OUR HISTORY

Brighton Theatre Company began its days as “The St Andrew’s Players” performing at St. Andrew’s Church Hall in Brighton. The company then moved on to St Peter’s Parish Hall, Were Street and were known as “Brighton Repertory Company”, later changing their name to “Brighton Theatre Company”. An invitation was received from Brighton Council to use the main auditorium of the Town Hall, and in 1984 we began operations on that site. With the redevelopment of the Town Hall as an Arts & Cultural Centre, the company moved to the former library and constructed our own “little theatre” – seating 84 patrons. In 2009, the Bayside Council made a number of alterations to the interior of the building including a new entrance and modern foyer for the theatre. We have installed new seating and now seat 93 patrons.

OUR PRODUCTIONS

BTC stages four productions each year. Plays are selected by the Play Reading Committee from scripts submitted by its chosen Directors, as well as those suggested by members. The company aims to produce a range of theatrical experiences from comedy to drama, by a wide variety of Australian and international authors. Our directors are chosen from around Victoria, each one bringing new ideas and a wealth of experience to the company. Feedback from patrons is strongly encouraged as we like to produce the kind of theatre that audiences enjoy, as well as giving our casts and crew members the opportunity to extend their creativity and further their technical skills. BTC productions are always an entertaining night out, with highly enjoyable extras such as pre-show sherries, followed by supper after the final curtain and a chance to meet the cast and crew.

Book your tickets online here.

OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Deborah Fabbro

Treasurer

Deborah has been involved in theatre since childhood. She has playing many roles over the years with a number of companies and also performed at many One Act Play festivals in the 1990s. In recent years she moved to the other side of the footlights and has directed for Brighton, Malvern, Peridot and Sherbrooke Theatre Companies. She has adjudicated for ‘in-house’ awards at Malvern, Beaumaris and Mordialloc theatre companies. She first came to BTC in 1989 and became part of the committee in April 2000 as Treasurer, a position she still holds. From 2005 she also held the position of Acting President until the change in the Management Structure of the company in 2007. Away from BTC, though still connected to theatre, she works as a volunteer for The Victorian Drama League.

Suzie Martens

Secretary and Box Office Manager

Suzie has enjoyed seeing BTC productions over the past 10 years and with the retirement of Edda Dawson in 2013 took over the role of Box Office Manager. She is currently on the Management Team as Secretary. Suzie currently works at Drama Victoria, an association that provides workshops, conferences and resources to drama teachers and their students. Combining work, BTC and having twin teenage girls, Suzie feels that her life, at present, is full of dramatic moments!

Annie Blood

Staging/Artistic Director

As BTC’s current Artistic Director Annie gets considerable satisfaction (tempered with occasional frustration!) from dealing with the challenges involved with making every effort to provide our audiences with interesting and innovative theatre whilst at the same time ensuring that the productions we choose are accessible to everyone. During a three decade sojourn in Adelaide Annie was involved in community theatre as a Director, Actor, Stage Manager, Designer, Company President and Artistic Director. Since coming to Brighton she has added technical design and operation to the list. Nearly always involved in some capacity with BTC productions, when it comes to her Artistic Director’s portfolio responsibilities Annie values the support and advice given by the important play selection panel and the entire BTC Management Team. No production proceeds at BTC without broad consultation and consideration of whether all aspects will achieve a good fit with our company mission statement.

Alan Crispin

Technical Director

Alan has been involved with Theatre Stage Lighting and Sound since 1976, and has designed and operated many plays, musicals and operas over the years. Since coming to Australia 12 years ago, Alan has lit a number of shows for Beaumaris Theatre and more recently Brighton Theatre. Alan has also lit local venues outside of theatre including Legends of the Skies at Morrabbin National Aviation Museum and Jewel by the Sea for Black Rock House.

Lesley Batten

General Member

Lesley’s involvement in community theatre has been spread over many years and with a number of Melbourne based companies. During this period she has directed, stage managed, designed and helped construct sets, adjudicated, worked front of house, served on a variety of committees and has made an appearance on stage on one or two occasions. Lesley has been a member of BTC since 2003. She previously held the position of Social Secretary.

Greg Barison

Front of House Manager

Greg, the newest member of the Management Team, has been involved with community theatre for just over 15 years. Mainly on stage, he has been very fortunate to work with many wonderful people as well as many wonderful theatre companies. Greg feels it is now time to give back to the theatres that have supported him… none more than Brighton… a theatre that is always welcoming and supportive of all that come through her doors.

Pedro Ramos

Webmaster

Pedro has been working with community theatres since early 2013 when he first performed in Brisbane. Since then he has remained constantly active whether on the stage or behind the scenes. He has a particular passion for engaging and inspiring the upcoming generations into action, be that in the performing arts or in his natural environment of science.

Carina Field

Digital and Social Media Coordinator

Carina grew up around the stage and first performed in community theatre when she was 11. Over the years she has performed with various theatre companies in Melbourne. In 2017 she also performed internationally. Carina is passionate about human rights and social justice and enjoys acting in or directing plays which comment on society’s values. At times her work is influenced by her volunteer experience with the ASRC and Amnesty International. Aside from her involvement with theatre, Carina studies full-time (double degree in Law and Global Studies). She volunteers at law firms in areas of humanitarian law and is a debating/public speaking trainer and adjudicator with the Debaters’ Association of Victoria.

Jemma Goding