Spotlight on MTNZ

News from Musical Theatre NZ (MTNZ) - September 2008
Click here to download a PDF version of September Spotlight

MTNZ President’s Report September 2008 With all the wind, rain and snow we sometimes wonder if it can ever end. But we have spring surely just around the corner and our Queenstown conference in summer to look forward to. Planning is well under way for this and I for one cannot wait to get down to one of my favourite NZ destinations for a bit of fun and frolic - not to mention hard work. As you will see from your conference papers we have many stimulating seminars arranged for you. The presenters are from the top of their fields and we appreciate the time they are donating to our organisation. A huge thank you to Marty, Fae and Hilary and team from Showbiz Queenstown and also to Kate our administrator, for all their organisation thus far. This promises to be yet another fantastic conference so I encourage you all to come and learn and network.

We have had a great deal of excitement over the past few months with the release of “Miss Saigon” for community presentation. The consortium is well down the planning track, with the first production scheduled for Christchurch in April 2009, travelling throughout the country until the North Shore Music Theatre show finishes off in 2011. For those who may not have see “Miss Saigon” you have a treat in store. I can still remember seeing this memorable show in its opening week in New York (a number of years ago!).

The highlight of the year has been the generous sponsorship from J. Herber Ltd and N.Z. Fire-Shield Ltd and the recognition from them of the importance of musical theatre to their trade and all the associated theatre industries. We hope this will encourage others to follow their lead, to enable us to plan for a secure future.

I have attended zone one and two meetings and was delighted to see the enthusiasm generated by these societies. There was a presentation to Ray Spence in Hamilton for his services to zone two over many years. Unfortunately he was unable to attend due to illness, but best wishes were forwarded by all. (Pity we could not manage a video link up!) Zone two also found out how awful I am at quiz games – even if our team did win!

I wish you all a successful end to the year, with many interesting shows still in production and I look forward to seeing all you Mainlanders at the combined zone 4 and 5 meeting in Dunedin on 6 September.

Kind regards - John **********************************************************************************************************

Hi Everyone - Firstly a HUGE thank you and congratulations to Abbey Musical Theatre on their recent production of Beauty and the Beast and Napier Operatic on their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, both of which I managed to see. Thanks to Allan and Dale and their respective Executives for their hospitality. Great shows!!!

CONFERENCE 2009 PACKS NOW ON LINE AND HAVE BEEN POSTED TO ALL MEMBERS.
Check out http://www.musical.org.nz/conference.htm

20 - 22 March 2009  - “Rush” to Queenstown!  - MTNZ/Showbiz Queenstown invites you to pack your gunny sack and gold pan and join us at Rydges Lakeland, Queenstown for the 49^th annual MTNZ Conference and AGM

PLEASE NOTE EARLY BIRD CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES WILL CLOSE OFF 1 DECEMBER NOT 31 DECEMBER

If you have any questions about Conference 2009, please contact Kate at the MTNZ Office kate@musical.org.nz or 04-479-5911

Conference 2009 – Programme as at 1 September
(please note this is still a draft programme and there could
be changes before the final is sent out in February 2009)

Friday 20 March

9am              MTNZ Executive Meeting
9am              Trades can start setting up in the Coronet/Remarkables room
11am            Registration desk opens at the Rydges Lakeland, Queenstown
4pm              Trade Show commences – Coronet/Remarkables room – please note this time is approx at this stage)
6pm              Moonshine Magic Happy hour - Drinks in the Coronet/Remarkables Room
7pm              Dominie Drama Moonshine Magic – informal gathering for conference attendees.  Hors d’oeuvres will be available (please note there is no formal dinner on the Friday night – finger food only, so if you want something more substantial the restaurant will be open till 8.30pm with bar food available).
7.30pm         Welcome from Showbiz Queenstown and the MTNZ President
8.30pm         Registration desk closes for the day

