Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival 2014 Results

 

Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival 2014

Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance

August 15 – 24 2014

The Lind Theatre

 

#SCTF14

 

YOUTH SECTION

August 22 – 24 2014

 

Certificates of Distinction:

 

Primary Certificates of Distinction

 

Bella Wood

Alira Slyderink

Stefanie Cooper

Erica O’Brien

 

Secondary Certificates of Distinction

 

Mahana Currie (Bursary Winner 2013)

Ashleigh Cooper

Shearah-Rose Spears

Lucy Rockliff

Georgia Gleeson

Ayla Long

Liam Hartley

Matthew Bapty

 

Primary Section

 

Adjudicator’s Award

Anna McMahon

Hands in the Air…Bullies Beware (Talara Primary College)

 

Best Ensemble

Talara Primary College

Hands in the Air…Bullies Beware

 

Best Supporting Actor

Curtis Bock

 

Best Supporting Actress

Bella Wood

 

Best Actor

Jett McConochie

 

Best Actress

Anika Jocumsen

 

2nd Best Play

Hands in the Air…Bullies Beware (Talara Primary College)

 

Best Play

The Compass by Mem Thomas (MEM Productions)

 

Best Unpublished Script

The Compass by Mem Thomas (MEM Productions)

 

Secondary Section

 

Adjudicator’s Award

Paris Williment

 

Best Ensemble

Little Seed Theatre Company

War At Home

 

Best Supporting Actor

Valentino Koch

 

Best Supporting Actress

Ellie Manning

 

Best Actor

Caleb Holman

 

Best Actress

Brooke Masters

 

2^nd Best Play

Love Awkwardly (Little Seed Theatre Company)

 

Best Play

War At Home (Little Seed Theatre Company)

 

Best Unpublished Script

One Idiot, Two Thugs and Cement by Louisea Snelling (Dramaworks)

 

Bursary

Paris Williment (Little Seed Theatre Company)

 

Overall

 

Best Director Over 25

Michelle Allan

All My Love, Paul (Focus On Stage)

 

Best Director Under 25

Marina de Jager

Fairytale Frolics (Acting Up! Youth Theatre Academy)

 

OPEN SECTION

August 15 – 17 2014

 

Adjudicator’s Award

Michelle Lamarca

The Devil’s Dance (Noosa Arts Theatre)

 

Best Supporting Actor (Comedy)

Shane Cassidy

The Rock in the Water (SRT)

 

Best Supporting Actress (Comedy)

Sue Sewell

Duplicitous (Miranda’s Dressing Room)

 

Best Supporting Actor (Drama)

Brett Klease

The Rock in the Water (SRT

 

Best Actor (Comedy)

Kyle Breese

Held (Downstage Theatre Co)

 

Best Actress (Comedy)

Not awarded

 

Best Actor (Drama)

James Patrick Reed

The Devil’s Dance (Noosa Arts Theatre)

 

Best Actress (Drama)

Michelle Lamarca

The Devil’s Dance (Noosa Arts Theatre)

 

Best Set Design

The Rock in the Water (SRT)

 

Best Unpublished Script

The Rock in the Water by Simon Denver (SRT)

 

Best Director

Simon Denver

The Rock in the Water (SRT)

 

3^rd Best Play

Held (Downstage Theatre Co)

 

2^nd Best Play

The Devil’s Dance (Noosa Arts Theatre)

 

Best Play

The Rock in the Water (SRT)

 

The Rock in the Water (SRT) Anna McMahon, Shane Cassidy, Brett Klease and (on behalf of Simon Denver), Joy Marshall with Adjudicator, Margi Brown Ash

 

Why saying no is hard and when to say yes

 

I thought I would have a little break, slow down, step away from the crazy busy stuff of life, and take a break from it all. I didn’t plan to spend three weeks in Greece (although that would be nice), and I didn’t intend to switch off completely from social media (although that would be sensible). I just decided to not do so much. Well, let me tell you how that is working out. It’s not.

 

I’m finding it really difficult to STOP.

 

Why is it so hard to stop? To say no? (I can’t answer that. Can you?)

