Latest News from The Guild: Winter 2020

Dear Guild Members

I hope this email finds you all safe and well, and staying connected during this challenging time.
As we all know in the current situation in Victoria, things are changing almost daily, and I’m so impressed with the fortitude being displayed by our theatre community. So many of us have had to post-pone, reschedule, and cancel productions, which can be heartbreaking and stressful at the best of times.

In the face of all this, I’ve so enjoyed seeing the creative approach that many companies and individuals have taken to keep their members, volunteers and audiences engaged and entertained.
Thank you for continuing to be so generous with your time, effort and content, it has been an absolute lifeline for so many who are missing their theatres so desperately.

2020 Awards Update

In light of the most recent lockdowns and the implications that this has for so many of our members, the committee has made the difficult decision to combine the 2020 and 2021 awards seasons, with the aim to release nominations at the end of 2021 (November).
Please be assured that those companies who were able to present productions for judging during the early part of the 2020 season will not be disadvantaged by this, as those scores have already been submitted by the judging panels.

The MTGV committee and Awards Night production team are in ongoing conversations about the event which is scheduled for December 5th 2020, and how this might best reflect and celebrate the work of our theatre community throughout this year.

Some of the options currently under consideration include;

  • the 2020 event being purely be a celebration/concert
  • invited performances from companies who had shows on hold/postponed, alongside those who were able to present finished shows
  • a combined evening of some of the honorary awards (Life Members, Musicians Award etc) and performances from companies
  • various combinations of the above

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have suggestions or preferences that you would like to share.

At this time we have not planned to postpone or cancel the December event, but obviously are keeping a close eye on restrictions and recommendations as they shift and change regarding gatherings, and will keep you all updated in a timely manner.

Inclusive Practice in Theatre

I was very honored recently to be invited to take part in the Zoom panel discussion regarding Inclusive Practice in Theatre, alongside some incredible panelists representing a broad range of backgrounds who spoke of their experience as creators and performers in amateur and professional theatre. The discussion was enlightening, humbling and inspiring, and my thanks to the organisers for taking the lead in creating a safe and supported space for such an important conversation. I look forward to continued discussions and supporting companies in their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Judging Update/Changes of Dates

Again I must say a huge thank you to you all for your continued communications regarding dates for your productions.
A reminder that if you rescheduled dates for production, please send through any new details to ensure that we get you on the calendar for our judges later in the year or into next year.

Many thanks for your ongoing support and resilience during this time, and I look forward to seeing you all in a foyer again soon!

Cheers

Ang
President – Music Theatre Guild of Victoria