Newsletter - October 2024
Reminders
Our AGM is on Saturday 9 November 2024
Membership renewal is due 30 November 2024
More details at the bottom of this newsletter.
We have had another full and varied year.
February
6MP On the move got us off to a flying start.
We took the bus to Growl Theatre in Brisbane with 24 of our intrepid 6MP movers who enjoyed an entertaining afternoon production of ‘The Female Of The Species’ by Joanna Murray-Smith.
The well-established and highly regarded community theatre company presented the ‘deliciously wicked comedy’ about a formerly acclaimed feminist writer with writer’s block who is faced with the repercussions of her radical feminist books on the families of the women she has influenced.
April
Windows On War was our first performance this year.
Planned to link in with ANZAC Day memorials, the performance diverted from traditional play format and took the form of a radio play, letters and memories from Australians in the various conflicts around the world from WW1, all linked together with narration and multimedia presentation.
The moderate audiences certainly appreciated the discourse and found a good deal to think about and were pleased they attended. A good lesson in giving everything a go.
Thanks to Afra for her bold concept and direction of the second half, and Hazel for the direction of the radio play. Fergus and Hari learned new skills as foley (sound effects) and Hari has now also become our spotlight expert.
Photo credit: Chris Grealy
July
Our next show continued our supper theatre tradition that included a suitably warming soup and dessert combo while audiences enjoyed the well-known Noel Coward comedy ‘Blithe Spirit’.
When novelist Charles Condamine needs some inspiration for his next book, he invites an eccentric medium to connect to the ethereal world. Little did he realise that Madam Acarti was not the fake he expected when the appearance of his dead first wife causes mischief with his present wife and friends. Elvira’s spirit, only seen by her husband, creates much confusion and hilarity, all expressed in exquisite Coward dialogue.
Despite being a typical, long three-act Noel Coward play, such was the cleverness of script and engagement of the performances that the night flew by and the audience enjoyed this theatrical experience. High praise was expressed for actors, technical crew, and hospitality crew. We look forward to next year’s supper theatre experience.
October
Technical workshops: Directing, and sound and lighting
We ran another successful workshop thanks to a City of Moreton Bay discretionary fund grant from Councillor Brooke Savage.
The workshops aimed to upskill our members and interested community members in directing or sound and lighting production.
Michael Kane, Head of Department of Humanities at Dalby State High School, ran the sound and lighting component with Janet Ash, while the budding directors were guided by Afra Feeney, also with Janet Ash (that girl just can’t stick to one thing).
During the six-hour workshop Michael imparted his wealth of knowledge from the basics of rolling the cables (more important than you might think) to the more complex aspects of sound preparation and production.
After a light lunch (beautifully prepared by committee member John Balchin) Janet joined the group to discuss lighting design. Under their guidance, participants explored how music and light can be used to create mood and support the dramatic experience of a theatrical production.
Afra led her participants through the role of the director in both professional and community theatre. They explored the considerations a director faces, from choice of play to decisions about costume, set, lighting and sound, a deep understanding of the text, as well as basic organisation of rehearsals and management of the variety of personalities involved in a production. It was a lot to take in, but everyone enjoyed the experience.
At the end of day, sound and lighting participants teamed up with the directing participants to practice a few of their newly learned skills in a short, scripted piece.
Hopefully our goal of expanding our pool of directors and tech crew for future productions will come to fruition.
Coming up
November
Annual General Meeting
Date: Saturday 9 November
Time: 3pm
Venue: Bribie Community Hall, Arcadia Ave, Woorim
6MP on the move: Saturday 23 November
Our second outing (yes, two in one year) is to New Farm Nash Theatre to see Agatha Christie's ‘Murder on the Nile’.
Book your tickets and join us: www.trybooking.com/CVLFN
Membership renewal
For current members your renewal is due by 30 November.
If you would like to become a member and support our community theatre group, please email us or see our secretary Hazel at a show. We also welcome anyone interested in joining the committee. Contact Hazel and she’ll send you a nomination form.
December
Our final show for the year - Friday and Saturday 6 and 7 December
Christmas Crackers is definitely a tradition now. The night of fun and trivia has been so popular we will hold it over two nights and will have new sketches, performances and, of course, new questions.
By now you’ll know what to expect, and if you don’t, here’s your chance to grab some friends and make up a table of six to form a trivia team. Don’t be afraid to book on your own, there is always a place at a table for someone keen to have some Christmas fun.
And of course, there will be yummy finger food provided with the cost of your ticket.
Book your tickets now: www.trybooking.com/CMVON
Thanks to our members and supporters for a wonderful 2024.
We’ll keep you posted about more fun and fabulous theatrical experiences in 2025.