General News
7 December, 2023
Arts Council names in the frame for musical awards
Horsham Arts Council (HAC) is punching well above its weight with nine nominations in this year's Music Theatre Guild of Victoria awards.
Performers have shown that when it comes to talent and ability on the stage, HAC is up there with the biggest and the best anywhere in the state.
Judges watched 58 arts productions statewide to choose nominations for 19 categories.
HAC achieved a stunning nine nominations for stage performances of Seussical the Musical and American Idiot.
The arts council also received 11 open commendations.
The award results will be announced tomorrow at the 36th Bruce Awards Ceremony, a glittering event at Costa Hall, Geelong.
HAC life member Simon Dandy said the number of nominations was proof of the ability and professionalism of Wimmera performers.
"And when you take into consideration that every performer is a volunteer, it's even more of an honour that we do so well," Mr Dandy said.
"The members are involved for the love of it. And some places have huge budgets compared with ours."
The HAC nominations are: Musical direction, Mark Block, Tony Block and Chloe Findlay; settings, Erin Boutcher; costumes, Natasha Kuchel, Erin Boutcher and Maddi Ostapiw; first feature performance, Mark Block; lighting, Shane Podolski and Elise Rohde; creative design and/or technical achievement, Emily Friedrichsen; Tom Miatke, program design; supporting female performer, Alayna Toporzisek.
HAC received commendations for Seussical the Musical and American Idiot; Maddi Ostapiw for direction of both productions; choreography, Alayna Toporzisek and Loucas Vettos; settings, Emily Friedrichsen; lead male performer, Jed Prouse; lead female performer, Chloe Findlay; supporting male performer, Mark Block; ensemble, Bird Girls Ensemble.