Saturday 21 March
8am              Registration desk re-opens
8.45am         49^th  Annual General Meeting of Musical Theatre New Zealand
10am            Morning Tea
10.30am       Continuation of AGM
12pm            Registration desk re-opens for forum and seminar registration
12 pm           Conclusion of AGM
12pm            The Hal Leonard AGM Lunch – Ben Lomond Restaurant
1.30pm         Trade Show closes (approx)
1.15pm         Forums and discussion

1.15pm – 2.15pm – Forums and Discussions

1	Nuts and bolts for smaller societies – a good opportunity for the smaller/medium size societies to get together and “chew the fat”.  Facilitator:  Irene Mosley, South Otago Theatrical Society and Community Development for the Clutha District Council
2	Society Administrators and Secretaries  Facilitators:  Anne-Marie Cotton, Administrator, Showbiz Christchurch Craig Waddell, Executive Officer, Invercargill Musical Theatre
3	Entertainment Technology/Technical – an opportunity for the more technically inclined conference attendees to hear about the latest updates in technology, health and safety, fire retardants and to have a catch up about what is happening in the technology side of the industry Facilitators:  Rob Peters, Deane Philip, Phill Dexter, John MacGibbon, Stuart Mitchell
4	MTNZ our organisation -  the future, what you want from MTNZ, could we do things better, what are we doing right -  plus a navigate around the website by Kate Ghent Facilitators – John Antony, President, our new VP, Donna Philpott Patron
5	The Music in the Musical – this will cover all the aspects connected with putting together the musical aspects of the performance - topics concerning teaching, coaching, conducting, repetiteurs, orchestras, vocal parts, using tracks, clicks, monitors Facilitators:  Angela Johnson and Richard Marrett, NASDA
6	Ticketing – what are your options, what is working for societies Facilitators:  Ross Benbow, Ian Reid, iTICKET
7	Marketing – a good opportunity to discuss what works, what doesn’t Facilitators:  Dale Reid, Napier Operatic and Adam Blackwell, Firststar Communications

 2.30pm – 4.30/5pm – Seminar Session

1	Big profile, low budget: getting the marketing mix right Adam Blackwell – First Star Communications, Wellington
2	Governance of a Society - A practical guide to sound governance principals for an organisation, be it small or large, with a particular emphasis on Financial Management. Kevin Murphy, Len Speir, Kevin Landrigan
3	Innovative Set Design for the smaller theatre - this seminar is pitched at those societies/schools without a fly tower, limited wing space and tracks and those who work in community halls and smaller venues. Peter King – Fortune Theatre, Dunedin
4	Directing and Shaping the Drama of a Performance - Christian Penny - Associate Director of Te Kura Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa:  New Zealand Drama School.
5	The Best Bang for Your Buck - Lighting Design and the Larger Production Phill Dexter – Limeburner Design, Auckland
6	How to bring a song to life - informal Masterclass for actors and ensembles. A largely practical session geared towards getting the best out of a performance Angela Johnson and Richard Marrett NASDA, Christchurch
7	Copyright Holders Panel Representatives from all the Australasian copyright holders will be on this panel.

4.30/5pm         Conclude Seminars

6.30pm            APRA Pre Dinner Drinks – Inigo Bar

8pm                 Miners’ Hop (come dressed for the gold rush days of Otago – Ben Lomond Room

Sunday 22 March
9.30am            Miners’ Camp Sunday Morning Breakfast the rooftop of the Rydges Lakeland Resort

Conference 2010  19 - 21 March - Auckland - our 50th Anniversary - MTNZ/MTF/NZFOS 50th Anniversary Publication The Executive are looking to publish a book to celebrate 50 years of MTNZ but need your help.  Can you please send any photos of conferences or stage shows that you think would be suitable either via email or post to Kate Ghent who is collating the book and writing the history.  Kate is also looking for “quirky tales” from the theatre, so if you can help out in anyway contact Kate on  04-479-5911 if you have any questions or send your photos to kate@musical.org.nz or PO Box 1413, Wellington. Kate will post back all photos if there is a return address provided.

