Cinderella. Spotlight Theatrical Company JAN 7-17 CATCH US ON FACEBOOK. Official Newsletter of the

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1 Official Newsletter of the Spotlight Theatrical Company Ashmore Road Benowa PO Box 8074 GC Mail Centre Q 9726 Phone mailbox@spotlighttheatre.com.au youth@spotlighttheatre.com.au Online Booking: or Phone CATCH US ON FACEBOOK Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2015 Cinderella A traditional pantomime Great family entertainment for the School Holidays! Written & Directed by Terri Woodfine Assistant Director & Choreogorapher Tess Burke Musical Director Matt Pearson JAN 7-17 Celebrating 60 years of continuous entertainment The Spotlight Theatrical Company Diamond Anniversary 2015 December 2014

2 Introducing Cinderella and Prince Louis Kyra Thomson and Aiden Ossavani. BASEMENT THEATRE 2015 JANUARY 7 17 Sessions 10:30am & 2:00pm Diamond Anniversary BOOK & PAY (07) Spotlighter December 2014

3 LOOK OUT, HE S BEHIND YOU! For anyone who has spent time in England, Pantomime is as synonymous with Christmas as Santa Claus, with hundreds of Pantos being performed all over the country during the Festive Season. Spotlight s first panto was a 1962 production Babes in the Wood helmed by Joyce Forbes and Maurie Jennings, followed by Cinderella in 1963, directed by Billie Whyte. When Terri Woodfine (who was raised in England) offered to direct a traditional panto in January, the Production Committee jumped at the opportunity. Terri said she wanted to direct Cinderella, just like the pantos she remembered from England, with all the traditional gags and routines so she was sent to our Artistic Director, Tony Alcock. Tony has had a wealth of experience in panto. In Tony s words, I barely remember my first pantomime performance, I was Prince Charming in a potted version of Cinderella during a charity concert but I distinctly remember the first panto I saw, it was Snow White and it starred Paul Sharratt as the King and his then wife Joan was in the title role. I had my photo taken with them both and I used to tease Paul with it when (years later) I trod the boards with him at Paul Sharratt s Music Hall. I joined a community theatre group in my teens and did some panto with them until one day I had a call from the Entertainment Manager at one of the local clubs. They had a panto coming in and needed some supernumeraries. My acting teacher said that I might be interested, was I? Hanging around with Paul and Sheila I was there like a shot! And that is how I got to play the rear end of Dobbin the horse in Cinderella. The beautiful and generous Tabbi Frances big pantos a year. The Stardust Room was massive, I think it was 1200 seats, and was state of the art for it s time. It had a fly tower and a flying rig which we used to great effect. In The Wizard of Oz, for example, The Wicked Witch actually flew her broomstick over Emerald City. These productions employed casts of up to 60, but by the late 80 s numbers were reduced as the shows would transfer to the smaller Rialto Theatre was playing one of the sisters in the show; she taught me the gags and the routines I needed to know. I was in awe standing in the wings watching the performers go through their routines and business. After relocating to Queensland in the early 80 s, I ran into Tabbi at an industry party at Peter Moselle s place. This chance meeting lead to an offer to play the role of Gepetto in a production of Pinocchio at Seagulls League Club. During the run I was asked to become a permanent member of the company, which I did. They had their own In House production team lead by Producer/ Choreographer Betty Meskell and produced 3 The Wizard of Oz Tony s first Panto Spotlighter December

4 in Brisbane. Due to competition from Jupiters Casino and World Expo, the In House productions were closed down as the Club decided to change their focus into the world of touring bands. I was approached around this time by Kelvin Cordell, the manager of the newly opened Arts Centre, to see if I would be interested in producing a panto for them. So we did Mother Goose which was a sell out. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk and Peter Pan followed with performers such as Peter and Johnny Moselle, Billy Day, Sheila Bradley, Maggi Gray and Terry Stewart. I was unable to continue with the pantos at this time due to work commitments in Melbourne. After coming back to the Coast, in between working at Movie World, Twelfth Night Theatre and QPAC, I directed several pantos for Spotlight in the early 2000 s Hansel and Gretel, Red Riding Hood and Humpty Dumpty. By then I had joined the production team of Menopause the Musical and off on another adventure for several years. I am happy to be designing for Terri, doing panto is like returning to one s roots, it is one of my favourite forms of theatre. I think it is because of the way the audience becomes involved with the show it s a lot of fun! Captain Hook Peter Pan Dame Durden Jack and the Beanstalk Mr & Mrs Darling (Maggi Gray & Tony) Peter Pan Fighting the dragon Sleeping Beauty 4 Spotlighter December 2014

