Annual Report

Annual Report for Bendigo Theatre Company Inc. 2010.

Ladies and Gentleman, it is with much pleasure I present to you the 2010 Annual Report for the Bendigo Theatre Company (BTC). 
January marked an exciting time in the history of BTC.  After 13 years, the old, unlined tin shed with a rough, asphalt floor was transformed into a well equipped, Black box rehearsal/performance area with ample storage and construction facilities.  The Art Shed development would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our sponsors, chiefly the City of Greater Bendigo for their ongoing support, particularly the last 12 months incurring the costs of Occupational Health & Safety requirements needed to obtain a permanent certificate of occupancy.  Throughout 2010 upgrades and additions were made to the Lighting Rig, UHF Headsets, and fire safety equipment including extinguishers, a fire hose, smoke alarms, emergency lighting and exit signs.  BTC would like to acknowledge the support of Corvan Hughes of Centravic Electrical contractors, Hume & Iser and the Bendigo Regional Institute of Tafe Apprenticeship & Work Skills Program under the direction of Leigh Andrews for their support and many hours spent on building new infrastructure. 
As part of the OH&S requirements, 10 BTC members are now Certified Fire Wardens.  It is necessary for a Fire Warden to be on duty during public performances and we would like to thank Mark Dean from Sandhurst Fire Protection for sponsoring this training.
An open day was held on Saturday the 23rd of January for BTC members and the general public to view the new additions to the Arts Shed.  The official opening by Mayor Rob Campbell was celebrated on Friday 29th of January.  Invited guests included City of Greater Bendigo Council and Staff, Members of the Arts Community, Sponsors, Trades people and the volunteers who gave so many hours of their time. 
Three Plays were staged during 2010. In March – “Mother and Son”, April – “They Came From Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in time for the Townswomen’s Guild Coffee Morning” and finally in October – “Don’s Party”.  All three plays were well patronised with nearly full houses for all performances.  We thank all members of the production teams and casts for their artistry, talents and time in bringing these plays to the stage.  The venue passed its initiation as a performance space with feedback being positive and patrons pleased with their theatre going experience.
In August BTC staged the beloved musical “Annie”.  This show, with its message of optimism and hope, continues to delight audiences and provides opportunities for performers of all ages to tread the boards.  The show drew excellent crowds with several performances to full houses.  We thank all involved for making “Annie” an enjoyable and memorable experience.
BTC would like to thank all staff at the Capital Theatre for their assistance with staging Annie.  Once again they have been of invaluable assistance across all areas in producing our shows.
After a hiatus in training and development due to ongoing works at the Arts Shed, and the time needed to achieve results with these capital works programs, BTC is pleased to announce, in response to community requests, a restarting of the educational programs offered by the company.  Matthew Emond was appointed to the position of Artistic Director for professional development and artistic direction. He is currently facilitating and delivering these educational programs. He returns to the BTC after a long career working in the theatre professionally in Sydney and Melbourne.  Matthew started his career at BTC in the early 1990’s and was an active member on committee and stage. 
Training is being provided in performing, directing, lighting and production skills for emerging and experienced performers and production teams alike.  This artistic training will culminate with the Production “Peter Pan” being staged in The Capital Theatre July 2011.
On November 28th 2010, an information session was held with over 200 people in attendance.  Resulting from this, a program is now underway with 70 participants currently involved. 
The hiring of our resources is continuing to generating income other than memberships and box office. The hire fees set for use of costumes, properties, sets, hazer and other resources, contributes to the increasing costs of administration and productions.
 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, hire of sets, costumes and properties. This important assistance demonstrates our commitment to the Arts in Bendigo and surrounding districts.
We were approached by Tarrengower Women’s Prison to facilitate a drama or variety performance as part of their creativity and wellness sessions giving the women of Tarrengower the opportunity to participate in an activity that they have never tried before. Maureen Fleiner and myself accepted to facilitate this three months project which culminated into a variety concert.  It was well received by the women and many new skills and responsibilities were gained in producing and performing in a production. There are many talented women at the prison who are very creative and they were appreciative of BTC for the time dedicated to their project and for loan of costumes and props.
Sincere thanks to the 2010 committee members whose commitment to the company was evident throughout the year. You deserve much recognition for the many hours of constant work that you gave.
Thanks are also extended to the members and volunteers who have continued to support the Company. Your support is much appreciated.
Finally, the incoming committee must be mindful that the acceptance of your position does require a commitment to the responsibilities you have accepted.  We will continue to encourage sub committees to lighten the work load of the general committee. We are all volunteers and the work load must be shared. My best wishes for a tremendously successful 2011.
BTC will continue to foster a love of live theatre and work for the betterment of amateur theatre in Bendigo.
Ladies and Gentleman, thank you for your attention.

Gael Emond
President 2010

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