SPONSORSHIP  We are also looking for sponsors for the anniversary book, so if you are interested in sponsoring part of the publication please contact John Antony 021-774-400 or jantony@xtra.co.nz

Speaking of our history, I am in the process of retyping everything out of the history book that Frank Terry started in 1960 and putting it on the MTNZ website, so it is there for everyone to read and it is historical record of MTNZ-  and what they couldn’t do in 1976, I hope we can this time with the 50^th Anniversary publication (also interesting about theatre restaurant and the cost of Spotlight):  A long established trend overseas surfaced in NZ with the development of theatre restaurant.  Revision of liquor laws added interest and ease of operation with this type of entertainment. The increasing net loss on Spotlight to the Federation's caused considerable concern and it was decided this could no longer be tolerated as part of the Federation's expenditure.  The price had remained constant at five cents for society copies and ten cents for individuals for 15 years. To address the widening disparity between Spotlight's income and expenditure, the price was raised to fifteen cents to societies and twenty cents to individuals including postage.  Spotlight editor John Barrett offered to compile a history of the Federation and "Operatic Operation" was launched in the June issue, requesting societies and individuals to send material relevant to such a project.  Such was the response by the next issue of Spotlight that it was realised that such a project was far too big to be contained in one book, so societies were encouraged to compile their own histories with support of the Federation towards publication if  necessary.

News from the MTNZ Executive and Office
MTNZ Society Survey 2008 – huge thanks to all those societies that participated.  We will be looking at the collated information at the October Executive meeting .  It would be just fantastic if every society could participate.  I was at an EINZ Meeting in Wellington a few weeks ago with like minded organisations like DANZ (Dance Aotearoa) EVANZ (Entertainment Venues Association of NZ) and ETNZ and one of the main aims of this organisation is advocacy to Government.  And whilst I know some societies will think well that doesn’t affect us, it does.  If we want to raise the profile of community and musical theatre in NZ, we need to be involved at a national level with organisations like these to promote musical theatre and there is NO WAY we can do it on our own with Government agencies like Creative NZ.  But to advocate for musical theatre, we need good solid statistics of audience numbers, how many people across NZ are involved with musical theatre, how much we put into the NZ economy – all those things.  So please, if you haven’t filled in the survey form, please, please, please do it.  To represent MTNZ at a national level in league with these other organisations, we need statistics especially with Creative New Zealand’s new arts participation strategy.  And on a lighter note, Zone Five have been the best survey respondents so chocolate fish are coming your way at the South Island meeting !!!

MTNZ Awards – time to start thinking about worthy recipients of the MTNZ Merit Award and the Nola Speir Patron’s Encouragement Award.  I will be sending out nomination forms with the conference packs on 1 September, but you can download them off the MTNZ website - http://www.musical.org.nz/nomination%20forms.htm  Societies – the Executive have asked that you really make an effort to consider those in your society who might be worthy of a Merit Award and especially those younger people that could be eligible for the Patron Award.  Nola wanted an annual award to encourage younger people in societies and Donna is keen to continue on with this, so please look over the criteria and get your nomination in.  You will find the forms in the conference pack envelopes and on line.

Poster/Programme/Website Competitions – time to start fossicking through the props cupboard containing the boxes of left over programmes, and get your posters and programmes into the MTNZ office.  Close off date is 31 December.  Please note that your posters will not be considered for the Origin Theatrical Poster competition if they do not have the correct billing on them.  All you need do is send in one or two copies of your programmes and posters and I do the rest.  If you want to enter your website into the society competition, just send me an email.  We didn’t have the website competition in Timaru because we had no entries. 

Capital Assistance Fund – please don’t forget to make your society contribution.  We often get asked about the Fund, and why societies should belong etc.  The presentation on the MTNZ website from Conference 2006 in Invercargill explains it all, or talk to your Zone Rep..  Thanks to those societies who have contributed thus far.