5 La Traviata Music by Guiseppe Verdi Directed by Isaac Moody and Melanie Smart / Conducted by Matthew Pearson AUDITIONS SATURDAY 20th DECEMBER from 10am Spotlight Theatre Complex Main theatre Ashmore Rd Benowa For further information or to register for an audition please auditions@spotlighttheatre.com.au! Synopsis You ve seen Moulin Rouge, now hear the original! This romantic masterpiece tells the story of Violetta (a French Courtesan) who is forced to sacrifice the man she loves (Alfredo) to save his family s reputation. Themes of social expectation, hypocrisy, sacrifice, love and death are beautifully painted in this passionate piece. This Spotlight theatre production will be set in the 1920 s and will be sung in English with live musicians. We are looking for a small cast of outstanding singers including a small ensemble. Please prepare a song of your choice (operatic repertoire preferred) and provide sheet music (répétiteur available) or backing (CD, ipad, USB etc).! Alfredo Germont: Giorgio Germont: Flora Bervoix:! Annina:! Doctor Grenville:! Gastone:! Character Descriptions La Traviata (The role of Violetta has been cast) (Lyrical/Dramatic Tenor) A young bourgeois from a provincial family, falls in love with Violetta. (Baritone) Alfredo s father. Bound by the constraints of society, begs Violetta to leave Alfredo so that his daughter will have a chance to marry. (Mezzo/Soprano) Violetta s friend, a courtesan (Soprano) Violetta s maid (Bass) Violetta s Doctor (Tenor) Alfredo s friend Barone Douphol: (Baritone) Violetta s lover, a rival of Alfredo! Ensemble: Small group of singers of ranging voice types. Spotlighter December

6 Next year, Spotlight celebrates it s 60th Anniversary with a very special major fund-raising event! You could WIN A TRIP TO NEW YORK, USA!! Yes! We re running a raffle over a twelve month period, to raise money for the maintenance and upgrade of theatre equipment. Billed as the Trip of a Lifetime, the company has teamed up with the Showbiz Travel Agency ZEPPELINS TRAVEL (now conveniently located next door to the theatre) to run a raffle with the major prize being A Trip for two to Broadway, New York City (Includes Airfares, 5 nights accommodation & hotel transfers) 2nd Prize is a $1000 Travel Voucher to use however you choose at Zeppelins Travel! and 3rd prize is a Season Ticket to all major Spotlight shows in 2016! Total Prize valued at $7,300 If you re attending the Gold Coast Area Theatre Awards on Tuesday December 16, pop an extra $10 in your pocket because the Raffle will be launched on that night. The raffle is a fabulous way to engage community and general public, spread the word about Spotlight and raise money in the theatre s celebration year! The raffle will be drawn at an end of year celebration at the theatre, 12 December, 2015! Tickets just $10 each (Management and organising committees and any persons residing at the same address are not eligible to enter) 6 Spotlighter December 2014

