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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

Thread (62 posts)

MelzThu, 10 Dec 2009, 10:08 pm
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

Walter PlingeFri, 11 Dec 2009, 12:51 pm

Who has been nominated in

Who has been nominated in the various catagories?
LabrugFri, 11 Dec 2009, 12:55 pm

Announced

There still outstanding shows so there are no nominations yet. The Nominations Party is on the 2nd of Jan where official nominations will be released.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
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Walter PlingeFri, 11 Dec 2009, 04:28 pm

ok, so who is in the

ok, so who is in the running?
LabrugFri, 11 Dec 2009, 04:35 pm

Somewhere

I would guess somewhere in the vicinity of 50 different shows, porbably more. If the director and club submitted the play for the awards then it is in the running. I believe there were 51 shows last year.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
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TaureanFri, 11 Dec 2009, 08:16 pm

Sounds about correct

"Porbably" (Sic) quite right there Jeff.....

or are you being "kewt"?

"Each morning is the dawn of a new error" - anon.


LabrugFri, 11 Dec 2009, 08:43 pm

Urgh!

Bleedin typos and poor proof-reading skills.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
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NormaSat, 12 Dec 2009, 10:17 am

Finley Awards

This is from memory as i've got all the info in the office!

Plays 34, Musicals 14

Let you all know numbers on Monday- much will be revealed on January 2nd at the Nominations Night!

JustSuseSat, 12 Dec 2009, 10:40 am

Check the other posting

In the other posting about the Finleys it clearly states that there are 54 entries this year. 37 plays, and 17 musicals. Cheers, Sue.
NormaSun, 13 Dec 2009, 01:23 pm

Finleys 2009

With the list in front of me:

37 plays and 17 musicals as stated

crgwllmsMon, 14 Dec 2009, 12:16 pm

So who's going to win?

So who's going to win? Not wanting to be outdone in the impatience stakes, rather than simply demanding to be told early who is in the running, I demand that the ITA tell us now who has won. In fact, while you're at it, tell us which plays are going to win next year as well so we can plan ahead and produce them! Surely that's as reasonable a demand as the one above? Cheers, Craig ~<8>-/====\---------
LabrugMon, 14 Dec 2009, 12:57 pm

Pushed to the limit

That's stretching the boundaries of friendship a little isn't it Craig? I mean, I am still a few months away from fixing the last few bugs on my TIDD (Temporal Instant Displacement Device). Honestly, can't you wait just a little longer?

 

:rofl:

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
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Walter PlingeSun, 20 Dec 2009, 11:56 pm

Lemme guess- A Streetcar

Lemme guess- A Streetcar Named Desire She Stoops to Conquer Possibly Romeo & Juliet, Blackbird or maybe Admirable Crichton? Am I getting warm?
LabrugMon, 21 Dec 2009, 12:01 am

Nominations Night

We'll know for sure come Jan the 2nd.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
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Photographer

Walter PlingeMon, 21 Dec 2009, 02:57 am

warmer...

warmer...
Robert J WhyteMon, 21 Dec 2009, 07:54 am

Or it very well may be.....

Or....The Talented Mr Ripley* Or....The History Boys Or....The Stillborn Lover* Or....Blackbird* Or....We Happy Few Or....The Shape of Things Or....The Crucible* Or....The American Plan* * Directed by previous Finley Award winner Best Play and/ or Best Director
Walter PlingeMon, 21 Dec 2009, 03:19 pm

oooh, could be!

oooh, could be!
Walter PlingeTue, 22 Dec 2009, 03:26 pm

As the old saying goes

It aint over 'til the fat lady screams....which she probably will when she doesn't win.
Walter PlingeFri, 25 Dec 2009, 08:06 pm

It's ridiculous

I mention this every year. The concept is ridiculous, the competition is rigged and the ITA committee are responsible. I have seen the process year in and year out. I have sat in on meetings. It's a non-professional competition for non-professionals, yet semi professional actors/directors seem to win the awards. That's right (Semi-Pro). I won't mention names as I never do. $25 dollars a ticket is a little steep, a money making spin for several. Small fish in an extremely tight fish tank. If you want to play with the sharks, get into the ocean... go to the states... It's just a great excuse to back slap the same old people who do the same old performances everytime, they just have a different costume on. Remember you're not Professionals. You don't get paid. It's a hobby. Sorry. Fact. and no it has nothing to do with having never been nominated or receieving an award. I'm not an actor, nor director. I am an audience member who has watch many of the productions this year... The Event is staged. Rob F wasn't started for this silliness. Congratulations to all of you that have already won. Tom (Really really annoyed how The Robert F Awards have turned out) Now. Hit me with your reems on ethics on what constitutes professionals. Its doesn't change the fact. HOBBY HOBBY HOBBY!!! See you in the office on Monday.
jeffhansenFri, 25 Dec 2009, 09:06 pm

