Feb, 2026

By admin

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Options Theatre Company proudly presented The Wizard of Oz

at Laycock Street Community Theatre

Three awesome shows!

Options Theatre Company is very proud of their Cast and Crew for their outstanding performances of The Wizard of Oz at Laycock Street Community Theatre.

The Ensemble of Options Theatre Company presented one of their favourite shows, The Wizard of Oz, bringing L. Frank Baum’s timeless story to life at Laycock Street Community Theatre.

Audiences were captivated as they followed Dorothy on her journey from Kansas to the magical Land of Oz, meeting the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion along the Yellow Brick Road in search of courage, wisdom, heart and a way home.

Each show was met with rousing applause and standing ovations for all performances. Options Theatre Company’s production of The Wizard of Oz combined creative set design and outstanding special effects, with wonderful performances from our Lead Actors, Support Actors, Singers and Dancers.

AMAZING FEEDBACK
We always love to receive your feedback! Here’s just a few of the wonderful messages we received on Social Media. Thank you to everyone who messaged, called, emailed and even sent us a beautiful Balloon Bouquet.

…. so excited to see my Nico the very talented monkey fly…. It’s an amazing production with an amazing cast!!! Stephanie is the most beautiful Dorothy, Ben amazing as the scarecrow, Skye a beautiful voice as Glinda and omg Leanna has the scariest and haunting witches laugh…

Vicky Coppleman

I had the most amazing wonderful time playing Mrs Gulch and the Wicked Witch of the West , I just wanted to say a huge thankyou to all of our wonderful team at Options Theatre Company that made this show happen. To the cast mates I am absolutely so proud of you all. To Stu, Andrew and Simon for the wonderful projection videos, and all your hard work paid off, they were fabulous. To Caro, Julia, Rhi and Emily, the choreography was outstanding, to Lyn and the costume helpers… the costumes looked incredible, to all our Support Staff and back stage helpers you’re all amazing!

Leanna Branz

As many people b4 me have said it’s hard to put into words what an outstanding show this was I was lucky enough to see all 3 shows & I could sit through many more. It was entertaining, mesmerising, & enchanting from beginning to end. Every single person on that stage was a star in their own right. Congratulations to the masterminds behind it & everyone who put so much love, time, & effort into bringing it to stage & working behind the scenes during the 3 shows.

To the cast themselves……WOW!!!! You were absolutely incredible Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou!

Candy Connors

Went to see the 5pm Show on Saturday 21st, of The Wizard of Oz and I am still buzzing! Absolutely brilliant! Everybody! Director Stuart Smith never ceases to amaze me with his incredible talent along with Musical Director, Choreographers and Costume Design! .. And of course, all the performers were awesome and should be very proud of themselves. Another wonderful night’s entertainment. Thank you. Looking forward your next production of whatever it may be.

Kerie Howlett

This was my first Options production & wow was I blown away. Congratulations to you all.
I was throughly entertained from beginning to end. Will definitely be booking my seat for the next production.

Sue Marsland Hutchby

There seem to be no limits with Options productions. The number of lines the main characters remembered was astounding!.
I was blown away. Well done all!

Dawn Knight

Thank you for another brilliant show from OTC! Every year it gets better. And every year I’m astonished by how you all
manage to work so hard and successfully deliver an amazing show. Bravo tutti!

Laurel Betts

Congratulations everyone it was magical!

Maria Smith

Such a fabulous performance! Truly professional and extremely entertaining
A big thank you to everybody involved with bringing this together.

Deslea Lawrie

Congratulations to you all.

Amy McKim

What an amazing show. Well done everyone.

Marion Ryan

Truly magical xx Congratulations to Stuart Smith and team for a wonderful show last night.
We absolutely loved it and we are so proud of our boy Josh that played the Lion.

Tina Leaitua

Such a fantastic show very well put together with all the special effects as well.
Just brilliant well done to all the Incredible Cast and Crew and all the creative people behind the scenes

Sheridan Kerr

This was my first show I’ve seen of yours and it was SPECTACULAR!!!!
What a talented cast, crew and quality production. Bravo!

