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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.

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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.

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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.

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Nathan – Star of the Show

Nathan is our Star of the Show

After the success of our ENCORE Show, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation sent a film crew to Options Theatre Company to audition our ensemble in the search for someone to star in their upcoming advertising campaign.

The crew filmed and interviewed several participants and also made a mini movie of Options Theatre Company which they shared on their social media platforms.

Options Theatre Company’s Nathan Parker was chosen to feature in the Advertising Campaign for Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.

The advertising campaign included TV ads, Radio commercials, Print ads, videos and Nathan’s story was featured prominently on the Newcastle Permanent websites and social media.

In December 2018 Nathan traveled to the Newcastle Studios at the Hunter Design School with his entourage (Stuart and Michelle) to shoot the TV commercials. They all enjoyed the movie making experience in the hands of the enigmatic Director Karl Brandstator from Enigma, who filmed and directed the shoot.

Nathan also recorded the TV and radio ads on the same day. The campaign was officially launched in March across the media and became one of Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s most successful campaigns.

Being the ‘Star of The Show’ was a very exciting experience for Nathan and he was certainly given the ‘Star’ treatment by the crew and the team from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.

Nathan and Stuart were invited to attend as Special Guest presenters at the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s Grant Giving Ceremony in May, 2019. Nathan and Stuart appeared as VIP Guests on the stage and they were interviewed with footage being broadcast on TV news networks.

We are very grateful to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for their ongoing support of Options Theatre Company.

You can read more about Nathan’s Story here.

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

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ENCORE Shows Huge Success

ENCORE Shows – Huge Success

Options Theatre Company presented their first show, ‘ENCORE’ at their new Tuggerah Facility in October 2018. The ‘ENCORE’ Show featured a showcase of acts from our Opening Night Launch and included everything from singing and dancing performances to Shakespeare monologues.

Culminating in spectacular finale featuring all 70 cast members the cast performed, ‘From Now On’ from the Greatest Showman and had the audience on their feet cheering and clapping.

The shows were a huge hit and SOLD OUT every performance.

One special show was dedicated as a thank you to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation and was attended by their Chair, Phil Neat as well as members of their Executive Board.

Another show was put on especially for local schools and was enjoyed immensely by groups of students who attended.

Due to popular demand, there were two additional evening performances in November which also SOLD OUT and received standing ovations.

The show was recorded and Options Theatre Company released the ENCORE DVD which was released in time for Christmas so that the cast and crew could relive the magic and was snapped up by those who missed out on seeing the Live Performance.

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

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Opening Night Launch

Opening Night Launch

Options Theatre Company celebrated in style with a sparkling Grand Opening Night Event on Friday 7 September, 2018.

The new theatre training facility located in Tuggerah is a fully operational rehearsal and performance space with a company of creatives, actors, technicians, musicians, directors, dancers and artists who happen to be people with disability.

Options Theatre Company is exclusively and inclusively for people with disabilities and is a place are welcomed into a world filled with creative opportunities. Mentored by a Team of Arts Industry Professionals, there’s a range of ‘hands-on’ experiences on offer, which include professional training in Drama, Music, Dance, Film-making, Photography and Creative Writing.

Artistic Director, Stuart Smith was very pleased to open the new Options Theatre Company rehearsal and performance space.

This is a place to give voice to a group of people who have something to say and have not had the opportunity or platform in which to express it. This is a new, inclusive, creative and exciting initiative. One that should be supported and nourished to success “

Musical Director, Andrew Sampford said he is thrilled to have created a safe and welcoming space, where everyone is given an opportunity to be part of the show.

Whether it’s behind the scenes, on the stage, or in the spotlight, everyone is given a chance to shine here at Options. “

Options Theatre Company is a unique concept and is a creative initiative of Options Disability Support, who have been working to support people with disabilities and their families across the Central Coast for almost 25 years.

CEO, Denise Stingmore is very proud to see her vision fulfilled and commented…

Our artists are proof that with the support of people who believe in them, they can achieve great things…we see beyond their disability. “

The VIP Launch and Grand Opening was an invitation only event and was attended by many VIP guests including local MP Member for Dobell,  Emma McBride and Lucy Wicks MP, Liberal Member for Robertson.

The Opening Night audience was treated to a wonderful show, starting with Alexander cutting the ribbon to reveal the new theatre space and a showcase of talented performances from the Options Theatre Company Ensemble.

Delighted audiences laughed and cried as they were treated to everything from tap dancing to moving performances of a Shakespeare monologue and a scene from Romeo & Juliet. The guests enjoyed listening to beautiful songs with one special performance using sign language.

The Encore show culminated in a crescendo with the entire company performing a finale number, ‘From Now On’ from the Greatest Showman. The curtains coming back to reveal the entire Theatre Company rehearsal space where guests were later invited to enjoy drinks and canapes during the speeches.

A magnificently decorated cake was created by Alex from his cake making business, Mr Alexander’s Sweet Eats.

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