I'm not sure what point you

I'm not sure what point you are trying to make Tom. I can't speak for others, but I have no intention or desire for theatre to be anything other than a hobby. A yearly get together to catch up with friends I haven't seen for a while seems like a good idea to me. www.meltheco.org.au
JustSuseFri, 25 Dec 2009, 09:31 pm

Yes, its a hobby.

Tom, as far as I know we have never met. I was an adjudicator in 2008 and I can assure you the competition was not rigged. Nor did the ITA Committee have any part in deciding who won any of the awards. These two statements are facts - whether you like or believe it or not. If some people win awards more often than others, it is because they do what they do better than others. We have very strict rules as to who is eligible. If they meet those criteria they are eligible to win, if they don't, they're not. If they receive any payment for their work - in that production - then they are not eligible. You're quite right, we don't get paid. Yes, it is a hobby - but we work to professional standards. For most of us it is a passion, a vocation, an obsession even, but still an unpaid hobby. I don't quite know what meetings you have sat in on, but I do know that you have no knowledge of the Finley competition being rigged, because it is not. Simple as that. If you don't like the way we do things, don't come to the Finleys. Regards, Sue Hayward.
Bass GuyFri, 25 Dec 2009, 10:14 pm

And frankly, who cares?

The Finleys are about as valid as the Oscars, or (worse) the Grammys. They're a popularity contest; a simple token of esteem formally granted by one group of people in WA's community theatre to a noted few who have been deemed worthy to receive a mission-brown-painted trophy and certificate to "prove" that they are good at what they do for a hobby. Nothing more, nothing less. I have been a Finley adjudicator in the past, and have my own reasons for decrying the whole thing as foul meretricious bunkum, BUT!!! I have also learnt that this event brings spurious pleasure to those who NEED spurious pleasure... and who am I to ruin their fun? I do my bit by staying the hell away from the whole thing, and advise folks like YOU to do likewise, and leave those who are interested in it alone. Let them have their fun. Sure, they're easy targets, but there's no honour in wounding an easy target. Your views are hereby noted. Now, leave. Eliot McCann.
LabrugFri, 25 Dec 2009, 11:35 pm

Matter for discussion

I am not an insider to the process so I cannot vouch for, nor shall I, it's validity, apart from saying that I know a number of the panel members, both present and past, and will vouch for their personal integrity and honesty.

If I recall correctly, quite a number of productions that have won awards in the past few years have been NON-professional. Certainly, some of the directors/actors that have won awards are involved in theatre in a semi-professional capacity, yet the productions they were involved in were more often than not Am not Pro. I say "more often than not" only as I cannot be certain of the Am/Pro status of all the shows that have been nominated or won.

As for the claim of sitting on meetings, (someone correct me if I am wrong here) I thought that Adjudicator meetings were closed-door meetings. If that is so, you cannot have been privy to the decision making process, legit or no, unless you yourself have been adjudicator at some point.

I agree with your point about it being a hobby. It is. I, like so many others that I have worked with, am very passionate about my hobby and strive to do the best that I can. Other hobbies have competitons you can enter - photography, model building, skate-boarding, non-professional cricket clubs and other Am Sports groups, creative writing, etc. The Finley's are just a highly organised awards night similar to these other hobbies.

As for the validity of the Awards itself, anything that helps support, promote and celebrate WA Theatre I fully support. Do they mean anything life-shattering important? No. Is it great to acknowledge and celebrate what we do? Yes it is.

Fair enough you feel the thing is a sham, and you are not the only one I'd wager. That is your choice.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
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Walter PlingeSat, 26 Dec 2009, 07:29 am

I think it stems from

I think it stems from rumours that some of the directors were paid the year for the productions they did.
JustSuseSat, 26 Dec 2009, 11:01 am

Rumours are wrong

Then those rumours are wrong. Nobody who has been paid for a production - in any capacity - is eligible for a Finley. Other people in the production, if they have not been paid, may be considered, but not the person who has been paid. And yes, Jeff. You are quite right, all adjudicators meetings are closed door affairs. There is NO way this person has sat in on any of them unless he has been an adjudicator himself. I assumed he meant that he had been to some ITA meetings. Who knows? I'm sorry that Eliot and some others think that the Finleys are 'bunkum' etc, but there are many who do not. To each his own. Sue.
Walter PlingeMon, 28 Dec 2009, 07:24 pm

Surely you can only speak

Surely you can only speak for the years you were an adjudicator, not the one just past where you weren't one?
LabrugMon, 28 Dec 2009, 08:55 pm

It's a part of the conditions

It's in the requirements for nomination and they haven't changed. Any aspect of a theatrical production that has been professionally sourced (i.e. paid) cannot be assessed for the Finley's.