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8 8 SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH THEATRE ADMINISTRATOR: peter morrissey LEA VOSTI (Drama) Jessica Papst (Senior Musical Theatre) TERRI TEACHERS: WOODFINE (Assistant Teacher) PETER MORRISSEY LEA VOSTI (YT(Drama) Administrator) and JESSICA PAPST martina (Musical FRENCH (YT Theatre) Liaison) After nearly 9 years at the helm of our Youth Theatre Program, Peter Morrissey has tendered his resignation. In Peter s own words It s probably a good time for me now to pass on to you my intention to leave my position at Spotlight Theatre, effective at the end of this year s scheduled classes. Family and other professional commitments both require more of my time and recent health issues have also impacted upon my decision. My decision was not an easy one and came after much deliberation and I wish all well at Spotlight Theatrical Company. We know that Peter has been through a lot in this past year and can only wish him, and partner Charlotte, continued success in their future endeavours is Spotlight s Diamond Jubilee year and, as well as celebrating the past, the intent is to invest in the future, the future generations of performers who will perhaps play the Spotlight stage. Peter s sudden departure has allowed us to re-evaluate our Youth Programme, strengthen and enhance it, without losing any of its core values. We are still in the process of restructuring the program but exciting things lie ahead. We are planning to cover a wider range of influences while still mindful of the professional and personal needs of the individual student. More information will be included in the 2015 pre-enrolment pack that will be sent out to families soon. NOTE TO YOUTH THEATRE PARENTS PRE-ENROLMENTS FOR 2015 YOUTH THEATRE CLASSES In the next few weeks pre-enrolment forms for 2015 will be ed to families. Pre-enrolling in a class for next year means that you secure a place in your preferred class and that you do not have to attend the Orientation Day in January. Invoices won t be sent out until next year. Youth Theatre Orientation for New Students Sunday 18th January 10am Main Theatre The Spotlight Theatrical Company Lea Vosti Youth Theatre Administrator. Spotlighter December 2014

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10 The Spotlight Theatrical Company s production of BASED ON A DISNEY CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER CLAY ENGLISH MUSICAL DIRECTOR LIAM CRUZ MAIN THEATRE 2015 FEB 20 - MAR By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd, Exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY) BOOK & PAY (07) The Cast has been chosen for HSM but THE PRODUCTION TEAM are still looking for a young charismatic male between to fill the role of Chad Danforth - the hot-wired jock, second in command to Troy. Male must be a strong actor and vocalist with some dance/movement ability. Please send any expressions of interest to hsmspotlight2015@gmail.com Director & Choreographer: Clay English Musical Director: Liam Cruz Assistant Vocal Director: Kristine Dennis Assistant Choreographer: Greta Brinsley. Spotlighter December 2014

11 Cast has been chosen for Disney High School Musical The production team were extremely thrilled and blessed with the amount of talent that showed up at the auditions for High School Musical. With over 100 auditionees, we have found a 41 strong cast that are all brilliant triple threats, both seasoned and first-time performers. We ve already had two weeks of vocal rehearsals and the sound that these guys are making is phenomenal. The cast list is below: Troy Bolton: Bryn Jenke Gabriella Montez: Emily Pluckrose Ryan Evans: Jackson Brash Sharpay Evans: Sabrina Durante Chad Danforth: TBC Taylor Mckessie: Alanah Bebendorf Jack Scott: David Todman Kelsi Neilson: Zoe Richards Zeke Baylor: Brock Dunstan Martha Cox: Cassidy Mackie Ms Darbus: Martina French Coach Bolton: Nigel Tolsten Ms Tenny: Sally Wood Ensemble: Ameika Bass, Atiya Le-Chalmers, Boston Shields, Breanna Lavin, Charlotte Schmidt, Conor Putland, Courtney Burchill, Dana White, Daniel Newberry, Dom Bradley, Georgia Redden, Harley Wilson, Harmony Breen, Hayley Green, Isabella Leary, Jermia Turner, Jy Etherington, Kiara McGowan, Kyra Thompson, Laura Carrett, Lilly Jerrett, Mica Sosa, Nathan French, Phillip Maas, Samantha Graham, Stephanie Covino and Zac Gaffey. Spotlighter December

