Valley Artists

Date: 31-Dec-06
Author: Tim Williams

Why do we do it? Because we can!

How do we do it? The best we can!!

The Circus Of Life brought together so many skills developed through dedicated workshops and courses sponsored by the Company. In particular John Campbell's circus skills workshops were invaluable - try trapeze or juggling at home...

One of our most creatively challenging productions to date "Circus of Life" was widely lauded in our theatre community as one of our best. All locally written, produced, directed, crewed and cast ‘The Circus' landed an extraordinary piece of theatre I feel is unparalleled in what is loosely known as ‘community theatre'.

To me Community theatre conjures 2 opposite issues - ego is a foreign concept (about as foreign as Iraq or Bali - no doubt it's real...but it adds nothing positive to the end result) and Community - many working together for a positive outcome.

Our annual sponsor's dinner in October received overwhelming acclaim. Traditionally this night draws maximum input from 40-70 dedicated VA members for the entertainment of and in gratitude to our Sponsors and in .

The "Other Wine Makers Dinner Party" was attended by 125 and staffed by more than 50 dedicated souls for what proved to be another wonderful celebration of local talent and friendship. (It's so easy to get carried away with heartfelt emotion on such a night!).

December saw ‘The Finnys' - written by Peter McDonough, Debut-Direction by Janine Oliver (what cant this amazing individual do?) with a wonderful cast and crew. If you didn't find something familiar and funny with The Finnys you simply aren't aware of your own community! If you weren't moved by the impact of the Spirit Man you're not aware of what's going on around you!

We know we have gifted writers, we know we have set design and construction that baffles and we know we have the respect for each other that makes production, stage management and most importantly direction combine for a consistently successful outcome. The Finnys was a culmination of all this - Peter (and Alan), Janine, Claude, Rosie, Giles, Col, Jerry, Steve and Bronnie together with your wonderful support teams - take a bow!!

I have often questioned the ability of Valley Artists to survive and thrive given the tremendous drain on time and resources and the need to make a living in the process. In my 7 year or so association with VA I have never felt more confident in saying that VA is indeed alive and well and will not only survive but continue to raise the bar in terms of what is traditionally known as community theatre - I prefer to call it a bunch of close friends (Sponsors, supporters and volunteers) keeping a special thing called Community alive.

We welcome your involvement in whatever form it might take. Every production is a great journey. We recognise the importance of our sponsors and encourage your continued support.

Bring on in April 2006 The Importance Of Being Earnest (Bob Philippe) and Wind In The Willows (Janine Oliver) in November!! Invitations for our Annual Sponsors Dinner in May will be with our valuable sponsors shortly...

Yousall!!

Tim Williams
President 2006