It is with pleasure that I report on what has been undoubtedly one of the busiest twelve months in the 13 years since the North West Theatre Company’s first production of ‘Educating Rita’,’ staged in the former Masonic Lodge in Finch Street, which now houses the community’s Toy Library.
>> View Slideshows of past productions.
There were three excellent productions during the year – ‘Gosforth’s Fete’ in February and ‘Murdered to Death’ in May were both directed by Rick Hutton, while the most recent, ‘Lipstick Dreams’ was produced in September under the directorship of Inverell’s Ben Daley.
All three plays were quite different, well attended, and financially successful.
It is also becoming apparent that the proportion of local people in our audiences is continuing to grow, which is particularly pleasing and which complements the strong regional support that has been built up over the years. I take this opportunity to thank all those supporters who have attended our shows this year, and for the manner in which they have received them. For our part, we will continue to strive to give you the best that theatre can offer.
The Company is in great shape. In the five productions since ‘Pygmalion’ in November 2013, 29 different actors have been in the various casts, and for many of them it was their first time on the stage. Add to this number the many people involved behind the scenes in the production crews, and the strength of support for the company, and for theatre generally, becomes even more apparent.
This position is reinforced by a very strong current financial base, and Treasurer Susan Hutton will shortly be presenting her report on what has been an excellent year financially. But, as the saying goes, ‘you are only as good as your last show’, and we are well prepared for 2016. The company will launch the 2016 season Saturday, February 20 with a Dinner and Radio Play in the Roxy. The Radio Play will be the hilarious first episode of ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’, and is to be directed by Martin Hansford. Then, in May, NWTC will be staging ‘Blithe Spirit’, arguably Noel Coward’s finest play. It is certainly one of his funniest.
Later in the year, it is hoped to produce a children’s play, and this idea is under development at the moment.
Another quite new introduction to our activities has been regular play readings. Led by one of our most experienced actors in Lee Loudon, these readings are not only very enjoyable but sometimes suggest plays that we go on to produce. Over the past year, ‘Macbeth’, ‘Broadway Bound’, ‘Hotel Sorrento’, ‘Murdered to Death’, ‘Gosforth’s Fete’ and ‘Blithe Spirit’ have all been read, with the last three all being selected to perform. I strongly recommend these play readings to anyone considering becoming involved in our theatre activities – it is the ideal way to start.
Our Film Club continues to go from strength to strength, and membership currently stands at 41. Next year’s program has been decided, and will be announced on December 6. I’m sure the films we offer in 2016 will be popular – the program is certainly varied. Membership for the whole year is only $60 for 11 films, and would make for a really good Christmas gift for any movie lover.
One particularly pleasing aspect is our relationship with Gwydir Shire Council. This year our Deed of Arrangement has been renewed.
This is a business arrangement where we pay Council a fixed amount for use of the Roxy for the year, plus five percent of our total door takings including from the Film Club. On top of this we are now assisting with the erection of the stage for non-NWTC shows and functions, and a number of other maintenance jobs at the Roxy that are within our scope.
We are particularly proud of the fact that, in the 13 years since the company was founded, we have contributed about $24,000 to Bingara and Gwydir Councils in annual hiring fees, share of ticket sales and donations towards equipment. I think that it is a great example of a community organization working with a council to provide an important community service.
On a sadder note this year was the serious illness suffered by our beloved Patron Mary Woodroofe, who has moved to be closer to her family in Victoria. We wish her the very best for the future. While still on the subject of the relocation of key people, I think it is widely known that our Vice President and Technical Director Martin Hansford, along with Louise and their two girls, are moving to Armidale at the end of the year. The positive in this is that Martin will continue his association with NWTC as Technical Director whenever possible. We may need to learn some of the basic technical skills ourselves. Martin and Louise are foundation members of NWTC, and we thank them for everything that they have contributed to the company, and wish them the very best for the future.
There are so many thanks to record.
Our Secretary Ros Moulton is not only ultra efficient at her minute keeping and production skills, but she has continued to guide the company through the collaboration with council and the minefield of OH&S and Risk Management, for which we now have a user-friendly policy in place. Treasurer Susan Hutton’s excellent accountancy skills are acknowledged, while Executive members such as Carmen Southwell and Lee Loudon have given much of their time. Jenny Mead’s contribution with bookings is invaluable.
Rick Hutton and Ben Daley are both excellent Directors, and we are lucky to have them available.
There are far too many people to thank personally, but to all our actors and crew – thank you for your great efforts throughout the year.
NWTC’s original Mission Statement reads…….’The North West Theatre Company will provide quality productions from our base in Bingara, serving the North West of NSW, and encourage participation in the performing arts’. Last year I finished my report by suggesting we ‘keep NWTC dynamic, brave, imaginative, exciting, but most of all FUN!’ I think we have achieved all that in 2015.
This is my 7th Presidents Report, and could be my second last. I intend to make myself available for nomination as President for one more year, and, if elected, step down at the end of 2016. While I am keen to stay on the Executive after that. everyone needs to make way for new blood, and all organizations need constant renewal.
Eight years in the chair is far too long! But I do look forward to many more years working in theatre and films in Bingara.
Thank you all for your support. JOHN WEARNE AM