Nozzie Anne

Wow! What a journey through an amazing Theatrical Experience, Heart was filled, eyes welled, feet were tapping, laughs a plenty & in awe of the professionalism of All these incredible Actors! … Stand Proud, You are All such Ambassadors for the world of Disabilities, especially in the field of Theatre!

Timothy Peel

Absolutely Brilliant show!! Everyone a star!! I can’t wait to see it again!!

Jonathon Leigh Collins

THE WIZARD OF OZ CAST MEMBERS
Watch the interviews with our Lead Characters: https://optionstheatrecompany.org.au/meet-our-cast/

Here’s some of the photos captured by our Photographer, Jessica Irwin.

Dec, 2025

By admin

RUNAWAY

OTC Dance Performances of RunAway

Time to RunAway with the circus!

Options Theatre Company was very proud to present the Live Dance Performances of RunAway at our theatre in Tuggerah.

Family and friends enjoyed all the fun of the circus in four SOLD OUT Shows in November, 2025.

With a cast of 24 of our finest dancers, the theatre was transformed into a mystical circus.

Our wonderful OTC Tuesday Dance Group delighted audiences with contemporary dance styles immersed with modern music, stunning lighting and visual effects.

I’ve always loved the idea of a mysterious town that only appears every so many years. In the vein of Brigadoon, in which unassuming travellers discover a town where they learn valuable lessons from the enchanted people who live there. This became the inspiration for our dance show, RunAway.

Carolyn McNamara
Choreographer

RunAway followed a group of friends as they stumbled into a tent which had mysteriously appeared. Together they met a wonderful troupe of dancing circus performers, each with a lesson to teach, who enticed them with the promise of a more colourful and magical world, if they would just RunAway with the circus.

Congratulations to all OTC Cast and Crew on bringing these memorable dance performances to life. We received amazing reviews and our audiences who gave standing ovations, were cheering for more.

See the after show photos below featuring our Cast and Crew!

Jan, 2025

By admin

CAKE

OTC Live Performances of CAKE

A sensational ending to OPTIONS 30 Year Celebrations

Options Theatre Company provided the perfect ending to a massive year of 30th Anniversary Celebrations at Options Disability Support.

‘CAKE’, A Recipe for Disaster, was an original production Written, Directed and also Starring our Artistic Director, Stuart Smith.

‘CAKE’ explored the concept of what happens when things go wrong on the ‘big night’ and our cast delivered outstanding performances in this wild and zany production featuring over 40 performers.

The BIG 30th Birthday/Anniversary/End of Year/ Christmas Celebration Show seemed doomed to fail when Director Stuart exclaimed he ‘Was over it’... and not ‘An endless well of show-stopping ideas’… he left the cast to run their own show, with Maddison now thrust into the role of Creative Director. The cast now needed to work together to create the perfect recipe and find the missing secret ingredient to make a successful show.

David Currie started the show with a very enthusiastic delivery of ‘Let Me Entertain You’ with moves that made Robbie Williams look like an amateur. From there some twists and turns ensued as the show became a Murder Mystery. Our Ace Detective Sweet Eats, Alex Coppleman was on the case, using his skills and the assistance of a cheeky voiceover to work out whodunnit!

Stephanie Mercer and Shani-Lee Morse kept an eye on Detective Sweet Eats with their roles as the over-zealous singing Police Inspectors Mercer and Morse who sang the Police hit song, ‘Every Breath You Take’.

Alison Walker gave us a a beautiful rendition of ‘Memories’ but ended up dying on the stage…. or did she? Detective Alex interrogated all the murder suspects and ended up becoming a suspect himself.

A beautiful highlight was a magical performance of ‘Beauty and The Beast’ by Elise Gough who totally sparkled in her shimmering ballgown.

Leanna Branz sizzled as the Blonde Bombshell Makeup Artist putting our Ego Fueled Actors, Ben Peel, Olivia Sharp and Georgie-Rose Connors in their places as she reminded them… ‘You’re So Vein’.

