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ITA Finley Awards - Sat 23 Jan 2010

Thu, 10 Dec 2009, 10:08 pm
Melz62 posts in thread
2009 ITA Finley Awards

The Independent Theatre Association of WA is proud to present community theatre’s annual achievement awards, in recognition of non-professional theatre’s adjudicated productions for 2009. The 35th Annual ITA Finley Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday January 23, 2010 at the Judith Cottier Theatre, Perth College in Mt Lawley.

The Finley Awards are coordinated by the Independent Theatre Association, which is an umbrella organisation for community theatre in Western Australia. It represents over 60 community or amateur theatres in Western Australia.

Four dedicated ITA adjudicators attend every production entered throughout the year both in metropolitan and regional Western Australia. This year the competition is fierce with 54 productions entered, of those 37 are plays and 17 musicals - a record number of entries. About 10% are from rural clubs.

From humble beginnings in 1975 the Finley Awards have grown into one of the most prestigious events on the community theatre calendar.

Actors, directors, designers and technicians from around the state will attend and celebrate their night of nights. Awards include Best Play, Best Musical, Best Actor/Actress, Best Director, Best Supporting Female/Male, Best Emerging Talent, Best Musical Theatre Performer, Best Vocal Direction, Best Set and Best Costumes.

Finley Co-ordinator Dannielle Ashton says, "It’s going to be an exciting night and great theatrical showcase. This will be the biggest Finley Awards to date."

ITA committee member David Young says “there are lots of patrons of community theatre who aren’t active on stage and they too will be curious to see who takes out the honours”.

Last year’s Finley Award for Best Play was awarded to Deckchairs from Kwinana Theatre Workshop and the Finley Award for Best Musical was awarded to bare, presented by Playlovers in Floreat.

With entertainment from some of the best productions seen in 2009 and an electric atmosphere, if you have ever patronised a community theatre production or have been curious, then don’t miss this night of nights.

Date: Saturday 23 January 2010
Time: Doors 6pm, Awards Ceremony 7pm
Venue: Judith Cottier Theatre, Perth College, 31 Lawley Crs, Mt Lawley
Dress code: Semi Formal
Parking: Perth College Oval, entry off Beaufort St.
Tickets: $25 transaction fee applies
Bookings: TAZ Tix 9255 3366 or book online www.tazentertainment.com.au

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hobby horse

Tue, 29 Dec 2009, 10:52 pm
John Grim
I do so try hard not to buy into these threads, however, one must occasionally dip one's feet into the water. To begin with, I'd like to know where the ITA have advertised the Finleys as a competition? Of course, human nature being the beast it is, it will always end up (for some) being a competition. So what? The intention of the event is to showcase the wealth of talent Perth's theatre community has in abundance. And if anyone doubts that then I'm going to ask for a Rod Stewart cut next time I get down to the barbers. Bass Guy, states 'the best "prize" one should aim for (in my boastful conceited opinion) is the acclamation of complete strangers directly after your performance/production. Far more valuable than a crertificate or cash-prize.' The question begs, why is recognition from one's peers of any less value? Bass Guy also suggests that the Dramafest and Finley's are there as reasons for the ITA to exist. If I were a member of the ITA committee, I would be somewhat bemused, or even pissed off at that suggestion, however, that is my opinion, and fortuantely, I am not said member of the ITA committee. As for Tom's comments, all I can say really, is that the people who do this for a 'hobby' can sure teach those who do it professionaly a thing or two. I dare say that some of the shows I've seen this year will be as good as, if not better than, some of the fodder that will grace this years Perth festival. Anyway, I could go on, but an old man like me must be off to bed, to sleep and to dream of my hobby becoming a real job one day soon. A fanciful dream...ah yes...but I would so hate that dream to end. To the adjudicators who have given up their time,to the ITA committee, to the set designers, set builders, set painters (Tim Prosser take a bow, and another one), the lighting and sound people, the FOH, the off stage crews, the directors and script writers, Aunt Nellie who makes the scones for rehearsals and sells raffle tickets inbetween, the actors and musicians...and to those who see the Finleys as far more than silly trophies, I say go forth and celebrate,for each and every one of you has good reason to do so. here's to the New Year Johnny Grim A lad in sane productions .
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ITA Finley Awards - Sat 23 Jan 2010— Melz10 Dec 2009
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