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Auditions - Diggers Darling
Roo Theate Co.
Directed by Gordon Streek Information Night
Monday 20th July 2009
Auditions
Sunday 26th & Monday 27th July Production Season 21st October - 7th November 2009
For more information phone (02) 4297 2891 Index
Grace Oliver
The funeral service will be on Monday, May 25th, 2009 at Uniting Church, Princes Highway, Dapto commencing at 10:00am. (next to Dapto Medical Centre)
Alternative parking access via Marshall St.
Grace Oliver was a leading light of Illawarra's theatre fraternity during the 70's, 80's and 90's primarily with The Port Kembla Little Theatre and Wollongong Workshop Theatre. Her almost majestic bearing together with a warm and gracious personality will be well remembered. She will be sadly missed.
Olav
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I'm so sorry to hear about Grace. Her passing is such a loss to the Illawarra's theatre scene. She will be remembered not only for her talent and her passion but also her legacy, which helped make the region's community theatre what it is now.
On a personal level, I felt so privileged when she auditioned for Importance of Being Earnest and had the opportunity to work with her for a second time. Despite the fact her bout with cancer had left her with a weakened voice, she put in stellar performances and (between you and me) I would argue her diction and projection was better than some of the other cast. I'll never forget the time at rehearsals she and Tom Hadley appeared on stage with grass in their hair. Apparently, the two had decided that Prism and the Canon had gone for a roll in the hay during their morning stroll. They both looked like cheeky little kids and Grace had this wry smile on her face, which made me think it was Tom's idea, but she got a giggle from going along with it.
Kilmeny
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By EMMA SHAW (Illawarra Mercury 26th May 2009)
THE Illawarra theatre com munity is mourning the loss of its "grande dame", Grace Oliver, after the Dapto woman lost her battle against cancer.
Mrs Oliver died on May 18 2009, after first being, diagnosed with throat cancer eight years ago.
Her funeral was held at Dapto Uniting Church on Monday, and friend and fellow thespian Deborah Mulhall said the farewell drew a large crowd.
"It was standing room only so we felt like her last performance was a sellout," she said.
"Among the theatre fraternity she was always considered to be the grande dame. She won hearts as Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, but her tour de force was probably The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, in which she played Jean Brodie."
Mrs Oliver, a physiotherapist who had designed treatments for women with breast cancer, performed with the Port Kembla Little Theatre (later the Illawarra Little Theatre), Lake Theatre and Wollongong Workshop Theatre. She had been a regular on the stage since the 1970s.
She was also an active charity worker, with her efforts including reading books for the blind.
Ms Mulhall said her friend was "unscrupulously fair and uncompromising in her standards" and would be missed for her "warm and gracious personality".
"It's been a huge shock to us because she was part of the fabric of the theatre fraternity," she said.
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Grace sadly missed (letter to the editor - Illawarra Mercury 1st June 2009)
I'm writing in support of Deb Mulhall's comments in Loss mourned, by Emma Shaw (Mercury, May 27).
I knew Grace for about 30 years, mostly in Workshop Theatre. We played man and wife in two oneact plays, and I directed her in the return season ofJoy Weidersatz's black comedy A Change of Heart.
One of my happiest experiences in Workshop Theatre was when Grace directed and played opposite me, in Alan Ayckbourn's Round and Round the Garden.
After moving up here I was able to see many of the plays, courtesy of Grace, and friends in Austinmer (staying overnight).
Her recent and painful decline was difficult to accept - she was a very generous and hospitable woman, who will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Ron Herbert, Wentworth Falls.
Index
Calling all Directors - Wollongong Workshop Theatre
Got a play that you've always wanted to direct, or have been thinking that you should start thinking about one, WWT will soon (well in about July) be calling for submissions for their 2010 season and will be seeking submissions for works.
Things to consider will be in your submission
- The play, and a plot outline
- Characters & cast requirements
- Crew needs - producer, lighting etc
- Set & costume needs/ideas
- Estimate budget
For more information phone Peter on 0419 710 777
Index
Illawarra Performance Writers Group
Next Meeting: 6pm, Sat 23rd April at IPAC (Bob Peet Studio)
Work to be confirmed
For more information, contact Anne-Louise Rentell on 4226 3699 ext 110 or arentell@merrigong.com.au
Index
SPAT is having a play reading evening….