Detective Sweet Eats (Alex) revealed his Dance Diva moves with a glittering performance of ‘MacArthur Park’… after someone left his cake out in the rain.

Our Music Director, Andrew Sampford gave us a rare opportunity to witness his musical talent by playing the piano LIVE on stage throughout the performance and providing a heart warming and memorable soundtrack to the show accompanied by Joshua Harris and Chandra Freeman.

Skye Hunt took on the role of Choreographer for the show (with the assistance of Carolyn McNamara) ensuring that our dancers were kept inline.

Alexander Shepherd was in his element when tasked with the job of using his Social Media Contacts to provide an audience for the show. Accompanied by our dance group, Alexander gave us a dynamic performance of the Presets song, ‘My People’ and the audience loved this high energy performance.

The murder mystery was finally solved with Alison revealing that she wasn’t really dead… the show came to a meaningful conclusion as she revealed that ‘Working together was the secret ingredient to a successful show’.

And if you thought that was the end of the surprise twists and turns…. the finale saw a sensational performance of Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas’ featuring emerging Star, Mariah Stuie.

The entire ensemble joined in singing the finale song and there was a joyful energy in the audience as we waved goodbye to 2024 and gathered with family and friends for after-show refreshments.

Everyone agreed, ‘You can have your CAKE and enjoy it too!’ and this show definitely ‘Takes the Cake!’

** Photography by Jessica Irwin

Apr, 2024

By admin

2024 Molly Awards

2024 Molly Awards at Avoca Beach Theatre

Options Theatre Company enjoyed a sparkling awards night.

Cast, Crew, Families, Staff and VIP Guests of Options Theatre Company attended the 2024 Molly Awards at Avoca Beach Theatre on Tuesday, 26 March, 2024.

Guests arrived in style walking the red carpet for a glittering evening to celebrate the performances of the Singers, Actors, Dancers and Writers who featured in our recent performances which included:

If I Can Dream
Hurricane
US and THEM

The weather was kind and our guests enjoyed dressing up in their finest outfits, strolling along the red carpet and smiling for the cameras. We partied to some chill music from our favourite DJ Daz and had a lovely meal of fish and chips in the garden as the sun set. Then it was time to move inside for the Awards Ceremony which featured some awesome video clips put together by our Artistic Director, Stuart Smith and our Music Director, Andrew Sampford.

During the ceremony, photos of the nominees in each category were featured on the big screen and the winners received a beautiful engraved trophy. The prestigious Gold Molly Award was won by Shani-Lee Morse. All of our ensemble members also received a very stylish commemorative 2024 Molly Awards Medal on a gold ribbon ensuring that everyone was a winner!

Hall of Fame

There was also a special moment when we reflected to remember our friend Nicolas Charters who was entered into the Options Theatre Company Hall of Fame.

And the winner is…

Awards were presented in several categories and the 2024 Molly Award winners were….

Most Improved
Morgan Prince

New Talent
Georgie-Rose Connors

Team Player
Leanna Branz

Comedic Performer
David Currie

Dramatic Performer
Alison Walker

Male Dancer
Alexander Coppleman

Female Dancer
Tanya Thurlby

Script Doctor
Ben Peel

Male Singer
Ty McGill

Female Singer
Stephanie Mercer

Male Ensemble
Joshua Southgate

Female Ensemble
Lauren Watts

Male Actor
Caleb Scheinecker

Female Actor
Georgie-Rose Connors

Director’s Award
Olivia Tranter

Production Award
Lauren Hain

Choreographer’s Award
Shaylea Newman

2024 Gold Molly
Shani-Lee Morse

Nov, 2023

By admin

US and THEM

Options Theatre Company landed at Laycock Street Community Theatre

Options Theatre Company’s latest Live Stage Performance, US and THEM arrived on the main stage at Laycock Street Community Theatre on Friday, 2 February 2024.

Us and Them is an original science fiction play by Options Theatre Company and tells the story of a group of people from an unknown race, on a floating rock, somewhere in space.