 

This morning I caught up with a couple of friends at the groovy, cosy, completely rebranded BV Pizzeria & Wine Bar on Kawana Island. It used to be the Thai Islander Beach Café. I used to live in an apartment across the road. It was the perfect place for a catch up after the mad rush of rainy day school run traffic. To be honest, I felt like staying in bed and watching the chickens singing and dancing in the rain. But getting up and getting Poppy to school so I could enjoy a long overdue coffee with a couple of girlfriends turned out to be the right choice.

 

This is actually what I felt like ordering. Is it ever too early?

I should clarify, I don’t actually drink coffee anymore, so when I say, “Let’s go for coffee,” what I actually mean is, “Let’s meet somewhere and you have coffee and I’ll find out how they make their chai and probably end up, when they say they make it with syrup or powder, ordering a soy hot chocolate or an Earl Grey instead.”

Like, when I say I’m taking a break, I’m not actually taking a break.

 

I ordered Earl Grey without asking about their chai. I wanted no complications. I didn’t take a photo for Instagram and I didn’t check in on Facebook. I KNOW! I was feeling overwhelmed and outta’ control – not crazy outta’ control, but dreamy, floating, coasting, fairyland outta’ control (I would like to call it “surrender” but you and I both know I’ve got a way to go before I can claim “surrender”), as if nothing today would matter. But here’s what matters.

 

All three of us had a busy day on the cards, and we stopped. We didn’t stop for long but we each committed to teasing open a little crack in time, in between our other appointments and deadlines to say, “Yes, let’s!”

 

Let’s enjoy stillness rather than rushing about.

 

Let’s cherish each other’s company rather than quietly, politely ignoring each other’s just as crazy busy existence.

 

Let’s imagine for just one hour that we have several hours to spend together, to hear about each other’s joys, fears, successes and challenges.

 

Let’s feel supported, admired and valued for whom we have become.

 

Let’s leave feeling nourished, inspired and reenergised.

 

Let’s promise to catch up again soon and actually catch up again soon.

 

While we were chatting away and finishing tea and coffee (and chocolates – hot beverages at BV are served with a chocolate and doesn’t that just make your day?), a tiny sparrow came in out of the rain. It perched on the back of a chair nearby and appeared to be listening in. I don’t profess to see anything profound in that; it’s just that a tiny sparrow came in from the rain and found warmth and a safe place to be for a moment.

 

It seems it’s just as difficult for me to say yes as it is to say no. But knowing when to say yes, and feeling happy rather than guilty about doing so, is maybe more important at the moment. They say the lessons you need to learn in life keep turning up until you learn them. Looks like I’m staying busy for a bit longer.

 

 

Reality Bites – Australia’s Premier Literary Nonfiction Festival launches tonight! The program is online today! Check out realitybitesfestival.org

 

The Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival Youth Section begins tonight and continues until Sunday. Details on the website. Check out livetheatre.com.au

 

 

 

 

Hedonism’s Second Album (and here comes Margi Brown Ash to adjudicate the Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival)!

 

Hedonism’s Second Album is a new Australian comedy from David Burton and Claire Christian.

 

It’s for anyone who’s ever been let down by their favourite band, or their best mates.

 

 

Written by David Burton & Claire Christian

Director Margi Brown Ash
Designer Josh McIntosh
Lighting Designer Ben Hunt

with

Patrick Dwyer, Gavin Edwards, Nicholas Gell,
Thomas Hutchins & Ngoc Phan

 

In a music studio in surburban Brisbane four men gather in an attempt to build upon a surprisingly successful first album. Newly clean, front man Gareth is losing his cool. Lead guitarist Chimney has got cold feet. Bass player Michael is keeping secrets and Sumo, the drummer, has vanished. Meet Hedonism.

Hedonism have rocketed from pub gigs to support acts, international tours and brand management. It’s a whole new world. They’ve been given a license to drink, be rockstars and live, well, hedonistically. They’ve been give permission to never grow up, as long as they record their second album.

After an all-weekend bender involving under-age girls, bikies, racial slurs on YouTube and a wombat from Australia Zoo, record label exec Phil is sent in to pull the boys into line and prevent the looming PR disaster. During the testosterone-fueled fallout, closely-guarded secrets are laid bare and friendships tested.

