ABOUT ARARAT MUSICAL COMEDY SOCIETY
Bringing Theatre to Life
Ararat Musical Comedy Society is a community theatre group in Ararat, Victoria, Australia, that loves everything related to the stage! We have a policy of absolute inclusion, meaning that when anyone in our region wants to be onstage, we will find a place for you. Very few theatre groups out there have such an inclusive and communal spirit.
We primarily produce Musicals, but we have from time to time put on Plays as well. Our "modus operandi" is to every year put on the very best productions that we can, with the limited resources we have available. We focus on creativity and pure enjoyment for all involved, and whilst we love it when we do very well, perfection is not our number one agenda.
We are very fortunate to have a strong and dynamic relationship with the Ararat City Band, who provide the most astounding soundtracks to all of our productions. We are also blessed with very generous and skilled Creatives who make sure all the behind the scenes work is done to a very high standard and provides excellent support to every production's cast.
OKLAHOMA 1974
From our humble beginnings, AMCS has produced many fine shows and has been an outlet for local talent and artistic expression
NAUGHTY MARIETTA 1981
Over the years, many fine Sets have been constructed for our shows. There is no doubt that 1981 saw the best we've ever put on stage
MY FAIR LADY 1976
Iconic Costumes have also graced the stage for our productions. When we first put on My Fair Lady, the "Ascot Scene" got a standing ovation
ANNIE 2000
AMCS strikes a balance between looking after our adult thespians and creating opportunities for tomorrow's stars to have their go onstage
DUSTY 2010
Whilst AMCS will always love our classic Musicals, we are more and more diving into newer and newer territory with the shows we put onstage like Dusty (The Original Pop Diva)
PATRON
The Late Peter Carthew
In August of 2019 Ararat Musical Comedy Society was extremely proud to announce that Peter Carthew AM accepted the honour of being Ararat Musical Comedy Society’s Patron.
Peter provided significant support to Ararat Musical Comedy Society over many years, for which we were forever grateful. His support was a major contribution to the success and sustainability of Ararat Musical Comedy Society and our musical theatre endeavours.
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The Society was deeply saddened by Peter's passing in late 2019. He was a passionate supporter of the entire community of Ararat and surrounds, and he will be sorely missed.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Ararat Musical Comedy Society's Life Members are very dear to our hearts. As a combined group, they have donated simply thousands and thousands of hours in all areas of the Society, including onstage, in the bands, working backstage and taking guiding roles on our Committee over the years. We are indebted to them immensely for our beginnings, for our long and successful history, and for the strong and vibrant Society we are today, ever able to forge ahead on the robust foundations they left for us. The inaugural Life Member, Topsy Motton, is seen with her husband Rex as she is presented with her Life Membership by Brian McCutcheon, Wendy McCutcheon and Leila Croft (Bryant).
OUR LIFE MEMBERS
TOPSY MOTTON
IAN SMITH
(DEC)
JOYCE CONROY
(DEC)
BRIAN MCCUTCHEON
WENDY MCCUTCHEON
MAX CASTLES
(DEC)
BRIAN STEPHENS
(DEC)
MARGARET STEPHENS
JEFF PENDLEBURY
(DEC)
LEILA CROFT
LESLIE HANNAN
(DEC)
STEPHEN HUGHAN
JOY WHEELER
CHRIS CAREY
DAWN DALKIN
JOYCE MOORFOOT-GUY
IAN WRIGHT
ALAN GRANT
DARYL LOWERSON
JOCELYN CHEGWIN
DR DEREK POPE
LEANNE MCCREADY
JOYCE CONROY AWARD
Joyce Conroy was an incredible individual. A life member of the Ararat Musical Comedy Society,
Joyce Conroy gave up much to the Society over twenty years. Joyce offered her friendship, her talent, her home, and as an accompanist.
During this time, Joyce was a pianist for nearly every production and was involved in many aspects of Theatre. Many people have benefited from her support and encouragement.
The annual award is named in her honour. It is presented each year to acknowledge and remember everything that Joyce Conroy gave to the society.
Every year, a cast member who best reflects the caring and supportive attributes that Joyce epitomised, is selected by the Director of the production, to be formally recognised for their fine efforts both on and off the stage.
JOYCE CONROY AWARD WINNERS
1995 - My Fair Lady
NARELLE LEWIS
Narelle Lewis was not only was the recipient of the Award in 1995, she was also the inaugural Joyce Conroy Award winner. Hers was very much received as encouragement for her ensemble roles and her portrayal as one of the servants in the production. It was given to her to inspire her to pursue her theatrical endeavours.