Gina lives on a grass covered rock floating in space. She is turning 21, and that means one thing to her floating rock civilisation… Choosing Day!

Gina must choose between a society divided into Us and Them or be forced to walk alone on the Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Faced with impossible decisions and a society at war with each other, which side will she choose?

Directed by Stuart Smith, Us and Them is an original sci-fi play created by Options Theatre Company which has been captivating audiences with four SOLD OUT Preview shows and a massive performance on the big stage at Laycock Street Community Theatre.

Us and Them aims to bring hope to a world dividing. It’s a metaphorical world to our own, people living on a floating rock in space who are perplexed by a question “who is right and who is wrong” and asked to pick a side.

What would it take to unite such a world?

With an original score by Musical Director, Andrew Sampford, US and THEM features music from Pink Floyd, Muse, Green Day, The Goo Goo Dolls, Moby, INXS, Radiohead and Neil Diamond.

Artistic Director, Stuart Smith said…

“Us and Them is a collaborative project with the creatives and cast at Options Theatre Company. We posed the question – What would it take to unite a divided world? Us and Them is our search for that answer. At the moment, our world is more interested in picking a side than searching for the truth – a universal truth that encompasses us all – and that simple truth is what Us and Them attempts to reveal.”

Original score by Musical Director Andrew Sampford
Choreography by Carolyn McNamara and Emily Marshall
Directed by Stuart Smith
Written by Stuart Smith with Shelly Edgington and Andrew Sampford
Workshopped with the OTC Ensemble

Sep, 2023

By admin

Hurricane

HURRICANE

Options Theatre Company rolled out their
second show for the year – Hurricane!

Options Theatre Company’s Monologue Performance, Hurricane – A Whirlwind of Voices touched down with 3 performances in September and October, 2023.

In this show, our acting ensemble delved into many plays and films. They created a cacophony of theatrical monologues and swirling emotions drawing from a diverse range of scripts, from Shakespeare to Jurassic Park.

We are excited to have the extraordinary talents of Emily Taylor on board as Director and Acting Tutor for this production.

Hurricane Director, Emily Taylor said:

The Cast and Options Theatre Company team have worked incredibly hard to bring Hurricane to fruition.

The title, Hurricane, was conceived through discussion with the cast as we reflected on the effect of putting these monologues together. We wanted to suggest that these random voices – different characters from different worlds – are caught up in a storm of words. They are buffeted this way and that, through turmoil, tragedy and triumph until they finally land together on the stage.”

Hurricane was a hit with our audiences in three great performances, with two day time shows and a SOLD OUT evening show.

Jul, 2023

By admin

If I Can Dream

Options Theatre Company are thrilled to be back LIVE on Stage
with If I Can Dream.

Options Theatre Company’s Dance Performance, If I Can Dream has been mesmerising audiences as we bring a showcase of our Dance Group to the stage.

If I Can Dream welcomes you to a world where dreams take flight and imagination dances with reality. The performance takes you on journey through the realms of passion, hope and fun using the language of movement.

If I Can Dream mixes a seamless blend of contemporary, modern and hip-hop dance styles that showcases the versatility of our amazing performers.

Directed by Carolyn McNamara with choreography by Emily Marshall, Maddi Xuereb and Julia Gorey, If I Can Dream has allowed our dancers to combine their acting skills with each diverse dance piece.

Our performers remind us constantly of the power to dream, to create and to achieve, regardless of our circumstances.

Carolyn McNamara
Assistant Artistic Director

Tickets for all performances of If I Can Dream SOLD OUT and we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our audiences.

Here’s just a few of the comments we received

“Once again, a wonderful show.”

“Congratulations to everyone, you are all amazing!!”

“I had the best day… thank you – awesome awesome show!”

“That’s awesome! Congratulations!“

“Well done everyone! You are all superstars!!”

“It was a great show!”

“Thanks OTC for the effort and care you put into our ‘stars’.”

“Wonderful! Congrats guys!”

“Yes, another brilliant show from all the Guys & Gals at OTC!”

“Great Dancing, Great Music, Great atmosphere!”