Come along this Wednesday evening at 7.30pm, July 1st 2009, at the CWA Hall, Stanwell Park
We are reading:
"The Edge of Darkness"
A three-act play by Brian Clemens
A play for three women and three men, with one male extra. A drama, a thriller…
Having been found in a hospital by her parents, Max and Laura, after her disappearance several years earlier, Emma’s homecoming should have been an event of great happiness, but..…
- Cast:
- Max & Laura Cranwell
- Penny
- Hardy
- Emma
- Livago
PS. Bring a plate of nibbles, and yes, the heaters will be on!
Info Wayne. 4294 2661
Index
Stop Press - Roo Theatre Co.
Calling All Interested Musicians
Several Opportunities exist for our upcoming production of
"URINETOWN"
Pianist
Bass Guitarist
Drummer
Clarinet
Saxaphone
Trombone
Season
Friday 7 August 8 pm
Saturday 8 August 8 pm
Wednesday 12 August 8 pm
Friday 14 August 8 pm
Saturday 15 August 2 & 8 pm
Wednesday 19 August 8 pm
Thursday 20 August 8 pm
Friday 21 August 8 pm
Saturday 22 August 2 & 8 pm
ALL INTERESTED PARTIES CONTACT THE THEATRE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Ph: (02) 4297 2891 Fax: (02) 4297 5239
Index
Spiegelhaus cabaret fundraiser is on again.
If you want a wild debauched night of fun in the German cabaret tradition The Phoenix theatre Coniston is holding another Spiegelhaus Fundraiser on Saturday 27th of June at 8 pm. The Theme for this Spiegelhaus is In Der Mad Haus. The awesome Andy Leonard is returning to Spiegelhaus to perform his new show along with performanced from circus Wow Frau Leela Dunst, SoPopera and many more.
Your hosts for the evening Nero Von Fassbinder , Inga Fagina and Ramrod Von Stupe will take you through a night of wild fun with everything from Saucy poetry to Musical theatre with a little Circus Thrown in. Spiegelhaus is Adults only cabaret so you must be at least 18 years old to attend as there may be nudity and naughtiness as the Phoenix Theatre is censorship free and we allow performers to express themselves in a supportive environment.
Entry for this fundraiser is a $15 donation, proceeds go towards the refurbishment of the theatre and its hopeful opening early next year
A donations box will be available if anyone wishes to make donations toward the renovations of the theatre. Tea coffee will be available everything else is BYO and there will be our famous Phoenix salsa for sale to keep your strength up for a night of bawdy, naughty, adult’s only entertainment.
We only have 80 seats per performance so bookings are essential. Please email bookings@phoenixtheatre.net.au and book your seat, you will receive confirmation of you booking prior to the event. Please make sure you are definitely coming as only those who book will be admitted and we don't want empty seats. Book soon as seats will go fast.
Index
Drama Classes for Adults
Theatre Max
*ADULTS (18YRS +) FRIDAYS 7-8:30PM
A short time each week where it is alright to be silly, to play the drama queen (or king), to scream and shout and shake it all about. Along the way participants will learn stage skills including voice, movement, character creation, improvisation and script analysis.
Adult class taught by Tim Allen. Tim trained at the Drama Centre in London and came to Australia in 1985. He has appeared in "Neighbours," "Home and Away," "Police Rescue" and "Water Rats," the feature film "Daydream Believer" and in a season at Northside Theatre, Killara. Most recently he was in the professional Australian Premiere season of "Camarilla" by Van Badham at IPAC.
Tim has taught Drama at Northside Children's Theatre, The Drama Studio, Sydney and has helped many through his Audition Classes.
TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN ADULT CLASSES PLEASE CONTACT SHANNON ON 0408 637 008
Index
CREATIVE AUSTRALIAN GORDON STREEK
RECOGNISED FOR INSPIRING THE WOLLONGONG COMMUNITY
Media Release p; 20 February 2009
Creativity comes in a surprising range of shapes and sizes in Australia and is often the inspiration behind people becoming involved in their local community. This year, Sensis is celebrating the contribution creative Australians, such as Jamberoo resident Gordon Streek, have made to their communities through the arts by featuring them on the cover of the 2009/10 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directories.
