2024 Bucket Rattles
We are back in full force and holding bucket rattles at more venues. We are so grateful to all our volunteers and the audiences who supported the bucket rattles we could hold!
We are back in full force and holding bucket rattles at more venues. We are so grateful to all our volunteers and the audiences who supported the bucket rattles we could hold!
At Melbourne Theatre Company
At Melbourne Theatre Company
Due to ongoing lockdowns and restrictions, we unfortunately weren’t able to hold as many in-person bucket rattles in 2021 as we normally would. But a huge thank you to all our volunteers and the audiences that supported the bucket rattles we could hold!
At Melbourne Theatre Company
At Melbourne Theatre Company
At Melbourne Theatre Company
At Melbourne Theatre Company
At Malthouse Theatre
As the COVID-19 crisis took hold and theatres across the world went dark, the VABT commissioned a limited edition t-shirt to celebrate the performing arts and defiantly proclaim that the curtain WILL rise again. All funds raised from the sale of these t-shirts directly supported the VABT’s COVID-19 Assistance Fund, providing food vouchers to those in our industry impacted by the loss of employment opportunities. The front panel of the t-shirts featured an original design by Grizzly Street artist, Ben Mulheran, whilst the back of the t-shirts listed many of the performing arts companies who had to cancel their upcoming performances and productions, as a result of the COVID-19 related shut downs, as well as many long-term supporters of the VABT. Thank you to all who purchased a t-shirt. Here are some of our supporters rocking their t-shirts.
VABT Ambassador - Julia Zemiro
Peter Hellier
Eddie Perfect
Bert LaBontè
Lucy Durack
Michala Banas
Alex Rathgeber
Jing Xuan Chan
Denise Scott
Kevin Harrington
Marina Prior
Charlotte Nicdao
Tahlee Fereday
Dolly Diamond
Lisa McCune
VABT Ambassador - John Wood
Bucket Rattles are the VABT’s biggest revenue raiser. Thank you from the VABT to all our volunteer star Bucket Rattlers and to our generous audiences who make it all possible. Here are photos from the 2020 Bucket Rattles!
David Hugh Macrae, Clare Pickering, Joanne Davis, Don Bridges & Sandy Morrison.
David Hugh Macrae, Clare Pickering, Joanne Davis, Don Bridges & Sandy Morrison.
Sandy Morrison
Clare Pickering, David Hugh Macrae, Naomi Lisner, Carol-Anne Croker, Joanne Davis, Don Bridges, Janine J Cowie & Brian McCallum
Damian Cosgriff, Nathan Itter, Francesca Waters, Carol-Anne Croker, David Hugh Macrae & Brian McCallum
Damian Cosgriff, Nathan Itter, Don Bridges, Francesca Waters, Carol-Anne Croker, David Hugh Macrae & Brian McCallum
Jazz (Rattler) Hands
Joanne Davis, Clare Pickering, Janine J Cowie, Sue Marriott, Don Bridges & Naomi Lisner
Joanne Davis, Clare Pickering, Janine J Cowie, Sue Marriott, Don Bridges & Naomi Lisner
Jazz Hands costume design by Joanne Davis
Bucket Rattles are the VABT’s biggest revenue raiser. Thank you from the VABT to all our volunteer star Bucket Rattlers and to our generous audiences who make it all possible. Here are photos from the 2019 Bucket Rattles!
Damian Harris, Janine J Cowie, Clare Pickering, Sandy Morrison, Don Bridges & Naomi Lisner
Brian McCallum, Chris Burgess, Francesca Waters, David Hugh Macrae, Ana Della Rocca, Gary Wall, Oliver Tapp & Clare Pickering (taking photo).
Oliver Tapp, Sandy Morrison, Naomi Lisner, Don Bridges and David Macrae
Don Bridges, Tim Paige, Francesca Waters, Janine J Cowie and Sarah McKenzie.
Sarah McKenzie, Don Bridges, Naomi Lisner & David Hugh Macrae
Brian McCallum, Damian Cosgriff, Don Bridges, Naomi Lisner, Clare Pickering & Janine J Cowie
Alex Pinder, David Hugh Macrae, Naomi Lisner, Loraine Fabb, Dina Mann & Francesca Waters.
David Hugh Macrae, Carol-Anne Croker & Sue Marriott
Chris Renkin, Brian McCallum, Naomi Lisner & Janine J Cowie
Joanne Davis, David Hugh Macrae, Francesca Waters, Carol-Anne Croker, Don Bridges & Clare Pickering
Sue Strano, Naomi Lisner, Sandy Morrison & Brian McCallum
Don Bridges, Kaitlin Hill Janine J Cowie, Carol-Anne Croker & David Hugh Macrae
Don Bridges, Naomi Lisner, Carol-Anne Croker, Damian Cosgriff & Brian McCallum.
David Hugh Macrae, Janine J Cowie, Don Bridges & Chris Burgess
Clare Pickering, Carol-Anne Croaker, Sarah Mackenzie & David Macrae
Brian McCallum, Janine J Cowie & David Macrae
Clare Pickering, Damian Cosgriff, David Hugh Macrae, Alex Pinder, Naomi Lisner & Don Bridges
Carol-Anne Croker, Don Bridges, Clare Pickering, Janine J Cowie & Brian McCallum
Eileen McGregor, Don Bridges, Joanne Davis, Leanne Campbell, Clare Pickering & Brian McCallum
Eileen McGregor, Don Bridges, Joanne Davis, Leanne Campbell, Clare Pickering & Brian McCallum
Don Bridges, Sue Strano, David Hugh Macrae, Naomi Lisner, Clare Pickering & Lorraine Fabb
Don Bridges, Sue Strano, David Hugh Macrae, Naomi Lisner, Clare Pickering & Lorraine Fabb
Bucket Rattles are the VABT’s biggest revenue raiser. Thank you from the VABT to all our volunteer star Bucket Rattlers and to our generous audiences who make it all possible. Here are photos from the 2018 Bucket Rattles!