AON Public Liability Insurance – just a reminder that is available through MTNZ.  We have a new account manager – Mike Donaldson mike.donaldson@aon.co.nz or 06-759-0378

News from the MTNZ Zones
Combined Zone Four and Five Meeting – Dunedin 6 September
Click here to download the AGENDA and PROGRAMME
Click here to download the report from Hokitika 2007

Could you please let Helen (Zone Five members) or Ross (Zone Four members) if you are attending for catering purposes and if you are coming to dinner on the Saturday night. Helen is confirming the venue for this and she needs some idea of numbers.

On the agenda, we have the WIRELESS USERS NZ (WUNZ) – (the WUNZ Committee were established to address the loss of radio frequencies when the switch is made from analogue technology to digital technology.  This is expected to happen in 2012-15.  David Fuller is a member of the WUNZ Committee and will make a presentation to the MTNZ Combined South Island meeting about the current state of affairs) – so a good idea to get along to the meeting if your sound people have questions or want information about this issue. I can’t confirm a specific time for this presentation, as yet on the agenda, but an invitation to this part of the meeting will also be extended to EVANZ and ETNZ members who may be interested in this. 

Programme for the Day:
10am                     Tea and coffee available
10.30am                Meeting commences
11.30am                WUNZ Presentation
12.30pm                Lunch
6pm                       Dinner at Scotia – five minutes walk to the Regent – venue TBC
7.30pm                  CATS at the Regent Theatre

Accommodation: For those who require accommodation a couple of options are the Mercure Hotel telephone 03 4771145 room rate $135.  You need to let them know that you are with Dunedin Operatic and the quote rate and Alexis Motel 0800 425 394 or check rates on www.alexis.co.nz .. They will give you a 10% discount on room rate if you say you’re with the Dunedin Operatic meeting on check in.
Tickets for CATS: Are still available from Helen for $59, so please contact her if you wanting to see the show.

Zone Three members – diary note for your next zone meeting  – 18 October in Palmerston North

MTNZ Noticeboard
Tauranga Musical Theatre are presenting Cats - 5-21 September 2009 and are looking for a director. Expressions of interest to Glenys Porter, TMT, PO Box 380, Tauranga or sgporter60@hotmail.com .

From Craig - Invercargill Musical Theatre we are in discussion about what show to stage in 2009 as our major production. We have just finished a successful season of CATS.  We have shortlisted four possibilities and I’d love any feedback if you have recently staged any of them. Would also love to hear from any societies who may have any Sets, Costumes etc from any of the four for hire? We’re looking at June/July 2009 Our four are…Guys and Dolls, Fiddler On The Roof, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma Would love any feedback from you – thanks Craig craig.imt@xtra.co.nz

Car Registration plates for sale "MUZICL".  Will take offers over $400 and if there is more than one buyer and I achieve more than that I will make a donation to Theatre Whakatane’s building fund. Scott Jarrett Theatre Whakatane 0274938019 073087556

Stage Whispers – go to http://www.musical.org.nz/stage_whispers_magazine.htm for information and to download a subscription form.  .  Contact the Stage Whispers editor neil@stagewhispers.com.au

Christchurch based musical director and composer Luke Di Somma has recently moved to New York to study a masters in musical theatre composition at the Graduate Musical Theatre Programme at the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts  at New York University. Luke has spent the last year and a half raising the $170,000 he needs to live and study in New York for the two years. He has received many scholarships and awards, including a Fulbright  Scholarship. As part of the Fulbright Scholarship he will return to NZ once his course finishes in May 2010. Luke has recently musically directed the Hot Shoe Shuffle and the Full Monty for Showbiz Christchurch, and has written a couple of scores for the Court Theatre. He wants to acknowledge how supportive organisations like Showbiz and the Court have been in helping him raise the money. www.getluketonewyork.co.nz (and we wish Luke all the very best in the Big Apple – MTNZ)