“Take a bow all of You!”

“You certainly deserved the applause!”

“I’m so glad I saw the show!”

“Great show! Well worth seeing.”

“Outstanding, well done OTC team… missed ya!”

“Another amazing performance by all and welcome back.”

Let your imagination take flight and surrender yourself to the enchantment of If I Can Dream – where dreams come alive!

TICKETS:
SOLD OUT

Mar, 2020

By admin

2020 OTC Program Launch

Options Theatre Company‘s
2020 Program Launch

Options Theatre Company are proud to announce the launch of our 2020 Program Guide. We celebrated the launch in style with a special presentation from Artistic Director, Stuart Smith.

The Options Theatre Company 2020 Program Launch was a very exciting day for us all and our audience was treated to a very special VIP Preview of the NEW 2020 Options Theatre Company Program Booklet. The Options Theatre Company Performance Studio was decorated with balloons and rainbow lights to mark the occasion.

Our ensemble members were very excited to participate in the production of this booklet and enjoyed seeing their photographs throughout the booklet.

The Options Edible Garden crew catered for the event delivering beautiful cakes and tarts for our launch celebration.

Our Options Theatre Company 2020 Program Guide features some exciting new programs that have been added to expand on our usual programs, which have been so popular that we now have waiting lists for many of our programs.

Check out the new OTC 2020 Program Guide. We are very proud of this new program which offers inclusive and extensive training for people with disabilities who have a passion for Performance Arts.

Copies of the Options Theatre Company 2020 Program Guide are available from Options Theatre Company reception.

For more information about Options Theatre Company, visit our website optionstheatrecompany.org.au.

disability arts, Options Theatre Company, Theatre

Feb, 2020

By admin

2019 Molly Awards

2019 Molly Awards Night

Options Theatre Company celebrated in style with our 2019 Molly Awards Night held at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre on 26 November 2019.

This was a night of stars and our sparkling celebration started in style as our ensemble boarded two Extreme Limousine Party Buses and headed for Avoca Beach. The music was cranking and everyone had loads of fun singing and there was even some sneaky pole dancing on the bus!

Family, friends and paparazzi were gathered to greet our stars with applause as they walked the red carpet.

Guests enjoyed some food and drinks and then it was time for the glittering 2019 Molly Awards ceremony.

Cast and Crew of Options Theatre Company’s production of Clash at Titan High were all presented with a special commemorative gold medal to celebrate their performances.

Award winners on the night were voted in by their fellow ensemble members and received beautiful golden trophies with their names engraved on them.

The Awards ceremony also included a Special Screening of the Clash at Titan High DVD. If you missed out on seeing this amazing show, copies of the DVD are available from Options Theatre Company for $20.

Our nominees and winners list:

OUTSTANDING MALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Nominees:
James Croser
David Currie
Joshua Harris
Declan Heaton
Ben Peel

WINNER: David Currie

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Nominees:
Leanna Branz
Skye Hunt
Stephanie Mercer
Tanya Thurlby

WINNER: Stephanie Mercer

OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ACTOR FROM THE ENSEMBLE

Nominees:
Eliza Brearley
Alanna Julian
Maddison Mitchell
Shani-Lee Morse

WINNER: Maddison Mitchell

OUTSTANDING DANCER FROM THE ENSEMBLE

Nominees:
Jacqui Bickley
Kelly Connor
Jessica Sutherland
Sky Hunt

WINNERS: TIE – Jacqui Bickley & Jessica Sutherland

OUTSTANDING SINGER FROM THE ENSEMBLE

Nominees:
David Currie
Lauren Hain
Skye Hunt
Ty McGill
Stephanie Mercer
Nathan Parker

WINNER: Nathan Parker

GOLDEN MOLLY AWARD:
Stephanie Mercer

DIRECTOR’S CHOICE AWARD:
WINNER: James Croser

MUSICAL DIRECTOR’S CHOICE AWARD:
WINNER: Alanna Julian

Congratulations to our entire Options Theatre Company ensemble for your outstanding work in Clash at Titan High… every one one of you is a WINNER!