12 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST The Spotlight Theatrical Company is seeking Expressions of Interest from accredited industry professionals for involvement in their ongoing youth program. We are currently restructuring the program and are wishing to offer students a broader range of experience and professional development, whilst still encouraging creativity, creating confidence and building self esteem. Please address all applications to Youth Theatre 2015 mailbox@spotlighttheatre.com.au Applications close 7th December MARK YOUR CALENDAR! 2nd May - Anniversary Gala Event AUDITIONS FOR 2015 SHOWS ARE AS FOLLOWS LA TRAVIATA 11th January 2015 Directed by Isaac Moody & Melanie Smart Season April The Wizard of Oz 8th February 2015 Directed by Tess Burke Season 15 May 6 June Dreamland A Contemporary Pantomime 29th March 2015 Directed by Terri Woodfine Season 1-11 July Legally Blonde The Musical 3 May 2015 Directed by Morgan Garrity Season 31 July 22 August The Mystery of Edwin Drood The Solve It Yourself Musical 19 July 2015 Directed by Isaac Moody Season 23 October 14 November 12 Spotlighter December 2014

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14 GOLD COAST AREA THEATRE AWARDS Presentation Night Paradise Room Arts Centre Gold Coast, Tuesday 16th December 2014 SPOTLIGHT THEATRE 2014 NOMINATIONS Category 2: Best Costumes Spotlight Theatre - DOWNTOWN - KIM REYNOLDS, CILLA SCOTT Category 3: Best Lighting Design / Operation Spotlight Theatre Company - ANNIE - MICHAEL SUTTON Spotlight Theatre Company - SWEENEY TODD - MICHAEL SUTTON Category 11: Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a School / Youth Musical Spotlight Theatre Company - BATTLESCARS - LAUREN SMITHERS Category 18 Best Choreographer Spotlight Theatre Company - ANNIE - KIM REYNOLDS Category 19: Best Vocal Director Spotlight Theatre Company - ANNIE - CHRISTINE DENNIS Spotlight Theatre Company - SWEENEY TODD - MATT PEARSON Category 20: Best Musical Director Spotlight Theatre Company - NEXT TO NORMAL - LIAM CRUZ Category 22: Best Director of a Musical or Musical Revue Spotlight Theatre Company - NEXT TO NORMAL - JOSHUA McCANN-THOMSON Category 25: Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Community Theatre Musical Spotlight Theatre Company - SWEENEY TODD - ADAM SEALEY Category 26: Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Community Theatre Musical Spotlight Theatre Company - NEXT TO NORMAL - HEIDI ENCHELMAIER Spotlight Theatre Company - YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN - JESS PAPST Category 29: Best Actor in a Leading Role In a Community Theatre Musical Spotlight Theatre Company - NEXT TO NORMAL - STEPHEN HIRST Spotlight Theatre Company - SWEENEY TODD - LIONEL THEUNISSEN Category 30: Best Actress in a Leading Role In a Community Theatre Musical Spotlight Theatre Company - NEXT TO NORMAL - ARLIE McCORMICK Category 31: Outstanding Community Theatre Production (sponsored by Arts Centre Gold Coast) Spotlight Theatre Company - NEXT TO NORMAL For a complete list of Categories and Nominees visit the website: 14 Spotlighter December 2014

15 GOLDEN GIRLS NEWS Phyllis The Golden Girls certainly don t have much spare time these days as they rush around from venue to venue. We have costumes and props to cart from place to place along with mics, amp etc. Setting up in different rooms and changing in some very small places certainly helps keep everyone on their toes. Our second season will now change to include our Christmas numbers which will be White Christmas performed by Anne, Christmas in Killarney by Marg, I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus by Maz, Rocking around the Xmas Tree by myself and our finale with all members, Jingle Bell Rock, Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas and Silent Night/On a Starlit Night. Our recent shows have been at Lady Small Haven, Palm Lake Resort, Marana Gardens, Hillview House and Mudgeeraba Nursing Home. Bookings are already into the thirties for next year so its looks like another very busy time ahead. Although our rehearsals are now over the workload has not decreased, as we are coming into our busiest time of the year, with the start of our Xmas shows. I have included photos of Eula our wonderful musical director, Phyllis in one of her many amazing costumes and myself ready with Uke in hand. Now back to the boards. Noni Buckland Golden Girls Liaison Eula Noni Spotlighter December