And now for some positive feedback from Education members Hamilton Girls High School to John Herber Limited  Now that I have a moment to draw breath, here is some feedback about the dancefloor….. It was laid yesterday, and danced on last night, and has been pronounced excellent by our Ballroom, Tap, and Pointe dancers, and it looks good. I wanted to thank you for the excellent customer service you have given us throughout the process of buying the floor. The drawings that Graeme made and emailed me showing measurements and layouts, and the sample you couriered up really helped us to make up our minds about which would be the best floor for us, and keeping us in the loop about where the shipping had got to etc was just great. We are very happy campers, and pleased to endorse you any day if any one needs it. Many Thanks, Margie Wynne-Jones \HGHS

Toi Whakaari News
The Tempest 
Elements of tragedy combine with romantic comedy, in Shakespeare’s final and perhaps greatest work.  Second year actors are directed by acclaimed Australian director John Bolton and supported by student designers, technicians, managers, and costumiers. Check out http://www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz/our_shows/Tempest.html for more...

Where:    Te Whaea Theatre, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown, Wellington
Times:     6.30pm, Fri 29 Aug - Sat 6 Sep 2008   (matinee 4pm Sun 31 Aug) (No Show 1 September 2008)  
Tickets:   $15/$10
Book:      04 381 9253 (automated line)

Macbeth 
Blending the theatrical and supernatural, Shakespeare explores the darker side of human desire. Associate Director and Head of Acting Jonathon Hendry directs his first piece at Toi Whakaari with an all-female version of the ultimate Scottish play by second year actors, supported by student designers, technicians, managers and costumiers. Check out http://www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz/our_shows/Macbeth.html for more...

Where:    Basement Theatre, Te Whaea, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown, Wellington
Times:     7pm, Sat 30 Aug – Sat 6 Sep 2008  (matinee 4.30pm Sun 31 Aug) (No Show 1 September 2008)
Tickets:   $15/$10
Book:      04 381 9253 (automated line)

Applications Finally a reminder for would-be designers, technicians, managers and costumiers you have another month to get your applications together – 29 September. Directing applications are due by 31 October 2008.

 ACT Conference - Sydney – October 2008 The Association of Community Theatre is thrilled to announce details of  our sixth conference of community theatre to be held at the National  Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney on Saturday the 11th and the Sunday the 12th of October.A dynamic weekend of seminars is planned from NIDA staff, community theatre leaders and guest celebrities. Legendary actor Charles 'Bud' Tingwell will deliver the keynote address on the importance of amateur theatre in Australia. Bud will reveal that he got his start in acting in amateur theatre and remains a great supporter as patron of the Victorian Drama League. Later he will chair a seminar on how to audition for a play. Another very popular seminar will be from A.C.T.'s patron Nancye Hayes. Squeezed in between her performances in My Fair Lady Nancye will help teach participants how to dance like a legend in 90 minutes. Other seminars include Stage Combat, Choosing a show , Shakespeare, Accents, Budgeting, Building a character, Stage and Production Management, Gilbert and Sullivan master class, Marketing your show, Building a set, Directing a musical, Stage Safety and Lighting.  To download a registration form visit www.showline.com.au or write to ACT at PO Box Q544 QVB Post Office Sydney 1230 or go to the MTNZ website for further information http://www.musical.org.nz/images/act_conference.htm

Upper Hutt Musical Theatre have a new website – check it out at www.uhmt.org.nz   Also check out Dunedin’s new website - http://www.dunedinoperatic.org.nz/ still under construction but one to keep an eye on and still down south – Taieri - http://www.taierimusical.org.nz/

Miss Saigon update –  currently eight MTNZ society members have formed a consortium and Miss Saigon will be onstage around New Zealand from 2009 – with Showbiz Christchurch opening with the New Zealand Premiere in April.  This is a fantastic show (I saw it in New York in 1996 and just loved it – it’s just awesome), so it is a huge opportunity for the consortium societies and the NZ theatre community.  There is a webpage set up which will have all the Miss Saigon information on it – auditions, ticketing and that will have more information on it as it comes to hand, so check it out http://www.musical.org.nz/miss_saigon.htm  Also  there is an opportunity for other societies  to either hire the set and costumes or possibly join the consortium with some date gaps in the 2010 – 2011 part of the NZ schedule.  So if your society is interested in perhaps becoming part of this, please contact Shaun Gilmore - Saigon Consortium Project Manager, email: shaungilmore@windowslive.com  , Ph 021 987 502 and have a chat.

