It was amateur theatre's night of nights when over 600 actors, singers, producers, directors, choreographers, set designers as well as musicians came from around the region to attend the Telstra Countrywide Canberra and Area Theatre Awards.
The CAT Awards provide recognition for the enormous contribution made by non-professional groups to the artistic life in Canberra and the wider region, and encourage individuals in the performing arts.
The Awards were founded in 1995 by local theatre doyen Coralie Wood, the "Queen of Canberra", but were in danger of folding until Coralie enlisted the support of Mary Porter, who was able to convince local Telstra General Manager Ian Peters of the value of sponsoring the Awards. Mary is now the CAT Award Patron.
In 2006, 38 theatre groups and schools performed in 68 productions which featured 1,957 performers and 1 ,728 production personnel.
The major winner on the night was Wagga Wagga's Don Hillam Entertainment's production of Beauty and the Beast. The show was awarded Best Production of a Musical, Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Direction and Best Set Design in a Musical.
Lyneham High also featured prominently, with their production of Jesus Christ Superstar being awarded the Best School Musical, and Cal Doyle-Scott being recognised as Best Actor in a School Musical.
"The CAT Awards give us the opportunity to recognise the wonderful theatrical talent we have in the region," Mary Porter said . "But more than that, they also encourage the development of young talent with many older performers and production people passing on their skills and knowledge."
Gallery 2007 Image 13
