the company was evident throughout the year. You deserve much recognition for
the many hours of hard work, so often ‘behind the scenes’ that you gave.
Finally, thank you to all the
members who have continued to support the company. We are entering the year 2008
with confidence and enthusiasm. I wish the incoming committee every success and
I look forward to a positive and successful year.
Ladies and Gentleman, thank you for your attention.
Gael Emond
President 2007