Training Opportunities

The Apollo Theatre School Auditions (2009 Intake):
Certificate in Preparatory Dance, Diploma in Musical Theatre, Teacher Training Programme **NEW**  Entry to the school is by application and audition only. Auditions for the 2009 intake will be held Sunday 21st September. Please visit www.apollotheatreschool.com or email info@apollotheatreschool.com for more information.

And we welcome new Associate Members – the NZ NATIONAL SINGING SCHOOL who are holding their national singing school from Friday 2 January to Sunday 11 January 2009, Eastern Institute of Technology Campus Napier The Trustees of the 24^th Singing School invite singers to attend the next School. The School is directed by Judy Bellingham (Senior Lecturer in voice at Otago University). Prerequisites: Reasonable music literacy,  Previous voice tuition  Minimum age 16  Audition via DVD to include at least two contrasting works.  Enrolment closing date 15 September 2008. Further information and enrolment form: info@singingschool.org.nz Diane Holmes Administrator 06 835 5603.  OR check out http://www.singingschool.org.nz/

EVER WANTED TO WORK BACKSTAGE?

AUT University and THE EDGE^® are offering you the rare opportunity to learn from the best the entertainment industry has to offer. This course is ideally suited to people who already have an interest and are keen to develop skills and explore possibilities within the entertainment industry. The AUT – THE EDGE^® Introduction to Entertainment Technology course will engage you in an exciting, hands-on, full-time two week program starting on December 1st 2008. The course curriculum may provide opportunities to experience working on actual events. Successful completion of this course which is endorsed by THE EDGE^® and ETNZ, will be advantageous to those seeking employment in the entertainment industry.

Course includes

• THEATRE ETIQUETTE        common words, stage directions, team roles
• LIGHTING                              rig, focus and operation
• SOUND                                  set up of systems, mics, amps, mixers
• AUDIO VISUAL                      projection systems, data shows, screens
• STAGING                               rigging, trusses, staging, counter-weighting
• SAFETY ISSUES                   associated with these areas 

Networking opportunities provide valuable links to a range of top current industry professionals. Learning Environment: THE EDGE® professional venues such as The Auckland Town Hall,  The Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre and The Civic. Class size is limited to 25 students to ensure quality personal instruction.  Tutors are some of New Zealand’s current respected theatre practitioners as well as several guest speakers to address specialized topics. Course Cost:  $534.88 [incl. GST] Date and Time:  December 1st – 12^th [Monday to Friday] 8.30am - 5.30pm To apply complete an AUT enrolment form, in addition please supply a CV stating relevant work experience and / or a letter of support from your employer / school. Applications close 19th November 2008  Any queries contact Leonie DuVal on leonie.duval@aut.ac.nz or (09) 921 9999 ext 8713. www.aut.ac.nz

Musical Theatre Audition Workshop with Julie O’Brien & Michael Nicholas Williams – CHANGE OF DATES
How can I choose the best audition song for me Should I learn 16 bars or the whole song? How do I choose the best 16 bars? What should I wear to the audition?
 How should I prepare my music for the accompanist?  What should I say to the accompanist and when?
 Who typically are the audition panel? What might the audition panel ask me?
How do I prepare for ‘cold reads’? What dance classes should I take? What’s the best format for my resume and head shot?