Gordon was thrilled to learn he would appear on the cover of the Wollongong directory after being nominated by members of the local community to represent the entire region as the epitome of this year’s theme – Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities.
Gordon has played an instrumental role in the growth of the performing arts in the Illawarra for over 30 years. In 1987, Gordon established the Roo Theatre Company, providing adults and youth with a chance to participate in acting and dancing programs – something that was previously unavailable in the region.
With Gordon’s encouragement, many of the students and performers who have studied and performed with Roo have continued in the arts, completing courses at nationally recognised colleges and are now writing professionally. Gordon continues to direct many plays at the theatre including the upcoming production of Run For Your Wife which will staged at the Roo Theatre in Shellharbour this autumn.
“The focus of my performing arts activities for young people is to help them develop self esteem, confidence, responsibility, team work and social skills. I’ve also been lucky enough to work with such great talent over the years, many of whom now act and dance professionally which is a fantastic achievement for our regional community,” said Gordon.
Group Manager, White Pages®, Jane Blackley, said the theme Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities provided Sensis with a great opportunity to recognise Australians who are helping to build stronger community relationships through their advocacy of the arts.
“Right across the country, there are people like Gordon are making amazing contributions to their communities through the arts so this year we thought we would put the spotlight on them by featuring them on the cover of the Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directories.”
“Whether it’s performing, teaching, hosting exhibitions, raising money or administering arts programs, this year’s cover subjects are all dedicated to establishing ways for local people to become involved in the arts and to share and develop their creativity.”
“Gordon is a fine example of a creative Australian who, through a love of the arts, is helping to inspire others and foster art and culture in the local community,” Ms Blackley said.
Gordon replaces Lynne Strong on the cover of the Wollongong directory, who was featured last year as part of the Celebrating Australian Flavour theme.
Index
THEATRE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2009 - Merrigong Theate Co.
In 2009 Merrigong will be offering a limited number of Artist in Residence opportunities for independent artists and groups to have access to space and some technical support for the development of new work – the process of applying is outlined below. If you are a playwright, please also contact us as per the application process outlined below.
The process of applying to the Program has changed:
Stage 1:
An informal conversation with Producer and Theatre Development Manager, Anne-Louise Rentell – this enables a discussion about your project and its needs. Anne-Louise’s contact details are given below.
Stage 2:
Project submission, details of which will be provided to applicants after Stage 1 (it will be an easy submission to complete)
Stage 3:
Consideration by the Merrigong Artistic Team and notification of outcome to the artist.
The Theatre Development Program will have no closing dates this year and applications will be accepted at any time. They will however be considered by the Merrigong Artistic Team in March, May, July and September. All applicants will be informed of notification dates on submission. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact Anne-Louise to discuss them further.
Contact Anne-Louise Rentell on 4226 3699 ext 110 or arentell@merrigong.com.au
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STAGE WHISPERS MAGAZINE: May / June Edition - OUT NOW!!!
Stage Whispers is chock full of feature articles, reviews and most importantly, a complete On Stage Directory listing all productions by opening date across Australia and New Zealand.
In this issue:
- Stage Whispers fabulous new website - www.stagewhispers.com.au
- Craig McLachlan - From Soapie Star to Song and Dance Man
- Avenue Q - Puppets for Grown Ups
- Touring Magnolias - Six Divas in a Tarago
- Building a Fleet of Stage Choppers
- Toowoomba's Art Deco Treasure - The Empire Theatre
- Lighting and Sound in Focus - Special Feature
- Broadway and West End news
- News and Reviews from New Zealand
- Opera's Star Crossed Lovers
- Theatre in Thailand - Peter Pinne reports
- Kookaburra follow-up
- Latest Cast Recordings
- Goldfields G & S
- One Act Plays Feature and Script excerpt.
- Hobart Repertory Theatre Society in profile
- Showbiz Crossword
- Auditions
- Schools on Stage
- More than 50 reviews from Australia and New Zealand.
And more.
Subscribe at www.stagewhispers.com.au
You can also buy individual copies at newsagents and selected theatre outlets across Australia and New Zealand, or online at www.middle8.com
See Stage Whispers - May/June Cover
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