For more information about Options Theatre Company, visit our website optionstheatrecompany.org.au.

disability arts, Options Theatre Company, Theatre

Oct, 2019

By admin

Clash at Titan High

Clash at Titan High – EPIC SHOWS

Options Theatre Company presented their EPIC New Show Clash at Titan High over two massive nights at Laycock Street Community Theatre on October 19 and 20, 2019.

Opening Night sold out in a record of just over 30 mins and as a result we announced a second show which was also attended by VIPs and Special Guests.

Clash at Titan High showcased a legendary cast of heroes who set out on an epic journey to defeat the Kraken and save their school.

Set in the ancient world of Greek Mythology, Titan High is a School for Heroes. Written by Artistic Director, Stuart Smith, this jukebox musical for the ages featured a pumping soundtrack of 80’s Anthems, with original score and arrangements by Musical Director, Andrew Sampford.

Outstanding performances by the Options Theatre Company ensemble combined with an array of spectacular lighting effects and animated digital sets to provide a visual extravaganza and a sensory feast of entertainment fit for the Gods.

Our incredible Edible Garden’s Catering Crew made and served delicious canapes before the show. After the show Cast and Crew gathered for some After Show fun with a lovely speech from Stuart Smith. We shared a wonderful cake which was created by Alex Coppleman from Mr Alexander’s Sweet Eats with our audience.

Clash at Titan High featured performances by over 60 of our Options Theatre Company Ensemble. Both shows received standing ovations which were followed by many wonderful reviews and messages from thrilled audience members.

Here’s an extract from Stuart’s Director’s Notes.

Our message is one of inclusivity, passion, professionalism and enlightenment. Options Theatre Company is not baby sitting,
It is not “giving it a go”
It is not “Special”
It is extraordinary.

Everyone in this ensemble has worked hard to bring this production to life. On stage, behind the scenes, in the offices, and at home. Enjoy our unique theatre company.

A company of Actors
A company of Artists
A company of Joy
A company of Heroes

Here’s just some of what Graham Batten, Executive Officer from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation had to say about the show….

We love everything that Options Theatre Company stands for and achieves. You are helping to rewrite the future not only for the members of your organisation but also for us, as your work compels us all to re-frame our expectations for people in our community living with a disability.”

We received a lovely thank you card from Ms Emma McBride MP who also enjoyed the show.

…Congratulations on an extraordinary original production – it’s no surprise it was sold out in less than half an hour…”

Mandy and Rob Palmer from 2GO’s Breakfast Show had a great time at the show and gave us a lovely review.
You can listen to their review here.

Mandy commented…

We had THE BEST time…What a show… they really are the talk of the town… just brilliant. So funny and so well done with the music and sets.”

DVD AVAILABLE
A souvenir DVD of Clash at Titan High is available.
Contact Options Theatre Company for details.

For more information about Options Theatre Company, visit our website optionstheatrecompany.org.au.

disability arts, Options Theatre Company, Theatre

1 2

Options Theatre Company proudly presented The Wizard of Oz

at Laycock Street Community Theatre

Three awesome shows!

OTC Dance Performances of RunAway

Time to RunAway with the circus!

OTC Live Performances of CAKE

A sensational ending to OPTIONS 30 Year Celebrations

2024 Molly Awards at Avoca Beach Theatre

Options Theatre Company enjoyed a sparkling awards night.

Hall of Fame

And the winner is…

US and THEM

Options Theatre Company landed at Laycock Street Community Theatre

HURRICANE

Options Theatre Company rolled out their second show for the year – Hurricane!

If I Can Dream

Options Theatre Company are thrilled to be back LIVE on Stage with If I Can Dream.

Options Theatre Company‘s2020 Program Launch

2019 Molly Awards Night

Clash at Titan High – EPIC SHOWS

Options Theatre Company rolled out their
second show for the year – Hurricane!

Options Theatre Company are thrilled to be back LIVE on Stage
with If I Can Dream.

Options Theatre Company‘s
2020 Program Launch