Where:  Wellington Performing Arts Centre, 36 Vivian Street, Wellington
Date:     Saturday, 13 September 2008  Time:          9.00 – 6.00
Cost:     $75.00 incl GST (if booked and paid for before Thursday, 31 July) $85.00 incl GST (after 31 July)  Please phone Julie on 021 377-192 / 04 380-8886 for more information

INTRODUCTION TO THEATRICAL AND ENTERTAINMENT LIGHTING
Andrew Malmo and Nik Janiurek ran this very successful course at the Opera House Hawkes Bay earlier this year.  Nik is keen to offer the course to MTNZ members and also involve ETNZ and EVANZ members as well to make it more viable.  This course teaches individuals about basic lighting equipment and lighting concepts and includes the following modules:

·         Types of instruments, accessories and their uses: e.g. Fresnel, PC, parcan, profile, flood.

·         Basic rigging, cabling, patching and focusing.

·         Basic lighting systems, power distribution, fault finding.

·         Health and safety, risk management.

·         Lighting plans and lighting paperwork.

·         Basic lighting design.

·         Practical exercise utilising skills learnt i.e. rigging, focusing and plotting from a plan for a mock show.

The course can be adapted to the level appropriate. The cost of the workshop is dependent on the number of individuals enrolled, and the location of the workshop. Ideally, Nik would like to hold the workshop in a working theatre and to have access to the lighting instruments and facilities of that theatre. If anyone is interested in the above (and you all are concerned about the lack of trained crew in our theatres – both professional and volunteer) this is a great opportunity.  Contact Nik (who is also an ETNZ Executive Committee member) janiurek@ihug.co.nz  or 021 166 4437 (M)

Latest News from The Copyright Holders
News from Origin Theatrical

For New Zealanders flying over to see WICKED next month why not catch ALTAR BOYZ playing at a theatre opposite WICKED  - Melbourne Season - Previews from 2nd August 2008 with Opening Night on 13th August 2008 – Saturday 13^th September 2008. Great prices for a fun night out!  www.altarboyz.com.au

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY – GREATEST HITS 1 Cast: 3 male, 3 female, Optional Ensemble Song Medleys: Phantom Meets Ethel Merman, Stephen Sondheim – Into The Woods, Carol Channing in Hello Dolly, Chita Rivera/Rita Moreno + songs from Chicago, Mamma Mia, Spamalot, Wicked, Hairspray, Cats, Rent + many more.Bookings: www.imti.co.nz   Tickets on Sale August 1

News From Dominie Drama - The home of “Grease”, “The Wiz”, “Nunsense”, “Clue” and many other great musicals! by phone: +61 2 9938 8600 by email: drama@dominie.com.au by fax: +61 2 9938 8695 or via our website  www.dominie.com.au/drama  Please contact us if you wish to peruse, purchase or license the title.
Clue - the musical - Book by Peter DePietro Music by Galen Blum, Wayne Barker and Vinnie Martucci Lyrics by Tom Chiodo.  The internationally popular boardgame is now a fun-filled msuical comedy that brings the worlds best known murder suspects to life and invites the audience to play along to help solve the mystery of who murdered the host, Mr. Boddy in what room and with what weapon. There are 216 possible crime solutions. Only one person is qualified to unravel the mayhem: a hard nosed female detective. With her added to the mix, the comedy soars…! CAST: 5m, 3f.  Contact us via email drama@dominie.com.au for a quote and application form

News From Hal Leonard
Hal Leonard Australia is thrilled to announceThe 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is now available.  (some restrictions apply)  A one act musical comedy with music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin, the show centres around a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee with a difference, run by three equally-quirky grown-ups!  After hugely successful sold-out seasons at the Melbourne and Sydney Theatre Companies, it will now be available for the amateur stage. Hilarious audience interaction, witty songs and quirky characters are going to make this an extremely popular new show!  To apply for performance rights or request perusal material please visit our website: www.halleonard.com.au