Hedonism’s Second Album premieres tonight at The Loft as part of La Boite Indie, and continues until August 30.

With Sunshine Coast support bands, The Flumes & The Floating Bridges, Hedonism’s Second Album comes to Nambour Civic Centre on September 4 2014.

 

 

 

Director, Margi Brown Ash, joins us on the Sunshine Coast from tomorrow night for the Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival #SCTF14

 

 

Margi is adjudicating the one-act play Open Section (this weekend) and Youth Section (next weekend). I’m looking forward to hearing her comments about our competing actors and directors, and particularly, her advice to younger performers. Previously, we’ve welcomed Andrea Moor, Kate Foy, Karen Crone and many more industry experts, all of whom have offered valuable feedback to our local and visiting theatre companies and at the same time, enlightened audience members about playwriting and production elements.

This year, for the first time, we’ve added a week-long program of events and moved the entire festival to the lovely little Lind Lane Theatre in Mitchell Street, Nambour. It IS little, accommodating only 100 punters per session, so book early for all sessions and special events, which include a forum and debate, workshops and theatresports.

Check livetheatre.com.au for details and booking information

Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival and the question of reviews and social media…

 

Remember when I said I was going to post every Friday, my column from the local rag, the Sunshine Coast Daily? Yeah? No. That hasn’t happened and you haven’t asked for it! But here’s my column from last week (Friday August 8 2014), which they actually printed without editing very much. Mostly, this column, somewhere between submitting and printing, has become a dead easy “What’s On?” list of things to see on the Sunshine Coast and often I’ll begin it with a comment on the state of the local arts scene. But I always wanted to throw into this space some of the harder questions too. Like, what is it we’re all doing? And, why are we doing it? And, what’s the use of reviewing what we’re doing if we continue to do just exactly what we’ve always been doing? #justasking

 

What makes this much more interesting than the fact that I felt the need to write it in the first place, is the way it was presented on the page, beneath a photo I didn’t submit, beside a “review” that no one saw coming because the other columnist on the page tends to write exclusively about his own theatre company and their productions. Isn’t media manipulation a funny thing? Separated, and published over different weeks, a parallel would not have even been drawn, but due to savvy editing and fascinating timing (could be a full moon thing), I came under fire on social media for presenting an opinion with which some people didn’t agree.

 

 

As I’ve explained to concerned friends and family over the weekend, I’m a blogger, I’m a writer, I’m a reviewer, and because I’m confident enough to put myself out there, it’s no surprise (and certainly not the end of the world!), when somebody has a problem with something I’ve said. I know they’d like to think they are all-powerful and all-knowing, with a convincing enough argument to band together a legion of fans in a vitriolic thread (for what purpose, I don’t know), but you know what? I’ve come to realise the trolls and haters who comment without thinking first are just little wizards of oz, hiding their insecure, trembling, self righteous little selves behind a great big curtain called a keyboard. Sam and I agree (What? I know! Surprise!), I must still be so naive! Because it genuinely surprises me every time to see somebody’s true colours online. Do they actually think they’re anonymous on Facebook?! Do they genuinely not realise that everyone knows everyone on Facebook?! OOPS! HA! I used to worry more about them and their opinions, and I do – of course I do – feel the awful sting of a snide remark or cruel comment. Who doesn’t? But then, and I thank you Brisbane community for helping me to move on after some interesting learning experiences, including Jekyll & Hyde and The Truth About Kookaburras, I take a breath and look at how wonderful every day is. Other than travelling the world (and we’re working on it!), we actually have everything we have set out to get. And we do love giving back. It makes me wonder what sort of lives the haters have. I learned very early, at school, that kids with less confidence would say whatever it took to make themselves feel better (but did they really feel better? Really?)… It’s actually laughable. I actually can’t believe some of the things people feel comfortable saying on social media. I wonder why they don’t say them to my face? I see them often enough! The Sunshine Coast is not a big pond! Isn’t it funny to really see someone for who they are? Luckily, I’m blessed with actual friends, and a supportive family and husband who are able to point out to me if I ever forget it –

 

 

 

 

Now let’s get some things straight, just in case you’ve been following the wrong Facebook threads.

