Benalla Theatre Company - 2021 Community Group of the Year
Along with the wider community, Benalla Theatre Company were deeply saddened by the devastation caused in the bushfires of early 2020; and while donating money and goods individually, the Company felt that it could do something extra to raise money for communities in need.
In a few short weeks Benalla Theatre Company put together a two hour concert which was performed at the Benalla Town Hall on February 1st. The concert included a diverse range of items by its choir, small groups, soloists and guest artists who were all more than happy to lend their talent to the cause.
Benalla Theatre Company were both astounded and very proud by the generosity displayed by the residents of Benalla. While selling tickets in the main street or at the Town Hall, people would not only buy tickets but simply donate money to the cause as they walked by.
A packed house on the concert day enabled a grand total of $5,690 to be raised. The money raised went to the Towong Shire municipality that was harshly affected by the fires around Corryong, Cudgewa and other areas.
The Company acknowledge the assistance of the Anglican Parish of Benalla, Benalla Rural City Council, Bendigo Bank and Benalla Ensign for their assistance and support of the concert event.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Benalla Theatre Company were forced to cancel their annual musical production. After many months of not being able to perform, the committee felt they should try to do something to boost the spirits of Benalla and beyond; and the idea of ‘’Lucky to Live Here’’ was born. Using the classic Australian song, I am Australian, members of the company separately recorded their parts which were mixed by a member of the company and then videoed at various iconic places in Benalla. The completed video was launched on YouTube on October 9th and from there shared via social media to Benalla and across the world.
An overwhelming positive response was received to the song.
Benalla Theatre Company also produced a Christmas themed video featuring seasonal favourites and a verse about Benalla.
The whole company membership stepped up wholeheartedly to participate in what the Theatre Company proudly feel were uplifting endeavours for not only the company and its members, but the whole of the community. Through social media channels many more people in many locations are now aware of Benalla.