Clare Pickering, Don Bridges, Janine Cowie, Connor Sweeney & Eileen McGregor
Locchy Hywood & Sarah Mackenzie
Don Bridges, Naomi Lisner & Nathan Itter
Don Bridges, Francesca Waters & Loraine Fabb
Anthea Davis, Sioban Tuke, David Macrae, Darrin Oakley & Eileen McGregor.
Clare Pickering, Don Bridges & Sue Strano
Sandy Morrison, Don Bridges, Naomi Lisner & Janine Cowie
Clare Pickering, Brian McCallum, Anthea Davis, Janine J Cowie, Loccy Hywood, Don Bridges & Pat Moonie
Janine Cowie, Louise Connor, Clare Pickering, Naomi Lisner, Damian Cosgriff & Gary Wall
Brian McCallum, Clare Pickering, Nicholas Kyriacou, Loccy Hywood & Carol-Anne Croker
Alex Pinder, Don Bridges, Clare Pickering, Naomi Lisner & Damian Cosgriff
David Hugh Macrae, Clare Pickering, Naomi Lisner, Don Bridges & Nicholas Kyriacou
Naomi Lisner, Francesca Waters, David Hugh Macrae, Lauren Krelshem, Nathan Talbot, Don Bridges & Clare Pickering (taking photo)
Don Bridges, Janine J Cowie, Clare Pickering & Brian McCallum
Marcus Proctor, Damian Cosgriff, Clare Pickering, Sue Strano & Sarah Mackenzie
Matthew Dear, Lachlan Hywood, Naomi Lisner, Clare Pickering, David Macrae & Janine J Cowie
Sarah McKenzie, Nathan Itter, Damian Cosgriff, Brian McCallum, Sandy Morrison, Clare Pickering & Alex Pinder
Without our volunteer Bucket Rattlers, our ability to help those in need diminishes. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our Trust. We recently gathered at The Local Taphouse in St Kilda to say thank you for all their rattling and to wish some fabulous holiday cheer.
David Macrae, Brian McCallum, Naomi Lisner, Don Bridges & Jana Wilkes
Sandy Morrison, Clare Pickering, David Hugh Macrae & Brian McCallum
Naomi Lisner, Don Bridges & Jana Wilkes
Following an incredibly successful and productive year for the VABT, the committee let their hair down and celebrated together in friendship and love. Merry Christmas from all of us at the VABT.
Chris Connelly & President, Sally-Anne Upton
Marg Dobson (Secretary), Mark Williams, Sioban Tuke (Vice President & retired Committee Member Kevin Harrington
Dina Mann & Jana Wilkes
Sally-Anne Upton, Marg Dobson, Mark Williams, Sioban Tuek & Kevin Harrington
Bucket Rattles are the VABT’s biggest revenue raiser. Thank you from the VABT to all our volunteer star Bucket Rattlers and to our generous audiences who make it all possible.
Siobhan Tuke, Sandy Morrison, Naomi Lisner & Eliza Charley.
Don Bridges, Clare Pickering & Damian Cosgriff
Louis Corbett, Sharon Davis, Claire Sara & Lachie Martin
Chris Corbett, David Macrae, Clare Pickering & Sue Strano
Jana Wilkes, Clare Pickering, Ruthi Hambling & Naomi Lisner
Emma J Hawkins, Ryan Leister & Don Bridges
Alanna Baschera, Damian Cosgrove, Clare Pickering, Naomi Lisner, Cait Gregor & Karina Topolovec
Lachy Hywood & David Macrae
Clare Pickering & Jana Wilkes
Gary Wall, Naomi Lisner, Lachy Hywood & Aubrey Flood
Julie Forsyth, Sioban Tuke, Nick Backstrom, Clare Pickering & Naomi Lisner
Don Bridges, Clare Pickering, David Macrae & Lachy Hywood
Sue Strano, Chris Corbett, Lachy Hywood & Chris Burgess
Clare Pickering, Brian McCallum, Naomi Lisner & Grant Foulkes
Lachlan Hywood, Brian McCallum, David Macrae, Naomi Lisner, Anthea Davis & Marcus Proctor
Clare Pickering, Marcus McCallum, Naomi Lisner & Grant Foulkes
Clare Pickering, Brian McCallum, Naomi Lisner & Grant Foulkes
Naomi Lisner, Cait Gregor & Carol-Ann Croker
Sandy Morrison, Don Bridges, David Hugh Macrae, Alex Pinder, Anthea David & Brian McCallum
Sandy Morrison, Don Bridges, David Hugh Macrae, Alex Pinder, Anthea David & Brian McCallum
Clare Pickering, David Macrae, Naomi Lisner & Don Bridges
Lachlan Hywood, Brian McCallum, Sandy Morrison & Don Bridges
Following an incredibly successful and productive year for the VABT, the committee let their hair down and celebrated together in friendship and love. Merry Christmas from all of us at the VABT.