 

Sam and I have only ever been supportive of local community theatre but the truth is, we are in the game now for slightly different reasons. In addition to “having fun” and being social, we want to continue to produce professional productions. We’re so proud of our original pieces, and of our recent success at Noosa Long Weekend Festival. It’s true, we expect a higher standard from everybody involved in our productions and THAT’S WHY WE PAY THEM. This is the fundamental difference between what we do and what is accomplished by the haters involved in their amateur groups. There is always going to be merit in treading the boards for free and for fun – it’s how we learned a heap of basic skills and developed enormous confidence too – but we decided a few years ago to try to make it pay, and now that it does so we’ll continue to focus on doing more of the same. You can argue that the quality of the productions are the same as your amateur efforts but in actual fact they’re usually not. How do I know? Because I’ve seen what you’ve been doing. And in the past there have been times when you’ve asked for feedback and I’ve offered it. Whether or not you’ve taken it on board, or even used it as a starting point to simply reconsider or reflect on what it is you’re doing, has been up to you. And we’ve certainly seen you improve…or not.

 

To see that I’m right, you should really get out more. Go see “good” theatre. Go see MORE theatre so you start to see for yourself what “good” looks like. You never have to take my word for it! Quite simply, Sam and I set our own standards and with a production budget we can afford to see that we reach them. We have a core ensemble – and it’s a true ensemble – and we will always welcome into that awesome little team, people with a professional approach to match our own. If you’re a performer (or stage manager or designer or techie) aspiring to greater heights, let us know. You don’t have to work for free anymore on the Sunshine Coast! Hooray! On the other hand, if you’re happy to do so, if you’re totally okay with the way you’re currently presenting on stage (and off), go ahead and keep supporting your local community group and having a ball! Cheers!

 

 

So. Sam is still the President of the Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance, I’m still writing the column for the paper, we are both on the Noosa Long Weekend Festival board and programming committee, I’m on the Matilda Committee, and we are still directing, coaching, consulting, emceeing, promoting and supporting many local artists and events for free. We actually do far more for free, still, than for dollars. And that’s okay too, although we are more selective now about the people and charities we choose to support. We can only do so much. But we truly value community theatre so we continue to support it. We’ve always walked the talk. I thought that much was pretty obvious but I guess when some-unenlightened-body gets a bee in their bonnet they forget the big picture. It actually infuriates me momentarily, to see and hear criticism from those who purport to know us or to know better. But, sure, you’re entitled to your opinion too. Just maybe think twice before putting it online.

 

 

SCD Arts Friday August 8 2014

 

We know the Sunshine Coast has talent, and some of us can even recognise excellence when we see it on stage, however; I miss the days of legitimate local theatre reviews, which we used to enjoy via this publication, thanks to an arrangement with Ian Austin, professional playwright and critic. Those of us involved in theatre at the time remember our early Saturday morning race to buy the Sunshine Coast Daily for Mr Austin’s insightful write-ups of local productions. Not only did the reviews provide valuable feedback from a respected theatrical identity, they gave potential audience members valid reasons to consider which productions they might be interested in supporting.

 

It’s all very well for each community theatre group to promote their own production, or for enthusiastic cross-promotion to continue happening – after all, we should be supporting each other’s endeavours – but to blatantly mislead the public and the talent about the standard of a local show when one has recently attended no other local shows with which to compare it is outrageous and irresponsible.

 

To my understanding, a review is certainly one’s personal response to a production, but it should also offer some truth in terms of what audiences may expect to experience at a show. This requires broad knowledge, an open mind and the acceptance that honesty does not necessarily initiate or nurture friendships.

 

Amongst my peers, the theatre reviewers feel a degree of responsibility to the creatives, but also to audiences. Over the last five years I have attended, on average, 1-2 professional theatrical productions a week, and during festival time that number increases. What kind of reviewer would I be if I proclaimed every production just as excellent as the next? Or a mediocre production the most impressive? I don’t presume to help box office sell tickets – that’s what marketing collateral is for – but I do appreciate the opportunity to offer people a fair assessment of a show, allowing them to make up their own minds as to whether or not they might enjoy it.