If your set was professionally built, you cannot be assessed for Set Design.

I think the rules are somewhat sterner when using professional actors and directors.

These rough guidelines form a part of the submission process. Anyone who has been involved in the submission of a production this year could confirm that.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
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jmuzzTue, 29 Dec 2009, 07:41 am

As I understand it....

...having definitely sat in on meetings as a member of the ITA committee a cpl of years back (and no, the rules have not changed since then), if you earn a living as a professionalin any capacity, you can not win a Finley. Example - my girlfriend does casual work as an actor for a training company - she can not be eligible for an acting Finley while that is the case. Rumours about directors being paid? Seriously? Who starts these things? For any director worthy of being paid I can't think of a worse hell than working in an amateur production. Actors who don't learn lines until the last minute, accomodating everyones need to be away "just this one rehearsal".......you'd have to be certifiably nuts...if you were a professional. The only payments to directors would be for out of pocket expenses (purchase of props, etc) which is the company's discretion and perfectly valid. Eliot, normally I'm in sync with you in the "bah, humbug" stakes but I have to differ on this occasion and point out the wise words of Mr Jeffery Hansen a couple of posts back. I say the same thing every year...every year...what's wrong with holding an annual knees up where the different clubs can come together and old friends share a beer together? Forget the damn awards - how about the fellowship? The fact is that the awards are part of the glue that hold the theatre community together and perhaps that sense of community would survive if they disappeared...and perhaps not. I know a great number of people now who I first met at Finley award nights. I thank the ITA for the opportunity. The day the award night gets under say 200 attendees I would agree - do away with it. Given the numbers have increased in recent years I can't see that happening. Seriously guys, it's all about the occasion and the awards are a little less important or controversial when you adopt that attitude. Let's do away with Christmas and just bring the awards forward.
Bass GuyTue, 29 Dec 2009, 09:01 am

A rare breed

The young jmuzz is a rare man amongst many- he's in it for the fun. So am I; which is precisely why I don't bother with the Finley Awards. I don't "need" them. I find them a distraction that takes away from the real reason we do this hobby. And I concur with him that whilst the fellowship is important, you COULD have a knees-up and do away with the Awards completely.... that'd be novel.... As I say each year, every year; quoting Bela Bartok: "Competitions are for horses".
Dean SchulzeTue, 29 Dec 2009, 09:48 am

El, it's your use of the

El, it's your use of the word "Competitions" in that quote that sums it all up for me. Some see winning a Finley as the reason they are involved. They are the ones for whom the use of the word "competitions" is valid. Others involve themselves in this all-encompassing hobby because we love it. If a Finley comes along, well and good, but it should not the overwhelming reason for doing it.
Bass GuyTue, 29 Dec 2009, 10:01 am

More concurrence!

This must be why you and I get on so well, Dean! 8-D
jmuzzTue, 29 Dec 2009, 02:34 pm

Here's the rub

Probably the primary reason the ITA exists (although not the only) is the administration of the Finley awards and Dramafest. If we do away with the Finleys it oould be argued that the ITA would have little to do and therefore no real need to exist. If that were to happen, who would organise this all-very-good-in-concept annual get together without awards? I s'pose the individual clubs could nominate a representative to meet with other club representatives to thrash something out but would the numbers suffer because there was no occasion other than a knees up? I'm guessing yes. The way I see it, some people (some of whom I like a lot) would not attend if not for the possibility of some recognition for either themselves or their club. Would Kalgoorlie for instance travel all the way to Perth for a party? Actually, thats a stupid question knowing them. Let me rephrase that - is it not more reasonable that there be some sense of occasion to encourage out of town clubs to attend? The Finleys, love 'em or hate 'em, fills that requirement and brings many old friends together which a simple "party" may not do. Personally I don't have a problem with an amateur club or conglomerate doling out awards for good work. It's in the same category as any club having an annual awards night whether it be an aero club, a bowling club, a seniors club, etc etc etc. I can't understand Tom Caulton's assertion that it is "ridiculous" to hold such an awards night for an amateur pursuit. It's no more ridiculous or subjective than the Oscars which are truly a popularity contest even though run by professionals. Ridiculous is taking it seriously. Treat it as a bit of a laugh and stop preaching from the mountain. Why does everbody suddenly swallow a bucket load of serious pills when the subject of the Finley awards comes up? Lighten up people.
Bass GuyTue, 29 Dec 2009, 02:50 pm

What rub?

