During the February meeting it was proposed to run a regional workshop on writing/illustrating comics, inviting participation from surrounding regional towns.
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If enough groups were interested, it would be held later on in the year.
The shed renovation of the Green room continued with Cliff Cowell installing much needed electrical circuits.
Neil thanked Bob Cox for his sponsorship of the Society history in the Parkes Champion Post.
The AGM was held in March with Neil as president for his fourth term in the absence of any other nominations.
Lyn was vice president, Christa Radley was secretary and Gail was treasurer, while the junior representative was Gracie Townsend.
Because of a change in radio frequencies, the Society had to replace a number of their microphones.
Given the low funds of the Society, an innovative 'buy a mike' scheme was open to the public; which was strongly supported by the local politicians and members.
The real clincher was an offer from Neil and Alison Westcott of a loan for the purchase of the mikes which happily wasn't required.
The first production for the year was 'Hairspray', which started on April 24 and finished on May 17, and was a very successful show with an enthusiastic group of both young and experienced members.
Lyn directed a huge cast of fifty with the main members being Brittni Carroll, Hank Paul, Chloe Macrae, Damien Sammut, Christie Green, Dooley Thompson. Alyssa Miller, Shev Brown, Bill Jayet, Aaron Kingham, Gracie Jones, Brian Townsend, Russell Tanswell, Geoff Lindsay, Lisa Ramsay and Angela Bottaro-Porter.
Groups such as the Corny Collins Dancers, Special Ed, African and American Ensembles, the Krystals and Dynamites made up the rest of the cast.
Neil as musical director conducted the band consisting of Doug Richards, Helen Hurley, Nigel Thomas, John Henry, Duncan Clement, Elly Tom, Amy Dearden and Brian Symonds.
Back stage, set design, sound, lighting and front of house was a combined effort of the members of the Society.
Altogether the whole show from start to finish was a great beginning for the year.
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Soon after 'Hairspray', dates were confirmed for David Scheel and his one man show of 'Who Shot the Piano Man', to be performed in the Little Theatre in June 2016 in collaboration with the Society.
An Indigenous art exhibition from the Coulston Art Foundation was staged over three days in the Coventry Room, with collaboration between the Foundation, Parkes Shire and M & D Society, with the proceeds from the successful event going to the Society.
Brittni Carroll notified the committee that PIDAJ had started meeting again for this year, and also suggested she would like to organize the PACC concert for the end of the year.
Greg Ballantyne agreed to stage 'High School Musical' later on in the year.
Thanks Haley for your encouragement as we needed a show to finish the year!
With a mainly youthful cast, there was plenty of energy which Greg was able to harness with the able assistance of Christie Green, Neil Westcott and Lyn Townsend.
The music was provided by backing track organized by Liz and Neil Naveau and Rachel Thorncroft with off stage voices by Dooley Thompson, Sophie Harris and Karina Allen.
Backstage crew were Eileen Bradley and Peter Guppy with set construction by Brian Townsend and Russell Tanswell.
The vibrant cast was led by Morgan Flynn as Troy Bolton and Maddie Cooper as Gabriella Montez.
They were supported by Emily Green (Sharpay Evans), Matthew Prow (Ryan Evans), Jack Ford (Chad Danforth), Shannon Green (Taylor McKessie), Connor Murphy (Zeke Baylor), Kasey-Lee Murphy (Kelsi Neilsen), Gracie Townsend (Martha Cox) and Katrina Harris (Ms Darbus) plus thirty one enthusiastic junior actors.
Coach Bolton, played by Greg, was on the spot to encourage his team.
With this all junior cast (Greg is young at heart) anything could happen and it did, it was a huge success!!
In a theatre discussion with Council, topics raised were new seats for tiered seating, need for curtain replacement, material is on hand, (Lyn agreed to make them), lighting upgrades and hire fees for the theatre were also decided.
Jessica Westcott proposed a junior workshop (for 12 - 21 year olds) to be held over the Xmas holidays on all aspects of the theatre, with Brittani Carroll also adding her experience by assisting Jessica.
The end of the year saw preparation for the Australia Day Concert and the next years anticipated show, 'Footloose.'
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