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Spectrum Theatre Group Inc is a member of the Telstra Countrywide Canberra Area Theatre (CAT) Awards.

2007 CAT Awards

: Sam Roberts, Emily Freestone, Karen Tarpey & Geoff Carswell backstage before performing an excerpt from "Last Panto in Meirmbula" at the CAT Awards presentation night

Although we didn't take away any gongs this year, Spectrum Theatre is thrilled just to have been nominated in two categories and to have performed at the 2007 CAT Awards (see below).

We congratulate all those who were nominated and thank everyone who contributed their time and effort to the productions and attending the CAT Awards presentation night.

You are all champions!

“Trippple" Honour - Spectrum to Perform at Canberra Amateur Theatre Awards

: Bill Deveril (Director) with Sam Roberts, Karen Tarpey, Emily Freestone & Geoff Carswell

It’s been a “trippple” honour for Spectrum’s 2007 production “Trippple Play”.

The Canberra Amateur Theatre (“CAT”) Award nominations have been announced and Spectrum is thrilled to have received two nominations: “Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play” - Troy Miller as "Bernard" in Last Tango in Merimbula (Trippple Play) and “In the Spirit of the Community Award” - Spectrum Theatre Group, Merimbula.

In addition to two incredible nominations, Last Panto in Merimbula (Trippple Play) directed by Bill Deveril and starring Geoff Carswell, Emily Freestone, Sam Roberts and Karen Tarpey, have been invited to perform on the night of the CAT Awards.

The 13 CAT Award Judges saw the performances of almost 2,000 actors and witnessed almost 70 productions throughout 2007 so to be chosen to perform at the Amateur Theatre World’s “Night of Nights” is a truly outstanding achievement.

Director, Bill Deveril, is delighted that “Trippple Play” made such an impression on the Judges and that a scene from Last Panto in Merimbula was chosen, from so many other productions, to be performed at this prestigious event.

Since their inception in 1994, the CAT Awards have become a part of the theatre, dance, school theatre, theatre restaurant and musical scene in Canberra and the surrounding districts. They acknowledge the enormous contribution made by non-professional groups to the artistic life of Australia and encourage individuals in the performing arts.

At last year’s CAT Awards, Spectrum won the most “Magic Moment of Theatre” Award for 2006 for a scene from “Lucky Stiff”.

The CAT Awards are sponsored by Telstra and this night of glitz and glamour showcase some of the most brilliant performances seen during 2007 and reward stand-out achievements.

They have become known as the "Oscars" of Amateur Theatre and this theatrical extravaganza will be held on Saturday 23rd February at the majestic Canberra Theatre (Canberra Theatre Centre). Tickets are selling fast and are available through Canberra Ticketing on 1800 802 025 or www.canberraticketing.com.au.

Spectrum WINS 2008 CAT Award

Ian Battersby and Steve Goodchild of Spectrum Theatre Group have WON the 2008 CAT Award for Technical Achievement for their sound design and operation in The Dastardly Doctor Devereaux. A contingent of Spectrum members and friends went to the Awards Ceremony at the Canberra Theatre on Saturday night Feb. 21st 2009 and were thrilled when the win was announced. Steve and Ian both proudly accepted the award onstage, after which, the cast of "The DDD" peformed a song from the show. It was a great experience for all concerned to appear on the large stage before the audience of 1200. Congratulations Ian and Steve.

Troy Miller Nominated for Acting Award

: Troy Miller

Twenty-one year old, Troy Miller, a local Apprentice Plumber is thrilled to have been nominated for "Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play" for his role as "Bernard" in Last Tango in Merimbula (Trippple Play) 2007 at the Canberra Amateur Theatre Awards to be held on 23rd February 2008.
Troy's acting career began in 2006 when he met someone on a building site who was "into" amateur theatre. Not long afterwards, Troy (with no previous acting experience) decided to attend a Spectrum audition that he'd seen advertised in the Public Notices of the local paper. Troy came away from that audition with a part in Spectrum's 2006 production of "Lucky Stiff" and has since performed in 2 other sell-out Spectrum productions.
This has led to a passion for theatre and acting and last year Spectrum sponsored Troy (and two other young local people) to attend a 5 day NIDA Acting Course in Canberra.
Troy has received huge accolades for the diverse roles he has played to date and there will be large local contingent travelling to Canberra next month to support Troy at the Canberra Area Theatre Awards. If you are interested in joining Spectrum in any capacity, please read our website contact page.

2006 CAT Awards

Spectrum wins at Canberra Theatre Awards

The Spectrum Theatre Group had an incredible 3 nominations at the annual CAT Awards for last year’s performance of “Lucky Stiff”.

They were – best “Magic Moment of Theatre” for “Air Masks” depicting a plane disaster.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical - Tracey Butters.

Best Director of a Musical or Variety Show - Elaine Waddell.

A large contingent of cast and crew from “Lucky Stiff” attended the awards at the Canberra Playhouse and were absolutely thrilled to win best “Magic Moment of Theatre” for 2006!

The award was accepted by Greg Whitby, Beau Haigh and Josh Freestone. Greg designed the prop itself and set the “Air Masks” in place at each performance. Timing is everything in theatre and Beau released the air masks from the rafters at a critical moment during each performance and Josh was responsible for the plane disaster sound effects during this award winning scene.

This is a mammoth achievement for a regional area as not only did they beat 37 other theatre companies but they were up against 67 other productions which had been put forward for consideration.

Of the 68 productions in 2006, 34 were musicals and 34 were plays. And of these productions 40 were in the ACT with the other 28 in regional NSW.

In 2006 the 13 CAT Award Judges saw the performances of 1,957 actors and witnessed the work of 1,728 production personnel.

This award recognises the amazing work of Spectrum and so many talented people living in the area who have a passion for theatre and live performances.

Spectrum held its AGM last week and attracted a full committee of enthusiastic people.

The New Year begins at Twyford Hall in Merimbula on Wednesday 7th March at 7.30pm with the unveiling of three hilarious one-act plays. Information about the plays will be given on the night, together with plans for staging them. On-stage, production and behind the scenes people are needed and new faces are most welcome.

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