16 volunteers needed PLEASE CONTACT ADMINISTRATION OR IF YOU CAN HELP IN ANY WAY? As little or as much time as you can spare is appreciated! SET CONSTRUCTION PAINTING AND SCENIC ART UPHOLSTERY COSTUME CONSTRUCTION or HAND SEWING BACKSTAGE CREW FRONT OF HOUSE BAR BRONZE CORPORATE SPONSOR Theatre Alliance Secretary: Business Secretary: SPOTLIGHT Costume Hire We have thousands of costumes! Hats, masks, jewellery, wigs, stockings, head pieces & much more. 185/187 Ashmore Rd Benowa (Next to Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre) HUGE RANGE HUGE RANGE of unique & of unusual accessories to accessories buy hire! to buy or hire! OPENING HOURS Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9am-5.30pm Thurs ~ 9am -7pm Sat ~ 9am-_4pm Insurance Brokers For all your insurance requirements contact Glenda on (07) Gary Matheson Proprietor Discount for Spotlight members Stain Removal Specialist, Steam or Dry Clean Phone: (07) Mobile: Your Dry Way Professional e mailbox@spotlighttheatre.com.au Spotlighter December

17 URBANARCHY FROM JESS Overwhelmed would be a good word for how we are feeling right now! With two weeks until opening night, URBANARCHY is in full swing, rehearsing for hours with passion and energy for a great new story full of passion and fun. Lots of long nights ahead for our cast and crew of over 70 committed and talented students and volunteers, but we wouldn t have it any other way! The synopsis of the show is below and will hopefully give you an idea of what it s about! URBANARCHY: What happens to a city when the lines are blurred between what is right and wrong? This is the story of a growing metropolis forcibly thrown into a melting pot of culture, tradition, greed, need and difficult times. Cladwell Industries, which started as a family business, has grown into a giant corporation with interests in real estate, utilities, mining and corruption. Determined to keep his business growing and the media happy, Christopher Cladwell and the local Councillior, Mr Oliver Palmoil, have joined forces to ultimately control as much of the city as possible. While the police turn a blind eye and the media buy into the circus run by ringmaster Cladwell, the newly created Urban City College is opening and the students (and teachers) from opposite sides of the tracks are faced with the challenge of coping with many changes and learning tolerance. Under the lamp light of first loves and family struggles, the residents of this city must each develop courage beyond their experience to survive. We only have 4 performances and the tickets usually sell very well and very quickly - so get in fast. These beautiful, talented humans have so much to give. They absolutely commit to what they do here and I love them for it. Look forward to seeing you there in December. Jess Papst Spotlighter December

18 SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE GENEROUS DONATIONS received from Jupiters Casino Gambling Benefit Fund - $15,020 GC Community Grants Fund - $4,400 Lex Bell Div. 7- $4,000 Trish Pedersen another generous donation of $6,000 which paid for our new sound system & digital microphones. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Thank you to the Queensland Government Community Benefits Fund Unit - Office of Liquor & Gaming Regulation for granting The Spotlight Theatrical Company $31, towards a lighting upgrade. Theatre Roundup Joel Beskin s Theatre Roundup is now on Air every week on Tuesdays Tune in to 4CRB 89.3FM between 2.35pm and 3pm for Community Theatre News Kate Peters Showbiz Buzz is now on air every week on Monday afternoons. Tune in to Radio 94.1FM at 2.30pm for all the gossip on current/past/ future productions (and performers) on the Gold Coast! THE SPOTLIGHT THEATRICAL COMPANY COMMITTEE MEETING is held THIRD TUESDAY EACH MONTH 7:00pm at The Spotlight Theatre Complex unless otherwise advised. 18 Spotlighter December 2014

19 Spotlighter Deadline is 19th day of each month. Please forward articles and pics to SPOTLIGHTER ADVERTISING RATES Per Month: 1/4 page - $ GST 1/2 page - $ GST Full page - $ GST Spotlight Theatre s Test and Tag Register is duly maintained by Dramatex Theatrical Services. for all your: plan printing photocopying colour copying binding laminating plans@kibbles.com.au ph: George Street, Southport fax: Spotlighter December