02
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.

 

 

01
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!

22
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

10
Apr, 2024
Molly Awards Logo

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

07
Nov, 2023
US and THEM Options Theatre Company

By admin

US and THEM

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

 

 

27
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.

 

24
Jul, 2023
If I Can Dream - Options Theatre Company

By admin

If I Can Dream

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

 

24
Aug, 2022

By admin

Focus On Ability Film Festival

 

Focus on Ability Short Film Festival

Options Theatre Company are very excited to be part of the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival.

Options Theatre Company’s short film ‘Remote’ has been accepted as an entry in the Australian Open Entry Short Film Category.

The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival asks film makers to ‘Focus on the Ability’ of people with a disability and tell a story on film for the world to view.

Films are judged by a professional judging panel and subject to an online voting process, with separate prizes for each category.

NOVA Employment are the sponsors of the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival and the 2022 festival is set to be the biggest yet, with $100,000 worth of cash and prizes on offer to encourage film makers and people with disability to tell their stories.

Options Theatre Company’s Short Film entry was Directed by Artistic Director, Stuart Smith who collaborated with the Options Theatre Company Ensemble to film, edit and produce a stunning short film titled, ‘Remote’.

The Short Film, ‘Remote’ is an artistic depiction of life in lockdown from the perspective of people with disabilities. The film features Actor, Nathan Parker in the Lead Role. Tanya Thurlby is also featured as the Auslan interpreter, with the entire theatre company ensemble being involved in the project.

A remote control becomes Nathan’s only companion in his current stop/start world. 
The inclusive ensemble of creatives at Options Theatre Company reflect on finding hope in this uncertain time. 

Options Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Stuart Smith said:
We are honoured to be involved in such a highly esteemed International Film Festival. The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival actively promotes inclusivity and visibility for people with disability in the film industry.

THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG

The soundtrack of ‘Remote’ is ‘Don’t Give Up’ originally performed by International Music Legends, Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush.

This song became an anthem for Options Theatre Company during the 2021 lockdowns. The Options Theatre Company ensemble regularly performed this song during ZOOM Online Rehearsals and learnt to sign the lyrics in Auslan.

Options Theatre Company’s Music Director, Andrew Sampford and talented female vocalist, Amy Vee lent their voices to the Options Theatre Company recording of the song.

Options Theatre Company reached out to the original artist, Peter Gabriel and sent him the video.

After viewing it, Peter sent the ensemble a lovely message.

“Really enjoyed it – lots of cool ideas.
Great job!
Thanks”

Peter

Peter Gabriel’s Music Company, Real World Music, also contacted Options Theatre Company to give them official approval for the use of ‘Don’t Give Up’ in the ‘Remote’ Short Film.

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED

To view Options Theatre Company’s Short Film – ‘Remote’ in the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival visit:
https://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/films/2725.html

 

19
Mar, 2021
Ben Peel - Actor

By admin

Ben Peel’s TV Debut

Ben Peel’s Harrowing Experience

Options Theatre Company Actor, Ben Peel made his TV debut on ABC TV’s Drama Series Harrow.

Ben was one of several actors from Options Theatre Company who were invited to submit screen tests for the role. Ben’s screen test was just what the casting agent was looking for and Ben received the great news that he had successfully obtained the role of Myles Finney. Ben and his Dad were flown up to Queensland two times and enjoyed the STAR treatment staying in a luxury apartment.

Ben attended script reading sessions and wardrobe fittings and was soon invited on set to experience all the excitement and drama of the film shoot.

Filming took place in Brisbane in February 2020 and Ben was very excited.

When we asked Ben what was the biggest thing he learned from this experience he said,

”I had no idea how many people would be involved in the production crew, there were heaps of people who all worked behind the scenes and it was great to see what goes on.”

Ben’s scenes were shot in the studio and on location over several days and he was very excited to work with the show’s regular cast which includes Ioan Gruffudd, Jolene Anderson, Damien Garvey and Darren Gilshenan.

We also asked Ben what was the most exciting part of his Harrow experience…

”I really loved working with the famous actors and it was great to be representing Options Theatre Company in a major TV Production”

Artistic Director of Options Theatre Company, Stuart Smith said.

‘”Ben has always been a great ambassador for Options Theatre Company and I’m so happy that a larger audience are finally getting to see his exceptional talent”

Ben appeared in Series 3, Episode 6 of the popular ABC Drama Harrow on Sunday 14 March.

You can watch the Full episode on ABC iView here: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/harrow/series/3/video/DR1909Q006S00

 

0
28
Sep, 2020

By admin

NPCF Grant Announced

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Grant Announced

Options Theatre Company has received a $50,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation in their Special Round of Community Funding for Covid-19 Recovery.

Supporting our community when and where it’s needed most, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation announced 13 new grant recipients for projects that will address specific community hardship as a result of COVID-19.

These new grants will enable our charity partners to adapt their operations and help create wider access to vital support services across our focus areas of health, social well-being and young people.

SEE VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/charitablefoundation/videos/316249502813527/

Options Theatre Company is delighted to be announced as a recipient of this grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation which will be used to purchase cameras, computers, microphones as well as video and sound editing technology. This equipment will allow us to to set up a Professional Film studio so we can offer our participants valuable training in the delivery of new online programs.

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation have been long-term supporters of Options Theatre Company. Members of the NPCF Board and Management Team regularly attend our shows.

Here’s an extract of a recent message they posted on our Facebook Page…

….we are so proud to continue our support of OTC, every minute we spend with the theatre company is an uplifting experience. The OTC crew has taught us so much so much about inclusion, empowerment and opportunity for people to pursue dreams and we are so excited that OTC’s new projects will make this experience available to even more people.

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair, Phil Neat recently retired after 17 years of service and he will be certainly be missed by all of us at Options Theatre Company. Phil was one of the Founding Directors of the Charitable Foundation and contributed to 483 projects funded across regional NSW. We sent Phil a very special video ‘thank you’ from our cast and crew.

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation have welcomed their new Chair, Jennifer Leslie, who has worked on their Board since 2016. We wish Jennifer all the best in her now role.

1 2
THE WIZARD OF OZ
US and THEM Options Theatre Company
US and THEM
Hurricane
If I Can Dream - Options Theatre Company
If I Can Dream
Focus On Ability Film Festival
NPCF Grant Announced