"Probably the primary reason the ITA exists (although not the only) is the administration of the Finley awards and Dramafest. If we do away with the Finleys it could be argued that the ITA would have little to do and therefore no real need to exist." You're making it very hard for me not to burst out in demonic Vincent-Price-like laughter here.... >8-D
Bass GuyTue, 29 Dec 2009, 02:57 pm

But seriously (!)....

...everyone swallows the proverbial serious tablets at Finley Time because there is a PRIZE at stake!! And it is deep-set in the human (and particularly the Australian) psyche that One Must Win At All Costs. One has no truck with failure; failure is commonplace, success is rare- hence why everyone gets so worked up about winning something... ANYthing.... 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.
jmuzzTue, 29 Dec 2009, 10:25 pm

:) LOL

El, you are a card and the card trick all in one. God bless you for selling your point of view with all the subtlety of a broken glass in the face. I'll see your Vincent Price laugh and raise you a Peter Lorre snicker at the thought of one Eliot McCann winning a Finley for his performance in Blackbird. That sir would be the very definition of irony ;) Perhaps we should have an awards night dedicated to rewarding spectacular failure. That would seem an acceptable middle road - after all, that would be treating what we do as a hobby - failing but trying hard. I could win one of those awards. Say, that sounds appealing....having my mediocrity recognised by my peers. Think I'm on to something here..........
John GrimTue, 29 Dec 2009, 10:52 pm

hobby horse

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 .
LabrugWed, 30 Dec 2009, 12:42 am

Grim Tidings

Mr Grimm, I had been struggling with the words and now find that you have answered for me. I know El (and a lovely chap he is) and I understand his views on awards, and perhaps even share them (to some degree.) Wow, a few of brackets in there...

However, like yourself JG, I see the Finley's as much more than competition and award. It is a demonstration of Community Spirit and Community Acknowledgement.

WA has a vast array of talent, and I have had the pleasure of working with many of them. It is a massive community yet I am continually surprised how many people are unaware of it's existence or scope.

The Finley's (like the Logies and Academy Awards) are not about awards for individuals, although it can appear like it is. It is an acknowledgement of the wider community as a whole. A singular community coming together to celebrate their passionate hobbies.

Yes, some people take it a little more seriously than that. That's to be expected. Some people use Community Theatre as a jump into professional theatre. However, it cannot be denied that the Finley's do a lot to encourage and support Community Theatre in WA and that, to me, is why we do it.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
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Bass GuyWed, 30 Dec 2009, 07:20 am

Giddy up!

At the risk of riding the nag into the ground, and then subsequently flogging it, I will respond to a couple of points in JG's excellent post: "The question begs, why is recognition from one's peers of any less value?" Recognition from one's peers is lovely, certainly- but recognition from complete strangers is unsolicited (and often requires a bit more bravery), and in my book that reason alone gives it more weight. If someone you don't know comes up to congratulate/critisise what you've just done, they've made a effort to do so which is exceptionally generous. Friends/peers can often feel "obligated" to tell you that "you were faaaaab-ulous, dahlink", whether they want to or not. And rarely will they offer you critisism for fear of upsetting you. As for suggesting the ITA things.... well I didn't reeeeeaaaally... but I do love poking the odd bear, because I'm can be a spiteful little git at times, who hates committees. And as for jmuzz's utterly asinine suggestion that I would actually *win* a bloody Finley.... rapiers at dawn, buddy! You name the locale!! ;-)
Robert J WhyteWed, 30 Dec 2009, 09:54 am

Well...

You never know El, you might have two matching certifcates on the wall upstairs...a his and hers. Muahahahahahaha!
Bass GuyWed, 30 Dec 2009, 11:08 am

Pah!

There's as much chance of that happening as a snowball successfully negotiating its way through the Ninth Circle of Dante's Inferno. Without a map. Jen's got it sewn up, methinks....
jmuzzWed, 30 Dec 2009, 11:09 am

Rapiers at dawn???

No way - you're way to handy with swordplay. Best out of 3 at bowling on the Wii perhaps? Johnny Grimm - it wasn't actually poor Eliot who suggested that the Finleys and Dramafest were a primary reason for the ITA's existence. It was me!!! And, I think you will find, one of the primary reasons the ITA was bought into existence WAS the administration and running of the Finleys. Having been a committee member in recent years, they certainly consumed a fair amount of meeting time and my point was that without the Finleys and Dramafest, the need for such an umbrella organisation as the ITA dissipates to a certain extent. God bless 'em, they have been instrumental in dealing with such major issues as insurance, grants, alcohol legislation, etc last couple of years but if the clubs had been forced to deal with such things without the ITAs leadership, I'm sure they would have. Anyway, point is, my comment wasn't meant as a slap in the face Johnny. Believe me, the running of the Finleys and Dramafest are major organisational headaches and thankless tasks. My thanks to the committee for tackling them :) My bet is, that like the previous three years, there will be people who can't be pleased whether it be lack of water service, length of the evening, implied bias on the part of the adjudicators, some small oversight in regards to bar service/administration of bar, lack of red wine in favour of white wine, lack of white wine in favour of red wine, choice of hosts, availability of smoking areas, failure to award an award for a particular aspect of theatre, venue, instructions on how to reach the venue, trouble booking tickets, ad nauseum, ad nauseum, ad nauseum. These complaints will be delivered with the subtlety of a punch to the face by the complainants none of whom have probably lifted a finger to help in any capacity. It really is amazing how quickly the season of goodwill passes and the season of festering discontent enters. *Sigh* Maybe it won't happen this year....maybe
LabrugWed, 30 Dec 2009, 11:18 am

The Masses

Can't Please All. What is sadly lacking is the amount of Compliments. Is it not odd that everyone raises merry hell when something is not quite right, that single millimeter out of alignment, yet for those that find nothing to complain about or even enjoy something, very little is ever said.

That is why when I get good service at the local store, I let someone know about it. Preferably in Management. No news is good news is really hard to measure.

This, of course, does not address the litigations and death threats that come from those anonymous individuals, most of which hold as much validity as a collander holds water, but that is another story.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
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Walter PlingeWed, 30 Dec 2009, 11:49 am

Free water is required

Free water is required under responsible service of alcohol legislation. Simple as that. Details at http://www.rgl.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?NodeId=94&DocId=117
Paul TreasureWed, 30 Dec 2009, 12:29 pm

Double Pah!

Hey El, "There's as much chance of that happening as a snowball successfully negotiating its way through the Ninth Circle of Dante's Inferno." You really might want to reread Dante's Inferno before you make that comparison... The ninth circle of hell is the frozen lake where the worst sinners are kept cryogenically frozen but still alive... "Without a map." And a snowball can't read anyway... [sorry... Paul being a literary wanker again... :-P ]
Paul TreasureWed, 30 Dec 2009, 12:37 pm

Rule updates...

Sorry Muzz... The rule affecting Melissa has been tweaked since then, and is, anyway, a Dramafest rule, not a Finley rule. For the Finley Awards, a professional is defined as anyone who is paid for that production. And that is paid, not reimbursed! For the Dramafest, it is anyone who earns the majority of their income from theatre/film/tv is a professional. Although we have since tweaked that to exclude minors and full-time students. And Mel was the example we used when we brought the rule in. So, yes, if a show has a paid director, it cannot win best director, and hence probably won't win best production either, but the unpaid actors can win best actor.
JoeMcWed, 30 Dec 2009, 12:41 pm

Don't foget it's not the

Don't foget it's not the water, but the plastic bottle, that has a 'use by' date! Before you cross 'Styx'!
Robert J WhyteWed, 30 Dec 2009, 12:58 pm

Not a chance, but maybe

Not a chance, but maybe this year after the event those of us that contribute regularly should not buy into the usual shit fight about the evening and the results, from the usual uninformed ignorant faceless trolls out there.
Bass GuyWed, 30 Dec 2009, 01:29 pm

Oom-pah-pah!!

I don't want to re-read Dante's inferno again, thanks kindly for the offer! ;-) I do however bow to a literary knowledge more thorough (and wanky) than my own! Hee hee hee....
Walter PlingeWed, 30 Dec 2009, 03:59 pm

And instead of bitching,

And instead of bitching, there could be a tip jar at the Finley bar (both the nominations and awards nights), dedicated to raising money for the victims of the Toodyay fires (and clearly marked as such). Then, at the end of both evenings, the money could be given to the Bendigo's Bank appeal.
Robert J WhyteWed, 30 Dec 2009, 05:54 pm

What a great idea, will you

What a great idea, will you organise it please William?
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