Julie Forsyth, Dina Mann & Don Bridges
Emma J Hawkins & Marg Dobson
Julie Forsyth, Dina Mann & Don Bridges
Julie Forsyth, Kevin Harrington, Dina Mann & Don Bridges
Julie Forsyth, Kevin Harrington, Dina Mann & Don Bridges
Julie Forsyth, Kevin Harrington, Dina Mann & Don Bridges
Julie Forsyth, Kevin Harrington, Dina Mann & Don Bridges
Our charming waiter
Chris Connelly distracts Clare Pickering so he can steal food from her plate
Chris Connelly stealing food from Clare Pickering's plate
Chris Connelly steals Clare Pickering's food as she reads her Christmas card to Don Bridges
Emma J Hawkins & Chris Connelly
Don Bridges & Sioban Tuke
Sharing our chocolates!
Emma J Hawkins (counting her chocolate stash!) & Julie Forsyth
Emma J Hawkins & Julie Forsyth
Thank you to our incredible panel, hosted by the hilarious and talented Sioban Tuke, for making this day such a success. All attendees had a ball, learnt more about our beloved Casting Directors, the Do’s and Dont’s of casting and most importantly to simply Be Yourself!
The gorgeous Alex Theatre - host to our wonderful panel
Sioban Tuke, Jane Norris, Janine Snape & Lynne Ruthven
Lou Mitchell
Lynne Ruthven - about to break into song!
Jane Norris - loving that microphone
Lynne Ruthven
Wallis Murphy-Munn, Don Bridges, Jana Wilkes, Dan Haberfield & Clare Pickering
Bucket Rattles are the VABT’s biggest revenue raiser. Thank you from the VABT to all our volunteer star Bucket Rattlers and to our generous audiences who make it all possible.
Chelsea Plumley
Chris Burgess, Ana Della Rocca, Don Bridges, Gary Wall & Rowan Howard
Clare Pickering, Don Bridges & Emily Paddon-Brown
Ruthi Hambling, Dan Haberfield & Don Bridges
Don Bridges & Sue Strano
Alex Pinder, Clare Pickering, Nick Backstrom & Chelsea Plumley
Madeleine Whitehead, Clare Pickering, Don Bridges & Sue Marriott
David Macrae, Don Bridges, Nick Backstrom, Clare Pickering & Kaarin Fairfax
Clare Pickering, Louise Connor, Julie Forsyth, Sue Strano & Sharyn Dawson
Clare Pickering, Louise Connor, Julie Forsyth, Sue Strano & Sharyn Dawson
Sue Strano, Dina Mann, Alex Pinder, Don Bridges & Sharyn Dawson
Aubrey Flood, Don Bridges & David Macrae
Don Bridges & Ruthi Hambling
Nadia Andary, Clare Pickering, Freddie Arthur, Naomi Lisner, Sally-Anne Upton, Sue Marriott, Don Bridges, Syrah Torii & Chris Burgess
Nadia Andary, Clare Pickering, Naomi Lisner, Sue Marriott, Chris Burgess, Don Bridges & Syrah Torii
Nadia Andary, Clare Pickering, Naomi Lisner, Sue Marriott, Don Bridges, Syrah Torii & Chris Burgess
Chris Connelly, Naomi Lisner & George Iskander
Louis Corbett, Don Bridges & David Macrae
Dan Haberfield
Julian Dibley-Hall, Chelsea Plumley & Mike Smith
Clare Pickering, Sandy Morrison, Victoria Jones, Gabriel Lyon, Ana Della Rocca & Khama de Silva
Clare Pickering, Sandy Morrison, Victoria Jones, Gabriel Lyon, Ana Della Rocca & Khama de Silva
Clare Pickering, Sandy Morrison, Victoria Jones, Gabriel Lyon, Ana Della Rocca & Khama de Silva
Terry Donovan
Suzy Cato
Ross Skiffington
Roger Oakley
Paul English & Chris Connelly
Patsy King
Simon Phillips
Elspeth Ballantyne
Liddy Clarke & Tim Hughes
Liddy Clarke & Don Bridges
John Sumner
John O'May
James Wright & Beverly Dunn
Jackie Kelleher
Helen Morse
Helen Morse
Don Bridges & Ross Skiffington
Bob Hornery
Alan Hopgood
Unknown, Kaarin Fairfax, Nigel Giles & friends
Ashleigh Jones, Sue Jones, Chris Jones & Lyn Lowe
Brian Nankervis & Luke Elliot
Connie, Elspeth Ballantyne, Lois Collinder, Jan Russ & Terence Donovan
Don Bridges & friend
Don Bridges & friends
Doris Pearse, Sally-Anne Upton & Don Bridges
Jan Russ & Sally-Anne Upton
Paul Capsis & friends
Shayne Francis & Annie Phelan
Don Bridges & friends
Mike Smith & friend
Unscripted 2012 The Cast
The Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust is proud to be a member of the Alliance of Australasian Performing Arts Benevolent Funds.
Elmira is a Digital Marketing Consultant and has developed Search Engine Optimisation and Web Strategies for small and medium-sized businesses across Australia and the United States. She is a member of Pseudo Culture, a Bespoke Design Collective offering digital strategy and design solutions.
Also dabbling in the arts, she has appeared in theatre, films, TV, and online productions.
Elmira holds a Bachelor of Business and Double Dip. in Kinesiology & Mind-Body Medicine Therapy and has undergone actor training at a variety of esteemed establishments such as MTC, VCA, and Howard Fine Studios.
Passionate about the arts and supporting the incredibly talented artists who dedicate their time and gifts to our community, Elmira is honoured to be on the VABT committee and to be of service to actors, crew, and creatives in their time of need.
Since joining the industry straight out of Flinders University Drama Centre in 1984, Michael Pope has worked as a performer across all facets: actor, television host, radio presenter, cabaret act, corporate MC and more.
He has also worked as a producer for television and live events, and it with this deep and wide perspective he joins the VABT. Having lived the gig-to-gig lifestyle for 4 decades, he is well aware of the ebbs and flows of success- financially and emotionally.
It is with this empathy that he looks forward to working with the committee to assist others during those times when, often through no fault of their own, life has hit them hard. It is with that career perspective he is reminded that nothing lasts forever – the good times, as well as the bad.
Tom has more than thirty years’ experience in the performing arts as a director, producer, actor, dramaturg, devisor, composer and teacher.
Tom was Artistic Director at Black Swan Theatre Company, Perth from 2004 to 2008. Other directing work includes the Australian/NZ production of Yes, Prime Minister, the World Premiere of Birthrights by David Williamson for Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC), The Sound Garden for Oz Opera, Opera Queensland and West Australian Opera, and more than fifty other works with companies including Queensland Theatre Company, Black Swan State Theatre Company and Union House Theatre.
He has also directed three world premieres by Australia’s most successful playwright, David Williamson, Charitable Intent for the 2001 Melbourne Festival (Winner: Best New Australian Play, Victorian Green Room Awards), Birthrights for MTC in 2004 and Credentials for La Mama’s 50th birthday season in 2017.
Tom has a Master’s degree from La Trobe University and has worked at training institutes including the VCA (University of Melbourne), WAAPA, QUT and The Arts Academy, Federation University. Since 2021 he has been the Head of Programming at Monash University Performing Arts Centres.
Terrie’s career, as an actor and then an academic with research interests in screen culture, gives her a unique perspective on the performing arts and an appreciation of the challenges faced by the acting community. She trained at the Victorian College of the Arts, working professionally in film, television, radio and theatre, before moving into the university sector. Over twenty-three years she taught and supervised in the areas of media, film, television and education. She held many leadership roles including Director of Research by Higher Degree (Humanities) and Departmental Head of Creative Arts and English.
Along with numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed articles focusing on the relationship between screen media, literature, gender, popular culture and psychology, Terrie has authored three books including The Lost Child in Australian Film: Jung, Story and Playing Beneath the Past (Routledge). She has co-edited a further three books (Routledge, ACMI) and is currently attached to La Trobe University as an Adjunct Associate Professor with the department of Languages and Cultures. She hopes that her skills and experience will benefit the VABT committee.
Emma is well known for her performances across Australia and internationally in many events, festivals and productions, from Shakespeare to burlesque and all things in between. A keen advocate of fair representation of disability in the arts, she speaks at many events, forums and recently became Secretary for the Persons with a Disability Committee under MEAA.
Emma also has an administration and bookkeeping background, currently runs her own boutique bookkeeping service for creatives/artists called Small Fortunes. She is currently the Finance Manager for the Women’s Circus and enjoys the challenge of combining both her career paths of being an accountant and a performer.
This is how she found her way to being the Treasurer of the Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust, a charity that she is proud to support.
My creative bow is well strung! I started singing on the ship out from England at the age of seven. I left school to become a RN Division 2 nurse and I’m still registered. In 1981, I started my professional career acting, and singing and In 2007, I married all these skills and became a Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant.
For nearly 30-years, Michael was a professional actor performing leading roles with Australia’s major theatre companies as well as several TV dramas.
Most recently Michael was a senior partner at Nelson Alexander, one of Melbourne’s largest and most successful residential real estate agencies. He now works in the conservation sector for Trust for Nature protecting Victoria’s biodiversity.
Michael lives in Northcote with his wife Jude. Michael’s hobbies include oil painting, studying French, travelling, playing golf and getting out into our beautiful country whenever possible.
Chris Connelly has been acting for three decades with extensive work in theatre, film, and television. His many shows with the Melbourne Theatre Company include; Aftershocks, Pax Americana, The Caretaker, Happy Ending. Among other productions; David Williamson’s The Club and Face to Face, Hotel Sorrento, Kitten, West Side Story, Barassi and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Also solo shows; The Dream of a Ridiculous Man and The Meeting. TV credits include Deadline Gallipoli, Bed of Roses, Stingers, Blue Heelers, Neighbours and The Adventures of Lano and Woodley. Films: John Doe, Michael Rymer’s Angel Baby, Queen of the Damned and Face to Face, Chris was the co founder of the Maya Shakti Drama school in Sri Lanka.
“In my experience, actors and performers are some of the most generous, resilient and positive group of people you could find. Perhaps this is because the work of the performer is to do with the humanity of a story, what lies at the heart of the character in the story or performance. Actors and people in the entertainment industry in general, are constantly supporting causes, helping people, and on any issue will almost invariably take the compassionate position. I think our industry is full of good people who go beyond themselves not only for their art, but also for the greater good of the community. Because of the precarious nature of this business, there are many times when people in this industry need help, this usually coincides with a time of being forgotten in the community, I believe the VABT exists to make sure we’re not forgotten.”
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Sioban Tuke (Vice President)
Don Bridges (Vice President)
Emma J Hawkins (Treasurer)
Marg Dobson (Secretary)
Dina Mann
Chris Connelly
Matt Emond
Clare Pickering
Mark Williams
Michael J Wilkie
Stephen Moore
Joanne Davis
Michael Fry
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Don Bridges (Vice President)
Emma J Hawkins (Treasurer)
Marg Dobson (Secretary)
Dina Mann
Chris Connelly
Matt Emond
Clare Pickering
Mark Williams
Michael J Wilkie
Stephen Moore
Joanne Davis
Michael Fry
Michael is a man of mystery, hiding in the shadows working his magic.
His Melbourne based PR company, Make A Difference (MAD) PR, specialises in publicising the arts – theatre, films, music, events.
Michael is passionate about the arts and promoting the vital work of the VABT.
Joanne works as an actor and producer, and has devised and performed with many companies and events within Australia and the U.K.
She has a love of multi-form work, often collaborating with artists in film, dance, & live art performance. In 2015, she launched arts company, Anvil Productions with Rebecca Lister.
Joanne feels honoured to be a part of the hard-working VABT team.
At this time, we are only able to support people who are experiencing an emergency health crisis.
We are not able to support people who have lost jobs and income as a result of this worldwide pandemic.
But help is available for all of us and we strongly recommend you keep informed of the Federal Government’s announcements about providing support for casual workers and make your voice heard in forums in support of our industry.
Our Community and our leaders are working on our behalf in advocacy including Live Performance Australia, Theatre Network Australia, National Association for the Visual Arts and others, to secure emergency support assistance from federal and state governments. We highly encourage workers to report lost jobs and income at I Lost My Gig and the MEAA survey so they can help build a strong case to government about the economic, financial and social impact on the arts because of this pandemic.
Our mental health is particularly important as we navigate the extraordinary events of the Coronavirus and we encourage all of you to reach out to others for support. The Arts Wellbeing Collective is an incredible resource that all of us can utilise to ensure we stay connected, mentally healthy and resilient.
We also highly recommend looking out for others in need – particularly those who live alone and do not have families to call on. Making contact through a caring phone call, FaceTime/Skype or an email, can make a huge impact on our collective mental health.
We are all in this together.
The VABT Committee wishes all of you, your families and friends, strength, resilience and good health in the days, weeks and months ahead.If you are financially stable and would like to help your colleagues, you can now donate directly for COVID-19 Assist on our website at www.vabt.com.au/donate.
Sue Roff (President)
Elspeth Ballantyne (Vice President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Lois Collinder (Secretary)
Helen Hartnell (Treasurer)
Joan Arnold
Jasper Bagg
Melanie Beddie
Luke Elliott
Marilyn Hage
Liz Jones
Mark Pegler
Jan Russ
Noel Blackburn
Sue Roff (President)
Elspeth Ballantyne (Vice President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Lois Collinder (Secretary)
Helen Hartnell (Treasurer)
Joan Arnold
Jasper Bagg
Melanie Beddie
Luke Elliott
Marilyn Hage
Mark Pegler
Jan Russ
Judy Stolfo
Sally-Anne Upton
Sue Roff (President)
Elspeth Ballantyne (Vice President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Lois Collinder (Secretary)
Helen Hartnell (Treasurer)
Joan Arnold
Jasper Bagg
Melanie Beddie
Luke Elliott
Marilyn Hage
Mark Pegler
Jan Russ
Judy Stolfo
Sally-Anne Upton
Ben Harkin
Louise McRoberts
Sue Roff (President)
Elspeth Ballantyne (Vice President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Lois Collinder (Treasurer/Secretary)
Jasper Bagg (Vice President)
Melanie Beddie (Vice President)
Judy Stolfo
Luke Elliott
Mark Pegler
Jan Russ
Sally-Anne Upton
Ben Harkin
Louise McRoberts
James Wardlaw
Deidre Rubenstein
Sue Roff (President)
Jasper Bagg (Vice President)
Melanie Beddie (Vice President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Lois Collinder (Treasurer/Secretary)
Judy Stolfo (Secretary)
Elspeth Ballantyne
Luke Elliott
Jan Russ
Sally-Anne Upton
Ben Harkin
James Wardlaw
Deidre Rubenstein
Neil Pigot
Jasper Bagg (President)
Sue Roff (Vice President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Lois Collinder (Treasurer)
Judy Stolfo (Secretary)
Elspeth Ballantyne
Luke Elliott
Jan Russ
Sally-Anne Upton
Ben Harkin
James Wardlaw
Deidre Rubenstein
Neil Pigot
Melanie Beddie
Jasper Bagg (President)
Sue Roff (Vice President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
James Wardlaw (Vice President)
Lois Collinder (Treasurer)
Maria Popov (Treasurer)
Judy Stolfo (Secretary)
Elspeth Ballantyne
Luke Elliott
Jan Russ
Sally-Anne Upton
Ben Harkin
Deidre Rubenstein
Neil Pigot
Melanie Beddie
Colleen Hewett
Maureen Andrew
Irena Bukhshtaber
Christine Miller
Jasper Bagg (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
James Wardlaw (Vice President)
Maria Popov (Treasurer)
Judy Stolfo (Secretary)
Luke Elliott
Jan Russ
Sally-Anne Upton
Deidre Rubenstein
Neil Pigot
Colleen Hewett
Maureen Andrew
Irena Bukhshtaber
Christine Miller
Jasper Bagg (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
James Wardlaw (Vice President)
Sally-Anne Upton (Vice President)
Maria Popov (Treasurer)
Judy Stolfo (Secretary)
Luke Elliott
Jan Russ
Deidre Rubenstein
Neil Pigot
Colleen Hewett
Irena Bukhshtaber
Christine Miller
Jasper Bagg (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Sally-Anne Upton (Vice President)
Maria Popov (Treasurer)
Judy Stolfo (Secretary)
Luke Elliott
Jan Russ
Deidre Rubenstein
Neil Pigot
Colleen Hewett
Irena Bukhshtaber
Christine Miller
Chris Bunworth
Julie Forysth
Doris Pearse
Anne Phelan
Betty Bobbitt
Jackie Woodburne
Robyn Arthur
Gary Down
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (President)
Peter Randall (Vice President)
Philip Phillips (Vice President)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
Joan Arnold
Louise Homfrey
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (President)
Max Bruch (President)
Peter Randall (Vice President)
Philip Phillips (Vice President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Joan Arnold
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Joan Arnold
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
Joan Arnold
Beverley Dunn
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
Joan Arnold
Beverley Dunn
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Eric Pearce
Carmel Millhouse
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
William. P Carr (Treasurer)
Mary Ward
John Sumner
Sheila Florance
Evie Hayes
Bettine Kauffman
Laurel Martyn
Frank Gatliff
Peter Randall
Keith Eden
C Allen
R Allen
Doug Elliott
P.D. Phillips
Ray Connell
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
William. P Carr (Treasurer)
Mary Ward
John Sumner
Peggy Marks
Brian James
Noel Ferrier
Hugh McDermott
Shirley Broadway
Peter Randall
Keith Eden
C Allen
Betty Stewart
Lloyd Cunnington
P.D. Phillips
Ray Connell
Moira Carleton
Kevin Miles
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
William. P Carr (Treasurer)
Mary Ward
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
Brian James
Betty Stewart
Peter Randall
Keith Eden
Wynn Pullman
P.D. Phillips
Ray Connell
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
William. P Carr (Treasurer)
Mary Ward
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
Brian James
Betty Stewart
Keith Eden
P.D. Phillips
Ray Connell
Kevin Miles
Noel Ferrier
Frank Wilson
Frank Rich
Joan Arnold
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Peter Randall (Vice Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
William. P Carr (Treasurer)
Mary Ward
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
P.D. Phillips
Ray Connell
Noel Ferrier
Frank Wilson
Frank Rich
Joan Arnold
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Peter Randall (Vice Chairman)
P.D. Phillips (Vice Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
William. P Carr (Treasurer)
Mary Ward
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
Ray Connell
Noel Ferrier
Frank Wilson
Frank Rich
Joan Arnold
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Peter Randall (Vice Chairman)
P.D. Phillips (Vice Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
Ray Connell
Noel Ferrier
Frank Rich
Joan Arnold
Frank Wilson
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Peter Randall (Vice Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
Noel Ferrier
Frank Rich
Joan Arnold
Frank Wilson
Louise Homfrey
Wyn McAlpin
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Peter Randall (Vice Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
Noel Ferrier
Frank Rich
Joan Arnold
Frank Wilson
Louise Homfrey
Wyn McAlpin
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Peter Randall (Vice Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
Noel Ferrier
Frank Rich
Joan Arnold
Frank Wilson
Louise Homfrey
Wyn McAlpin
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Peter Randall (Vice Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
Joan Arnold
Louise Homfrey
Lady Viola Tait (Patroness)
Kenrick Hudson (Chairman)
Peter Randall (Vice Chairman)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
John Sumner
Moira Carleton
Lloyd Cunnington
Joan Arnold
Louise Homfrey
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
Joan Arnold (Treasurer)
Beverley Dunn
Eric Pearce
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Carmel Millhouse
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
Joan Arnold (Treasurer)
Beverley Dunn
Eric Pearce
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Carmel Millhouse
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
Joan Arnold (Treasurer)
Beverley Dunn
Eric Pearce
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Carmel Millhouse
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
Joan Arnold (Treasurer)
Beverley Dunn
Eric Pearce
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Carmel Millhouse
John Sumner
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Victor Arnold (Secretary)
Joan Arnold (Treasurer)
Beverley Dunn
Eric Pearce
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Carmel Millhouse
John Sumner
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary/Treasurer)
Victor Arnold
Beverley Dunn
Eric Pearce
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Carmel Millhouse
John Sumner
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary/Treasurer)
Victor Arnold
Beverley Dunn
Eric Pearce
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Carmel Millhouse
John Sumner
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary/Treasurer)
Victor Arnold
Beverley Dunn
Eric Pearce
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Carmel Millhouse
John Sumner
Max Bruch (President)
Lloyd Cunnington (Vice President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary/Treasurer)
Victor Arnold
Beverley Dunn
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Carmel Millhouse
Chris Ferguson
Paul Flaherty
Lloyd Cunnington (President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary/Treasurer)
Victor Arnold
Beverley Dunn
Simon Chilvers
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Mary Ward
Carmel Millhouse
Chris Ferguson
Paul Flaherty
Lloyd Cunnington (President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary/Treasurer)
Ray Connell
Beverley Dunn
George Fairfax
Paul Flaherty
Chris Ferguson
Bob Huppert
Lloyd Cunnington (President)
Louise Homfrey (Vice President)
Paul Flaherty (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary/Treasurer)
Ray Connell
Beverley Dunn
George Fairfax
Chris Ferguson
Bob Huppert
Marilyn Hage
Reg Gorman
Anna Kotanidis
Lloyd Cunnington (President)
Paul Flaherty (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary/Treasurer)
Ray Connell
Beverley Dunn
George Fairfax
Chris Ferguson
Bob Huppert
Marilyn Hage
Reg Gorman
Anna Kotanidis
Lloyd Cunnington (President)
Paul Flaherty (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary/Treasurer)
Ray Connell
Beverley Dunn
George Fairfax
Marilyn Hage
Anna Kotanidis
Brian James
Reg Gorman
Elspeth Ballantyne
Liz Jones
Peter Curtin
Ailsa Piper
Wendy Hamilton
Lloyd Cunnington (President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary/Treasurer)
Ray Connell
Beverley Dunn
George Fairfax
Marilyn Hage
Brian James
Reg Gorman
Elspeth Ballantyne
Liz Jones
Peter Curtin
Ailsa Piper
Wendy Hamilton
Paul Flaherty
Monica Maughan
Lloyd Cunnington (President)
Monica Maughan (President)
Elspeth Ballantyne (Vice President)
Beverley Dunn (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary)
Cliff Ellen (Treasurer)
Paul Flaherty
Ray Connell
George Fairfax
Marilyn Hage
Brian James
Reg Gorman
Liz Jones
Peter Curtin
Ailsa Piper
Monica Maughan (President)
Elspeth Ballantyne (Vice President)
Beverley Dunn (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary)
Cliff Ellen (Treasurer)
Lloyd Cunnington
Ray Connell
Peter Curtin
George Fairfax
Marilyn Hage
Brian James
Reg Gorman
Liz Jones
Ailsa Piper
Melanie Beddie
Bob Hornery
Sioban Tuke
Monica Maughan (President)
Elspeth Ballantyne (Vice President)
Beverley Dunn (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary)
Helen Hartnell (Treasurer)
Lloyd Cunnington
Ray Connell
Peter Curtin
Marilyn Hage
Brian James
Liz Jones
Melanie Beddie
Bob Hornery
Sioban Tuke
Monica Maughan (President)
Elspeth Ballantyne (Vice President)
Beverley Dunn (Vice President)
Joan Arnold (Secretary)
Lois Collinder (Secretary)
Helen Hartnell (Treasurer)
Lloyd Cunnington
Ray Connell
Peter Curtin
Marilyn Hage
Liz Jones
Melanie Beddie
Bob Hornery
Sioban Tuke
Sally-Anne Upton
Sue Roff
Kevin Harrington
Monica Maughan (President)
Elspeth Ballantyne (Vice President)
Beverley Dunn (Vice President)
Lois Collinder (Secretary)
Helen Hartnell (Treasurer)
Joan Arnold
Peter Curtin
Marilyn Hage
Liz Jones
Melanie Beddie
Bob Hornery
Sioban Tuke
Sue Roff
Kevin Harrington
Mark Pegler
Humphrey Bower
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Luke Elliott (Vice President)
Anne Harrington (Treasurer)
Judy Stolfo (Secretary)
Maria Kolaitis (Secretary)
Mary Bombaci (Secretary)
Doris Pearse
Jan Russ
Anne Phelan
Julie Forysth
Robyn Arthur
Jasper Bagg
Chris Bunworth
Irena Bukhshtaber
Gary Down
Will Stracke
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Luke Elliott (Vice President)
Anne Harrington (Treasurer)
Mary Bombaci (Secretary)
Doris Pearse
Jan Russ
Anne Phelan
Julie Forysth
Robyn Arthur
Chris Bunworth
Irena Bukhshtaber
Will Stracke
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Luke Elliott (Vice President)
Barry Minster (Treasurer)
Mark Bowdern (Treasurer)
Melissa Jennings (Secretary)
Don Bridges
Doris Pearse
Jan Russ
Anne Phelan
Julie Forysth
Robyn Arthur
Chris Bunworth
Will Stracke
Sioban Tuke
Clara Pagone
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Chris Bunworth (Vice President)
Mark Bowdern (Treasurer)
Emma J Hawkins (Treasurer)
Melissa Jennings (Secretary)
Gabrielle Dalton (Secretary)
Don Bridges
Doris Pearse
Dina Mann
Sioban Tuke
Anne Phelan
Julie Forysth
Robyn Arthur
Clara Pagone
Luke Elliott
Chris Connelly
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Chris Bunworth (Vice President)
Emma J Hawkins (Treasurer)
Melissa Jennings (Secretary)
Gabrielle Dalton (Secretary)
Don Bridges
Doris Pearse
Dina Mann
Sioban Tuke
Anne Phelan
Julie Forysth
Robyn Arthur
Clara Pagone
Chris Connelly
Philip Evans
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Chris Bunworth (Vice President)
Emma J Hawkins (Treasurer)
Melissa Jennings (Secretary)
Marg Dobson (Secretary)
Don Bridges
Doris Pearse
Dina Mann
Sioban Tuke
Julie Forysth
Robyn Arthur
Clara Pagone
Chris Connelly
Philip Evans
Matt Emond
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Sioban Tuke (Vice President)
Emma J Hawkins (Treasurer)
Marg Dobson (Secretary)
Don Bridges
Doris Pearse
Dina Mann
Julie Forysth
Robyn Arthur
Chris Connelly
Philip Evans
Matt Emond
Clare Pickering
Mark Williams
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Kevin Harrington (Vice President)
Sioban Tuke (Vice President)
Don Bridges (Vice President)
Emma J Hawkins (Treasurer)
Marg Dobson (Secretary)
Dina Mann
Julie Forysth
Robyn Arthur
Chris Connelly
Matt Emond
Clare Pickering
Mark Williams
Michael J Wilkie
Jana Wilkes
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Sioban Tuke (Vice President)
Don Bridges (Vice President)
Emma J Hawkins (Treasurer)
Marg Dobson (Secretary)
Dina Mann
Julie Forysth
Robyn Arthur
Chris Connelly
Matt Emond
Clare Pickering
Mark Williams
Michael J Wilkie
Jana Wilkes
Sally-Anne Upton (President)
Sioban Tuke (Vice President)
Don Bridges (Vice President)
Emma J Hawkins (Treasurer)
Marg Dobson (Secretary)
Dina Mann
Julie Forysth
Robyn Arthur
Chris Connelly
Matt Emond
Clare Pickering
Mark Williams
Michael J Wilkie
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An Actor’s Equity member since 1973, Don’s extensive credits include, Theatre: as either actor or director, includes HIT Productions, La Mama, Essential Theatre, Unicorn (London), Columbia University (New York), Geary Theatre (San Francisco) and over twenty-five productions for Melbourne Theatre Company. Films: include Judy and Punch, Two Heads Creek, Paper Champions, Tender Hook, Romper Stomper, Evil Angels, Quigley Down Under, Malcolm, Rikki & Pete, Road to Nhill, The Hard Word, The Oyster Farmer, Charlotte’s Web, Gettin’ Square and Cohen the Barbarian in TrollBridge. Television: includes regular roles in Jack Irish, True Stories, Blue Heelers, Man from Snowy River, Neighbours, Stingers, Something in the Air, The Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries and Upper Middle Bogan. Don is also a musician, playing guitar, mandolin, ukulele and bodhran (Irish drum). He is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the VABT committee.
Mark is a solicitor in private practice who claims to have known everyone in Melbourne’s intrepid and courageous theatre community before they were famous. He has advised just about every professional theatre company and many venues in Victoria over nearly thirty years of legal practice. Familiar with wills, trusts and administrations for creative people, he has admired the work of VABT for many years and its significant contribution to the vibrant and supportive theatre scene in Melbourne.
Mark earned half a living as an actor in his twenties and early thirties on the fringe, comedy and corporate circuits. He has served on the boards of many arts organisations, including Chandrabhanu’s Bharatam Dance Company Inc, Arts Access Inc., Currency House Inc, Viscopy Limited and, currently, Polyglot Theatre. In addition to specific qualifications in intellectual property law, he holds a D.Phil. from Oxford University on the dramaturgy of Thomas Middleton and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Art at RMIT (probably the only lawyer in the country to hold such a post). He is a Life Member of the Green Room Awards Association and was President for six years 2005-10. Appointed to VABT in late 2016, he is looking forward to rolling up his sleeves to support VABT’s vital work where other formal and informal systems don’t reach. When not in the theatre or the office he keeps bees and cattle in north-eastern Victoria.
I have worked in performing arts including theatre in education, musical comedy, cabaret and theatre. In the mid 1980’s with Women’s Community Theatre and the early days of Melbourne Fringe in the collaboratively produced Women’s Season, I wrote and presented a variety of group and solo performance projects.
These shows were usually comedy and musical, Cooking with Marg, Marg and the Beast and The Whole Shebang. Expanding later into Environmental Education with Vox Bandicoot, and street musical theatre with The Teabags Marching Band, and cabaret with The Romanoffs. In 2011 I was hostess for Finucane & Smith in The Burlesque Hour and The Carnival of Mysteries at fortyfivedownstairs Melbourne. In March 2014 at Footscray Community Arts I played the lead role in the reading of Peta Murray’s play, Things That Fall Over, a production in development over two years.
Since living in Ballarat I have worked with Lynden Nicholls on Voices as a performer and directed the life models in the Art Gallery of Ballarat for the 24 Hour Experience Ballarat. In Backspace Gallery I wrote and performed a recording of an artist response to Dora Meeson’s painting Leaving for the Front. In 2016 I narrated Peter and the Wolf and the Carnival of the Animals at Her Majesty’s Theatre for the Winderlude Festival with the Ballarat Symphony Orchestra and four dance schools.
Currently I am working on The Women of the Goldfields, a new play, using historical source material to explore the true stories of women during the Eureka Stockade. I have presented two development performances in Ballarat, at the Main Bar in November in 2014 and the Mechanics Institute in 2016.
Everybody wants to be able to give to others in need. Sometimes they just need a vehicle and the VABT is a just the ticket. Through the generous theatre audiences chucking in notes and coins at a bucket rattle, others responding to requests for donations via a letter in the mail, and the people organising to ask for the money, the VABT can give to others in need. The power of giving is enormous and the community of the theatre world is powerful.
Dina trained at NIDA and worked as a professional actor in the 70’s & 80’s.
Starting her Casting Career at Crawford Productions, she then, in the late 80’s began a seven year period as Casting Director ABC Melbourne, casting many projects, including ‘The Magistrate’ and ‘Phoenix’.
Her freelance Feature films include: ‘Road To Nhill’, ‘Head On’, ‘Mallboy’ (AFI Young Actor) ‘Japanese Story’ (AFI Best Actress, Best Film), ‘The Jammed’ (IF Best Film), ‘Lake Mungo’, ‘Black & White & Sex’ (ATOM ‘Best Experimental’) and ‘The Legend Maker’.
Dina respects actors and industry members and believes that their creative offerings should not be forgotten when times get tough.