After a fantastic performance season with the Broadway Showcase, I think we can safely say that theatre is back, hopefully for good. HAC was fortunate enough to dodge the dreadful covid curse during the performance season with no cast going down. We were well prepared with swings and understudies ready to perform if need be, thankfully they were not needed outside of our tech rehearsals. Each performance was better than the last and the audiences loved the show, many leaving rave reviews via our social media.

I'd like to take a moment to thank our cast, crew and creative team for their work in bringing this show together. The hours and hours of work put in behind the scenes to bring everything together do not go unnoticed and I'm sure if we actually tallied the hours put in by everyone our community would be shocked. We are a proud volunteer organisation and couldn't do what we do without our members, so thank you.

I'd also like to send a huge thank you to our sponsors, your support ensures that we are able to bring each show together. Be sure to check out the list of sponsors below and support them where you can.

Now we move on to our October production season where we are excited to bring you Legally Blonde the Musical! This fun and vibrant musical is sure to thrill audiences both young and old!  HAC has appointed a fantastic production team to lead the production with a range of old and new faces. We can't wait to paint the town pink in October!

We have had quite a bit happen amongst out HAC family over the past few months so please take some time to read through and catch up on all things HAC.

Jess xx 

HAC President

OMG you guys! Legally Blonde is up and running. When looking at how the second half of this year might look for HAC, the committee ultimately decided to try something a little different. Selecting Legally Blonde as our chosen show for October, rather than accepting show proposals as per normal, we opened up individual applications for the major creative positions for the production team. From this pool of talent, the creative team for the show was put together and within a few days, an information evening was scheduled and run, with auditions and callbacks following shortly after, with the casting process from audition to callbacks taking only a week.
And what a week. In that time, the team, led by returning director Erin Boutcher, put in a ton of man hours to plan, watch and callback an extraordinarily talented bunch of people who put themselves on the line and auditioned their hearts out.
The first rehearsal has now been and gone, with a wonderful read-through, full of life energy, and some great characterisation, especially for a first read-through. Rehearsals ramp up next week on this powerhouse musical of fun and positivity, the perfect show to bring HAC back to the stage for its first full musical since 2019’s Mama Mia. This show promises to be a burst of bright joy and laughter, so keep your eyes peeled for when tickets go on sale.
In the cast of Legally Blonde, you will find HAC stalwarts, talents returning to stage after a break, and a large contingent of performers new to HAC, together creating a very exciting cast to watch out for.

Faye Johns

We did it. Our first show at the Horsham Town Hall Theatre in a COVID-19 environment. Six shows done and dusted.

Broadway Showcase tore up the stage in May 2022 to a very appreciative audience. The feedback from the community was amazing, with the common theme being “we have so much talent within our community”.

The cast of 27 presented songs from 24 musicals including Les Miserables, West Side Story, 9 to 5, Shrek, Legally Blonde, Gypsy, Something Rotten, The Book Of Mormon, and many more. The variety was something that everyone enjoyed. In addition, the nature of the show allowed many cast members their moment to shine and showcase their talents.

Huge congratulations must go to Horsham Arts Council life member Debbie Boutcher for directing and leading a strong production team in a challenging environment. Given the circumstances, the time frame from auditions to the stage was shorter than normal. The cast and crew had to work hard on getting everything “show ready”. And work hard they did. Every hurdle and roadblock was met, addressed and conquered. It was a credit to everyone involved.

Undoubtedly, the best thing about this experience was seeing live theatre thriving again. We come from all walks of life on a voluntary basis, purely for a shared love of the performing arts. This passion and dedication was evident throughout the process and makes all the hard work so worth it. Especially when you see the reaction from the audience. The natural high you get is hard to replicate.

Congratulations to all involved on yet another fantastic HAC production. The torch is now handed to Erin Boutcher and the team for Legally Blonde The Musical in October 2022. OMG, that is going to be awesome!!!

Simon Dandy

This Wimmera Music Eisteddfod (WME) was conducted in June 2022, though not in the usual format. The WME committee (including HAC members Lisa Thomas, Venetia Elbourne-Hobbs and Maddi OIstapiw) were forced to make a decision earlier this year when COVID-19 restrictions were in place. Following the disappointment of cancelling the 2021 event, the committee decided to present an online format. Instead of being a competition, it gave participants the chance to receive performance evaluation from adjudicators. Participants could submit their video entries using the “Stardom” platform in various sections of the vocal, piano and instrumental disciplines.

The adjudicators for the 2022 were as follows.

• Vocal – Shelley Dunlop (from Melbourne).
• Piano – Alison Kirkpatrick (from Melbourne & Ballarat).
• Instrumental – Jodie Davis (from interstate).

Former HAC member Alex Rathgeber was also enlisted to provide performance evaluation for the “vocal championship” section named in his honour as patron of the event. Each participant could present two contrasting songs with a ten-minute limit. This gave them the opportunity to receive feedback from someone currently in professional theatre which is invaluable.

Unfortunately, the performances were not on display for the public to enjoy. However, the committee were thrilled with the number of entries. Many current, former, and prospective HAC members would have shown their wares which is great for the future of performing arts in the region.

The WME should be commended on all their hard work ensuring that an event happens this year. The plan is to return to the usual face-to-face “live” event format in 2023.

Simon Dandy

The curtain has come down on a successful season of HACs Broadway Showcase. A wonderful taster of a wide selection of hidden Broadway gems as well as blockbusters, the joy of the cast being back on stage in front of an audience burst through every performance. The audiences were just as enthusiastic at being able to come out and enjoy live local performances once more. HAC is very proud of what the production team, cast and crew put together and we are so thankful for our audiences and sponsors for their unstinting and generous support. No sooner had Broadway Showcase finished than the new production team for Legally Blonde team was off and running. A furious three weeks saw auditions and casting done and dusted. A very talented and passionate cast has now met for the first time and we look forward to seeing what this incredible team can put together. Keep your eye out on socials for sneak peeks of what will be a fabulous show come October. We know that you will enjoy this as much as the cast is going to adore performing it for you. ‘Til next time!

Faye Johns

Join our HAC family by becoming a financial member. 

Membership options:

• Family $120 (includes 2 adults and any children under 18yo)
• Adult $60
• Student $40 (under 18 years of age)
• Associate Member $10 (per show season)

All members over the age of 18 must have a valid working with children check. If you are eligible, you must be fully vaccinated to gain membership.