Annual Report

Annual Report for Bendigo Theatre Company inc.  2009

Ladies and gentlemen it is with much pleasure I present to you the 2009 Annual Report for the Bendigo Theatre Company.

The two vacant positions on the general committee last year were filled shortly after the AGM. We thank Noel Paech and Evalyn Charalambous for the time and support they have given to the company.

BTC gave Bendigo audiences a real ‘shake up’ in May with their musical production All Shook Up. Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, this jukebox musical was set in the summer of 1955.
The story of this new musical was based on the plot of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and opened on Broadway in 2005.  Bringing the Bard (William Shakespeare) and the king of rock ‘n’roll together – what a combination.

Some 140 people attended information night for audition bookings and volunteering their services to behind-the-scenes work. The production offered and exciting mix of music, characters and plots.  Lisa Gellel was appointed director/ choreographer and Cathy Moore musical director. Their commitment to the production, coupled with the enthusiastic cast, in no small way contributed to the success of the show both theatrically and financially. 

May saw the staging in the Old Fire Station of Hannie Rayson’s powerful Australian drama Inheritance. It dealt with divisions. The division between the city and the bush, the division between black and white, and the division between duty and freedom.

Given Inheritance was on the 2009 VCE syllabus list, invitations were sent to English and Drama Departments of local and district schools. This was well received with VCE students attending from across the state.They were thrilled to be given the opportunity to see the play live before they sat for their exams. Students were given the opportunity to stay after the performance for question and discussion time. This was a productive session with many questions being asked of the director and cast. We also made provision for ten university students who were studying to be professional Auslan interpreters. Helen Topp, hearing impaired studies coordinator in Bendigo, approached us about supporting them with one of their compulsory units; to attend four plays being interpreted by a professional. Usually they have to incur the costs of travelling to Melbourne as well as covering the costs of high priced tickets. Helen negotiated covering the professional interpreter’s fees to come to Bendigo. All involved enjoyed this experience. Wherever possible BTC are committed to supporting bringing professional training to the regional area.

We are thrilled to announce that every performance was a sell out before the doors opened.  John Murray, the cast and crew are to be congratulated for their commitment to this success.

As in the past, the staging of these shows would not have been possible without the reliable and on going support from many people in the areas of set construction, lighting, properties, make up, hair, rehearsal and back stage crews. These people bring the directors design and concept to life. Thanks are extended to them and their support people for their contribution.

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. Their support is invaluable to ensure the continued success of community theatre.

The company applied for a cultural grant from the Greater City of Bendigo. We received $1,200 to contribute to the overall cost for the purchase of a platform ladder. We are appreciative of their support to BTC.

The grant application we submitted to the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust to purchase a revolve and a trailer was also successful. We thank the Trust and Ron Munro for their support to BTC.

Development continued on our Arts Shed continued during 2009 including the installation of a lighting rig and necessary lighting accessories, lofts for bio box and follow spot, risers for tiered seating, room divider at back and sides of seats, the main hall painted black and the green room and kitchen freshened up with a coat
of paint. Wall fans were installed in the main hall, but we need to address greater comfort control during the warmer months.

Our sponsors have continued to give tremendous support. Chiefly Hume and Iser with donations of goods and discounts on purchases and Corvan Hughes, Centravic Electrical Contractor with substantial discounts on materials used. Corvan has also sort out sponsorship for the exit signs to be installed. This will be completed when we receive a floor plan from council.

This is an exciting time in the history of Bendigo Theatre Company.  After 58 years of continuous and on going commitment to the arts in our community, we now have a permanent and secure home with a well equipped black box rehearsal/ performance area, ample storage and construction facilities. This could not have been achieve without the support and cooperation from the City of Greater Bendigo, businesses and the many countless voluntary hours  given by members of our community.

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.

Sincere thanks to the 2009 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 is also extended to the members and volunteers who have continued to support the Company. Your support is much appreciated. If you have the time, we would love to see you on one of our sub committees.

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 2010. We have a great year ahead of us with a variety of activities and productions to be staged.

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 2009

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