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 played 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, Sherbrooke, Mordialloc and Williamstown Theatre Companies. She has adjudicated for ‘in-house’ awards at Malvern, Beaumaris, Mordialloc and Williamstown 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 is the BTC Secretary, a position she has held for the past 4 years. She has also been the Box Office Manager since 2013 and usually the first person you see when you enter the theatre. Suzie has been a theatre goer for too many years, enjoyed BTC productions over the past 15 years, and has been working with an association for drama teachers for the past 8 years.
Brad Lowry
Artistic Director
Brad has always had a passion for the arts after being taken to his first professional theatre production at just 10 years old. Since then he has studied, acted, directed, written, produced and stage managed a wide variety of productions. Although his professional career centres around corporate events, Brad has also worked as the Production Coordinator and Company Manager for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular. Brad has has always felt most at home on the Brighton stage, having first performed here in 2006, and he is thrilled to be taking on the role of Artistic Director. He’ll be working hard to maintain the incredible legacy in providing quality and thought-provoking theatre to our community, valueing the support and advice given by the play selection panel and the entire BTC Management Team in the process. No production proceeds at BTC without broad consultation and consideration of whether all aspects will achieve a good fit with our company mission statement.
Annie Blood
Staging Director
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, Annie has previously served as BTC’s Artistic Director and is keen to bring all her experience to her new role as our Staging Director.
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 positions of Social Secretary and Staging Director.
Greg Barison
Front of House Manager
Greg 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 its doors.
Jemma Goding
General Member
Jemma has had a love of theatre since seeing Beauty and The Beast at the age of 12. Since then she has undertaken workshops with Melbourne Theatre Company, work experience with Arena Theatre Company and has been involved in several community theatres including Lakes Entrance Amateur Dramatic Society and Malvern Theatre Company as Secretary. Jemma has worked backstage at BTC as a stage manager and is looking forward to supporting this great theatre as a team member.
Michael Skillington
General Member
Mike has been involved with community theatre since 2010 and with the Brighton Theatre Company since 2015. He roles have included acting, stage management and front of house duties. His hobbies include choral singing, hiking and yachting. He is thrilled to be back at the BTC post a 3 year assignment in Russia where he sang with the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk