Board:
Mr David Clements – President
David first got involved in theatre in High School at Newtown High in the musical Lightshine in the early seventies. David’s first major foray back into theatre was when Ingrid Ganley asked him to stage manage the Hobart Rep production of Noises Off in 2011, where, with the help of Richard Causby they built a two storey set on a revolve with about a dozen doors (a baptism of fire). David went to stage manage more shows including Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap (on the 60th Anniversary of it’s first production in the Westend), Rock of Ages, Wicked, Mary Poppins and Blithe Spirit.
Ms Caroline Whamond – Vice President
A Rep life member with over 25 years involvement in local theatre, Caroline has been involved in all aspects of theatre production.
Ms Karen Fahey – Secretary
Karen has over 30 years’ experience in the public service with the last 15 years working in Marketing and Communications, bringing administration skills to her role on the board as Secretary/Public Officer. Karen has been making theatre since 2008 working for many of Hobarts theatre companies, in many different backstage roles. Karen co-manages Hobart Reps ‘wardrobe’ housing our extensive array of costumes. She also our volunteer’s coordinator and co-manages our front of house rosters. Karen is a Life Member of Hobart Rep, being involved since the early 2000’s.
Ms Donna Powell – Treasurer
Donna has more than 10 years’ audit, accounting and business experience, working in a range of public sector, corporate, SME and public practice roles in Hobart and the UK. Donna is a graduate of the AICD and holds a BCom and BA from the University of Tasmania. She sits on the Tasmanian Division Council for CPA Australia.
Mrs Caroline Riley – Minutes Secretary
Carolyn comes to the Board of the Society with 20 years’ experience as a Federal Public Servant and 18 years as a Vocational Teacher. Carolyn has been involved in HRTS and Hobart theatre over many years as a performer in OneFest; the Minute Taker for the OneFest Committee for 3 years; a volunteer at shows; a graduate of the Graham Corey School of Acting, and past chorus member of several G & S shows alongside of being a lifelong, passionate supporter of Hobart theatre.
Ms Lesley Somerville – Finance Committee Convenor
Lesley has been a lifelong and enthusiastic audience member at all types of theatre and has volunteered with HRTS since 2015 in various front of house roles. She served as a board member with Tasmanian Theatre Company from 2017 to 2020.
Recently retired, she has 38 years experience running a successful Tasmanian business. Her roles within the company included Business Administration, HR Manager and Educator.
Position Vacant – Marketing Committee Convenor
Ms Ingrid Ganley – Production Committee Convenor
By day Ingrid works for the State Government holding senior management positions and is currently the Director of Disability and Community Services. By night Ingrid has been involved with theatre in Hobart for over 25 years predominately in directing roles. Ingrid has directed numerous productions for Hobart Repertory Theatre Society since 2000. Ingrid is a Life Member of the Old Nick Company and one half of Directions Theatre.
Mrs Meredith McQueen – Theatre Committee Convenor
Meredith has been a member of the Hobart Rep family since 1981, when she played Cecily in The Importance of Being Ernest. Since then she has acted in a number of Rep productions, her favourites being Educating Rita, Blithe Spirit, Shadowlands, Steel Magnolias and A Woman of No Importance.
In the 1990’s she briefly conducted youth drama classes for Rep in The Playhouse. She has also been an active participant in the OneFest drama festival for many years and has won awards for Best Director, Best Production and Best Actress. Meredith has directed two full length Rep productions, namely Soulmates(2012) and The Winslow Boy(2023). In 2022, Meredith took over management of the Repertory script library and archives.
Mr Matt Andrewartha – ex officio Senior Theatre Technician / Theatre Manager
Matt has been involved with The Playhouse since 2001 – coming on board as the Lighting Operator for Hair. Despite a stint at the University of Ballarat to attain his Diploma of Entertainment in Lighting and Sound, we haven’t been able to get rid of him since! Matt has worked as a technician across a variety of venues including being part of the team that specified the 600 seat Don Bosco Creative Arts Centre for Guilford Young College. Matt now works in event and venue management and continues to push for enhancements to The Playhouse, benefiting people on both sides of the curtain.
Role of the board:
The Board of Management oversees the operation of the Society and directs the committees where appropriate.
Role of the committees:
Finance:
- Carry out day to day management of the Society’s finances and make recommendations to the Board in respect to major expenditures, budgeting & investments.
- Consider all financial implications of decisions made by the Society.
- Provide oversight of ticketing facilities and administrative support.
- Consider the business case for future decisions.
Theatre:
- Oversee operation and maintenance of all Society property (owned or rented); and
- Make recommendations to the Board for future maintenance programs, capital expenditure and operations (which will include the Bar, Props & Costumes).
Production:
- Compile a recommended list of annual Productions and matters relating thereto (such as dates of performances, suggested Directors etc) for presentation to the Board.
- Assist with preparation of selected productions and reviews thereafter.
- Conducts the EOI and evaluation process to select plays and directors for the annual season of plays
- Appoints production managers for each show
- Takes suggestions and reads scripts for future productions
- Provide advice and support to production managers.
Marketing:
- Attend to all aspects of marketing of the Society and its productions through a variety of mediums.
- Make recommendations for servicing of existing members, attracting new members and development membership packages.
- Provide input to Production Committee and Board as to show choice from a marketing perspective
- Prepare a newsletter for distribution to members
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Committee Members:
Finance Committee
Donna, Matt, Ben, Karen, Lesley, David
Marketing Committee
Ben, Carolyn, Bryce, Moya, Wayne
Production Committee
Ingrid, Liz, Pip, Mark, Judy, Christine, Rogan, Joan, Helen, Kathy
Theatre Committee
Merrideth, Bev, Von, Matt, Karen, Helen, Julie, Lyn, Garry, Tony
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