Shepparton thespians have made their mark on this year’s Georgy Awards.
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The awards, which celebrate the best of northern Victorian theatre, judged 28 productions from 18 companies and schools this season.
Shepparton Theatre Arts Group brought home a total of 23 nominations, including four judges’ awards, from three different performances.
It Takes Two got six, The Physicists two and Little Shop of Horrors 11.
STAG president Wendy Platt said that although specific recognition was always appreciated, everyone involved should be proud.
“A production is not made up of only one person,” she said.
“There are so many people who are involved behind the scenes and on stage.
“A number of people have dedicated so much of their time and energy to bringing these wonderful performances to life.
“We, as a company, are thrilled we have been nominated for a number of Georgys this year and not for only one show but over a number of our productions.”
She gave encouragement to all nominees and people involved.
“To everyone who has been nominated for all the companies it is a great honour to simply be nominated, whether you win or lose you have had your abilities recognised,” Ms Platt said.
“I think every nominee, every production, every person should be so proud of what they have achieved.”
Little Shop of Horrors leading lady and It Takes Two cast member Stevie Renee received two nominations specific to her and two group nominations.
She is up for Best Performance and Best Singing for her work as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.
Little Shop of Horrors is in the running for Best Musical, and the backing vocalists for Seasons of Love in It Takes Two could take home Best Performance in a Caberet/ Concert.
Ms Renee said she was thrilled with all the team’s nominations; however, one made her happier than all the others.
“I looked at it (the nomination list) and I was like, heck yeah, we got major nominations for these things, and then I found that one for Seasons of Love and I kind of teared up a little bit because it was such a team effort,” she said.
“You know, doing that and singing that role in that song, it was a big bucket list tick for me because I’m a massive fan of Rent.
“It feels really magical.”
Ms Renee also said STAG was about more than just performing and winning awards.
“Being a part of STAG has only reaped good things,” she said.
“Not only the social aspect, but getting out and achieving these wonderful things together and being a part of that team and that community just feels good.
“My mental health is much better off for it as well.”
Shepparton local Sean O’Brien received a Best Singing Performance nomination for his role as the Baker in Echuca Moama Theatre Company’s production of Into the Woods.
Mr O’Brien said he loved being involved with EMTC again.
“Into the Woods is one of the most challenging musicals to perform, and I am so proud of everyone involved,” he said.
“I’m thrilled to be nominated, but I get the most satisfaction from seeing those behind the scenes being recognised.
“These people are the true talent and hidden gems in local theatre.”
The 2024 Georgy Awards will be held on Saturday, November 2, in Wodonga.
STAG Georgy Award nominations
Best Musical: Little Shop of Horrors
Ken Kennedy Award for Achievement in Direction: Helen Janke, Little Shop of Horrors
Achievement in Musical Direction: Tricia Baggs, Little Shop of Horrors
Achievement in Vocal Direction: Tricia Baggs, Little Shop of Horrors, and Karen Groves, It Takes Two
Achievement in Choreography: Grace Newman, Little Shop of Horrors
Achievement in Set Design: Troy McKindley and team, Little Shop of Horrors
Achievement in Wardrobe Design: Sharon Geraghty, It Takes Two, and Robyn Lewis, Correna Boardman, Carol Davidson, Alyssa Jeffery and Lillian Stone, Little Shop of Horrors
Best Performance in a Musical: Anson Kearney as Seymour, Little Shop of Horrors, and Stevie Renee as Audrey, Little Shop of Horrors
Best Singing Performance: Anson Kearney as Seymour, Little Shop of Horrors and Stevie Renee as Audrey, Little Shop of Horrors
Best Performance in a Play: David Kerr as Mobius, The Physicists
Best Supporting Performance in a Play: John Head as Inspector Voss, The Physicists
Best Performance in a Caberet/Concert: Andrew Nicholls and Stefania Panella, It Takes Two, backing vocalists Seasons of Love, It Takes Two, and Andrew Nicholls and Kat Bristol, It Takes Two
Judges Awards: Four Judges Awards will be awarded to STAG, recipients to be announced on the night.