General News
15 December, 2023
C'down theatre company gets state recognition
THE 75th Anniversary Spectacular presented by the Camperdown Theatre Company (CTC) has won a state award for the best concert/revue in Victoria (MTGV) Awards.
Over 20 CTC members attended the awards ceremony at Costa Hall in Geelong last Saturday to find out if their nomination was successful.
CTC president and 75th Anniversary Spectacular director Toby McKenzie said he was thrilled to be recognised amongst Victoria’s best amateur theatre.
“It is a surreal feeling to win an award at this level,” he said.
“To be comparable to the very best in amateur theatre across Victoria is an exciting achievement for our company and is wonderful recognition of what was a truly amazing community effort.
“I congratulate each and every member who contributed to the 75th, and to our wonderful community who supported the event and many others before it.
“This award belongs to everyone.”
Twelve CTC members also performed a number from the show, Nicest Kids in Town, at the awards, following an invitation to do so by the MTGV.
CTC stalwart and committee member Tony Dupleix said he enjoyed the awards and congratulated the CTC performers.
“Our performers on the night were a credit to our company and represented Camperdown with brilliant enthusiasm,” he said.
“The committee sincerely thank them for their commitment to excellence, particularly at this busy time of year.”
Alongside the nomination, a commendation was also given to Jane McSween, Toby McKenzie and Nikki McKenzie for their musical direction, incorporating the orchestral and vocal direction.
Ms McSween said she was pleased with the recognition of local talent.
“My band, as always, was a joy to work with,” she said.
“The 75th threw a wide range of music at us and we knuckled down and gave it our all.
“I am very proud of the effort that everyone put in.”
Co-vocal director Nikki McKenzie commended the hard work of the cast.
“We worked very closely with the cast to create the best sound possible and the hard work has paid off once again,” she said.
“Well done to everyone.”
Over 80 locals were involved in the 75th Anniversary Spectacular in May, which took audience members on a journey through the most recent 25 years of CTC history, mixing musical numbers and scenes from past productions.
The MTGV is a not-for-profit organisation for the ongoing support, encouragement and development of non-professional music theatre in Victoria.
A judging panel attends each performance of its member companies which culminates in nominations and commendations for the annual Bruce Awards for Excellence.
This is the second award won at the MTGV Awards from a CTC production, the first being Demby McKenzie in 2017 for his rendition of the Cat in the Hat in Seussical.
The award trophy will be on display in the window at Laffs until Christmas.
Read More: Camperdown