Theatrical Resources to enhance and enliven your production. In conjunction with Music Theatre International, Hal Leonard Australia is helping to lead the way with support products for musicals, including Study Guides, Logo Packs, Rehearscore (Rehearsal backing tracks), production slides and more! Visit our website for full list of resources available for selected shows. Hal Leonard Australia can now design your production’s advertising, posters and programs to your specific creative brief. Our in-house Graphic Designer, will do all the legwork for you, including making sure the contractual billing requirements are followed. There are several pricing levels, depending on your budget and specifications. Contact us today for more information – hladesign@halleonard.com.au   Visit our website for information on all shows, offers and resources. Our friendly team of Stuart, Erin and Nikol is always ready and willing to assist you over the phone on:  (+61 3) 9585 3300 ext. 2.  Finding it hard to make a decision? We’re all experienced music theatre practitioners and we can always help you out! Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd, 4 Lentara Court, Cheltenham 3192  Phone: (+61) 3 9585 3300  Fax: (+61) 3 9585 8729 ausshows@halleonard.com.au  

Entertainment Technology News
Neoprene Radio Mic Holders/Covers.    We have recently produced, for Abbey Musical Theatre, Palmerston North, neoprene radio mic holders/covers. These are made of black neoprene which is soft against the body but also easy to wash and dry.   They have a small flap at the top of the radio mic holder pocket – to avoid the equipment getting sweat dripped onto it (a problem identified by Abbey Musical Theatre) and also to save the mic falling out during any energetic dance routines.  To allow for various sizes they have adjustable waist strap and side release buckle to close. These are available for $16.50 + GST each. If you wish to place an order for these please e-mail us on nancy@totararidge.co.nz Totara Ridge Ltd 16-20 Sutton Place Palmerston North Phone: (06) 356 7411 ext 5 website: www.totararidge.co.nz

GUIDE FOR SAFE WORKING PRACTICES V11 and it is worthwhile checking out the whole ETNZ website - www.etnz.org   

NEW ETNZ Training Proposal !!! It is vitally important that we get input from all members of the entertainment community to make sure the training content and delivery is relevant to the needs of training participants and our industry in general.  Please make the time available to read this document and send your comments and constructive criticism to Rob Peters  Check it out at: http://www.musical.org.nz/images/ETNZ%20Professional%20Development%20Training%20proposal.pdf

ETNZ are still very keen to have feedback on this proposal, so please check it out and give them your thoughts.  ETNZ Membership  You can also become an individual member, so check out their membership options.  MTNZ is a company member of ETNZ and through this the ETNZ Executive has agreed that all MTNZ member societies can become associate members at a rate of $ 75.00 per person.  Check out http://www.etnz.org/membership/ for membership options and benefits

Entertainment News
Go to  the MTNZ Show Calendar - http://www.musical.org.nz/show%20calander.htm – this page has the biggest hits on the MTNZ website, so if your show is not listed with ticketing details, you are missing out on good and FREE publicity.  Shows coming up include Matamata Musical Theatre are staging Haunted Hi Jinks – a dinner show from 18 – 29 November; Wellington Musical Theatre’s The Sound of Music 25 September – 11 October; Napier Operatic Urinetown opening 20 November; South Canterbury Drama League have The Buddy Holly Story opening this month to celebrate their 50th Anniversary to name a few.  Premiers this month include Hot Shoe Shuffle – Showbiz Christchurch (the first production by a New Zealand theatre company) and the New Zealand Premier of The Boy From Oz – Auckland Music Theatre (I did check with Anthony, but no Hugh Jackman sigh……….)  and Forbidden Broadway – Invercargill Musical Theatre.  So congratulations to these societies who are presenting new shows.  Check out the MTNZ calendar for booking details and I am seeing Boy From Oz on 19 September, and Hot Shoe Shuffle on the 5^th - so am very much looking forward to both shows.

Phantom of the Opera….. Auckland only - opening 17 October at the Civic Theatre - book on line or at Ticketek

Check out http://www.thebigidea.co.nz – The Big Idea – an online community of New Zealand’s creative and entertainment industries

Go to www.danz.org.nz for other dance information and opportunities or check out their calendar of events on our website http://www.musical.org.nz/danz.htm

Have a fab month and keep warm and I will see zone four and five in Dunedin on 6^th September – cheers Kate – MTNZ Administrator – kate@musical.org.nz 04-479-5911