 

It’s an unfortunate fact that theatre reviewing in this country is not valued enough by the industry, nor by the publications who seek content (both in print and online) to provide any remuneration for the job. Perhaps if it were a paid position, and genuine feedback was taken on board by those who insist on putting productions together, our audiences could reasonably expect a greater degree of excellence on local stages and attend the theatre more often, which in turn would help to sell tickets and keep our local theatre thriving. I wonder what the theatre companies, venues, councils and arts funding bodies might think of that? What do you think?

 

 

 

 

Next up, Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance is hosting the largest theatre festival on the South East Queensland Drama circuit. This means, starting this Friday, we’ll be at The Lind, Nambour, for 10 days of workshops, forums, debates and one-act plays. We have a record number of youth entries across the final weekend of the festival and some new and familiar faces competing in the open section, which takes place this weekend.

 

 

Forum Panellists are Mahana Currie, Robyn Ernst (BYTE), Ian Mackellar (Noosa Long Weekend Festival) and Ian Williams, discussing Sunshine Coast Theatre – Past, Present, Future. The debate will see Mark Darin (MIX FM), Joy Marshall and Marina de Jager argue the merits of musical theatre with Gail Denver, Errol Morrison and Frank Wilkie. These events cost just $5 to attend and give you the chance to mix with the local makers and lovers of live theatre.

 

 

We welcome special guest adjudicator, Margi Brown Ash, Director of Hedonism’s Second Album, which opens on Thursday night at La Boite.

 

 

For SCTF14 details and bookings check out livetheatre.com.au

 

 

 

 

Sunshine Coast Arts Friday March 14

 

SCD Arts Friday March 14 2014

 

DID YOU WEAR RED FOR DANIEL TODAY?

“You can wear red for Daniel any day, Mum. You don’t have to wait until October.”  – Poppy Eponine

 

Xanthe Coward

 

 

Awards season is drawing to a close and whether or not there’s a trophy to show for it, the best reward for a performer is still the applause at the end of a show and the relationships formed during the process.

 

Noosa Arts Theatre’s latest production, Minefields and Miniskirts, is a surprisingly moving example of the impact on artists and audiences of a carefully considered text, which is gently, lovingly interlaced with imagery, sound and lighting to tell the most horrific (and, at times, tender) of stories. Director, Jenni McCaul, and a talented cast of five (+ Jo Hendrie on vocals and guitar) have worked some magic to bring us a timely piece of historical and emotional truth from the hearts of real women who felt the full impact of the Vietnam War. I blinked back tears on more than one occasion. Clearly, the women have bonded during the creative process – there is a tangible connection between them – and unfortunately, not all of you will get to experience it. It’s a very short season in a very lovely and very intimate theatre, and if you think it might be just(ice) what you need in the coming week, you’d better book because once word gets out after opening night tonight, this show will be a sell out!

 

 

Minefields and Miniskirts is the most unassuming, quietly powerful production you’ll see on the Sunshine Coast this year.

 

 

The Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance is a rapidly growing community of theatre makers and theatre lovers, and with the Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival coming up in August, the committee is now busy planning for a whole week of events, including forums and workshops, as well as staging their own productions for the enjoyment of artists and audiences. If you’ve never been involved in the theatre now is the perfect time to check out the local scene. With plenty of shows going on each month there is literally something for everyone at the moment! For production and audition information check out livetheatre.com.au and for enquiries email sam@xsentertaiment.com.au

 

Minefields and Miniskirts

Through song and intimate storytelling, Minefields and Miniskirts shares the memories of the women affected by the Vietnam War. Featuring iconic songs from the era, these are the voices of the ordinary women who were actually there. Find out how they survived and what they believed in. Directed by Jenni McCaul and features Kitten Styler, Julia Verburgt, Sharon Grimley, Tania Nash, Jannine Ritchie and Jo Hendrie. Noosa Arts Theatre March 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22 at 7:30pm. Matinees March 16 at 2pm and March 22 at 1pm. Bookings noosaartstheatre.org.au or call 5449 9343

 

 

Accidental Death of an Anarchist

A chaotic black comedy preceded by an Italian street festival has taken over the Student Guild (uni club) at USC. Performing Arts Kollective (PAK), directed by Peta Beattie, presents Dario Fo’s Accidental Death of an Anarchist for one more weekend. USC Student Guild March 14 & 15 at 7:30pm and March 16 at 6:30pm. The Be Italian Festival starts an hour before show time. Bookings trybooking.com/73979

