State’s stage stars celebrated at Tasmanian Theatre Awards

THE state’s theatre industry held its annual night of nights, the Tasmanian Theatre Awards, at Wrest Point on 4 March.The Tasmanian Theatre Awards recognise the diversity of theatre across the state, with more than 30 awards presented across a number of professional, musical and community theatre categories.

This year, the Archipelago/ATYP show ‘Past the Shallow’ was named Best Professional Theatre Production; while the Outstanding Performance award was shared between Lisa Gormley for ‘Amy’s Tattoo’ and Jane Longhurst for ‘Request Programme’.

Launceston’s Encore Theatre Company stole the show in the Musical Theatre category, with ‘Chicago’ winning six awards including Outstanding Production, Best Male Leading Performance and Best Female Leading Performance.

Highlights in the Community Theatre category included ‘Radiant Vermin’ winning Best Performance, Best Direction and Best Male and Female Leading Performances.

“The Tasmanian Theatre Awards are such an important opportunity for us to celebrate our theatre practitioners and professionals, as well as their significant contributions to both the sector and the wider community over the past 12 months,” Arts Minster Elise Archer said.

“The awards recognise practitioners from all backgrounds, at all stages of their careers in both the community and professional sectors – from well-established names, to very promising emerging artists and creatives.

“The diverse award categories represent the many ways that individuals and organisations can participate in, and contribute to, theatre in Tasmania – whether performing on stage or working behind the scenes.”

“I would like to extend my personal congratulations to everyone who was nominated in this year’s awards, and to acknowledge the hard work of the team at the Theatre Council of Tasmania which makes the annual Tasmanian Theatre Awards such a successful event each year.”A full list of award winners can be found at theatrecounciltas.org