Community Theatre Hall of Fame

The Association of Community Theatre has inducted eight new members into its Hall of Fame for outstanding service to the sector including Stage Whispers Editor Neil Litchfield.

ACT – is an umbrella organisation for community theatre companies in New South Wales which offers promotion, training and insurance coverage for member companies.

The inductees were congratulated at ACT’s recently completed stage craft conference by ACT patron Nancye Hayes AM. The theatre legend  fondly recalled receiving some of her first acting roles in an amateur theatre company on Sydney’s northern beaches.

"It was such a privilege to hear the wonderful contributions made by our award winners and to see the genuine surprise with which they responded and the obvious pleasure we all felt for them. Congratulations one and all.  So well deserved."   

Inducted into the Hall of Fame were

Diane Crease (Bankstown Theatre Company.) A theatre professional who has worked tirelessly for the company for 40 years.

Andrew Davis ( Willoughby Theatre Company, Cumberland Gang Show, North Shore Theatre Company.)  Andy’s unwavering dedication to community theatre over the course of several decades has made him the very definition of "Community Theatre.”

Tim Dennis (Miranda Musical Theatre.) For decades of outstanding service on stage as an actor, as a director, prop maker and lighting designer.

Rod Drummond (Tweed Theatre Company.) A dedicated and consistently hard-working
member of Tweed Theatre Company Inc for over 20 years.

Neil Litchfield (ACT.) Fifty years as a performer and Director. Dedicated compiler of What’s on listings for 30 years and Editor of Stage Whispers since 2008.

Caroline Reddel (Eastwood Uniting Church Musical Society.) Tireless performer and committee leader for several decades.

Brenda Warren (Tugin Theatre Company.) A performer, director and committee member who is still working front of house at the age of 90.

James Worner. (Inner-west theatre company)  His passion for costumes is unmatched. His attention to detail and creativity has elevated the production values of all levels of shows, from schools, large scale community theatre and professional productions.

Attendees at the award dinner enjoyed preview performances of The Willoughby Theatre Company’s Singin’ in the Rain,  North Shore Theatre Company’s production of We Will Rock You and a special tribute the Bankstown Theatre Company’s 75^th anniversary season which will culminate in a production of Sweeney Todd.

The full Hall of Fame citations can be read at.

https://www.communitytheatre.com.au/index.php/hall-of-fame

A calendar of community theatre productions is listed year around at www.communitytheatre.com.au

(Photos Troy Kent.)