 

 

Motherhood Out Loud

 

A contemporary comedy comprising 20 entertaining vignettes, Motherhood Out Loud shares the sincerity and brutal honesty of true stories by several writers. Directed by Jacqui Mata Luque and featuring Susie Pritchard, Wendy Silvester, Alice Rea, Naomi Clasholm, Debbie Pitura and more. Buderim Memorial Hall March 14, 15, 21 & 22 at 8pm and March 16 & 22 at 2pm. Bookings batstheatre.com or call 5445 2515

 

A Little Night of Music – Songs From the Silver Screen

 

Rarely do we see this calibre of talent on a Sunshine Coast stage but for one night only we welcome some of Australia’s top musical theatre stars to Flinders Performance Centre (March 21) at 7:30pm. Local dancers from Fierce Studios will join hosts, Todd and Sami from Hot91FM, and a line up that stars Patrice Tipoki (Fantine in the upcoming professional touring production of Les Miserables), Simon Gleeson (Valjean in the upcoming professional touring production of Les Miserables), Amanda Harrison (Wicked), Chelsea Gibb (Chicago), Mark Vincent (Australia’ Got Talent) and Laura Tipoki (Associate Musical Director at Wicked).  All proceeds go to MontroseAccess, supporting children with disability. Bookings trybooking.com/75622. To get a special price for Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance members and students email lliesegang@montroseaccess.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four Weddings and an Elvis

 

Share in the hilarity of the most memorable matrimonies witnessed by Sandy, a four-times-married-three-times-divorced wedding chapel owner. FourWeddings and an Elvis is a heart-warming comedy featuring Coolum Theatre Players’ Jennifer Rousset, Wendy McDermott, Richard Kent, Marilyn Davies and more. Book a table of 8 and BYO nibbles and drinks at Coolum Civic Centre March 21, 22, 28 & 29 at 7:30pm. Matinees March 23 & 30 at 2pm. Bookings coolum.com.au/theatre

 

Date Claimer – Songs From the Tavern

 

Songs From the Tavern brings together local talent and friends for a fundraiser for Joan Benson, local arts identity and staunch supporter of Sunshine Coast performing arts. Enjoy a night of music, dance, drama, comedy and more at Maleny Community Centre April 4 & 5 at 8pm. Bookings 5494 2841

 

Auditions

 

BATS will hold auditions for Drifting, winner of the Edythe Brook Cooper 2014 Playwriting Competition on Monday March 17 at 7.30 pm at Buderim War Memorial Hall. Written by Jo Denver, Directed by John McMahon. Each year, members of the Rossi/Sullivan family get together for the Christmas break. This year a new life joins the family, and a much loved member, Enid, slips further into Alzheimers. For details or to book an audition email johnnymac45@hotmail.com

 

In the Heights

 

USC Performing Arts Kollective (PAK) will hold auditions for award winning Broadway musical, In the Heights, on Tuesday March 18 at the yoga room at USC Sports Stadium. For details or to book your audition email pakusc@gmail.com

 

Sweet Fanny Adams

 

Directed by Errol Morrison, Sweet Fanny Adams tells the tales of rivalry between the infamous Kitty Divine and Fanny Adams, brothel owners in 1930s Sydney. Not as dark as you might think, this is a musical comedy and a whole lot of fun to perform. Auditions at Studio 2 Dance academy, Rigby Street, Nambour March 27 & 31 at 7pm. For details or to book your audition email erjmorrison@optusnet.com.au or call 0412 396 373

 

Jerry’s Girls

 

Celebrating the music and lyrics of award winning Broadway composer, Jerry Herman. Information night at Noosa Arts Theatre March 26 at 7:30pm. Auditions at Noosa Arts Theatre April 2 at 7:30pm (soloists) and April 6 at 10am (ensemble). For details or to book an audition call 5449 9343

 

Sweet Charity

Charity Hope longs for love but has bad luck with men in this light-hearted musical comedy. Auditions Coolum Civic Centre April 7 at 7:30pm & April 9 at 7pm. For details or to book an audition call Director, Linda Gefken 0402 414 637