With a lack of community theatre productions being staged in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Georgy Awards Association has taken proceedings online with the announcement of a Three Minute MonoComp.
A first for the group, the MonoComp asks writers and performers to create and perform a monologue and present the video to the association, where a panel will judge entries, determine finalists and eventually decide on a winner.
Association president Joyce Baker-Dawber said given the state of the arts sector at present, it was important artists were urged to keep creating for the social and mental health benefits.
‘‘We felt it was important to keep the theatrical groups and schools in our Georgy catchment area engaged and to offer something fun and creative to do, as we don’t know how long the live performance sector will be affected by COVID-19,’’ she said.
‘‘The Three Minute MonoComp is giving a platform for new and interesting ideas, concepts and skill-sets to people.’’
Categories include junior secondary, senior secondary and an open (over 20) section.
And for those who believe they can act, but not write, or vice versa, there are opportunities for creatives to team up to submit entries, across all age categories.
‘‘Who knows what kind of wonderful entries we will receive,” Mrs Baker-Dawber said.
“It might even be the start of some new hobby for someone or a brand new creative team that would not have paired up in other instances.
‘‘The committee is very excited to see what we attract.’’
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Echuca’s Darcy Elliott, who is an association member, encouraged local performers to take part.
‘‘This is a great opportunity to still be involved in the performing arts while we are under stage three restrictions,’’ he said.
Submissions for the Goulburn Murray Credit Union Emerging Young Artist Grant are also open, which sees $2000 offered to a VCE (or equivalent) student to further their studies in the performing arts field.
It is open to students who are pursuing a career on or offstage.
‘‘It’s not just about the performers you see on stage, acting and singing,’’ Mrs Baker-Dawber said.
‘‘We know there is a large amount of fantastic students that make magic offstage too, from lighting to stage management or costume design.
“The criteria allows for diversity, which is what community theatre is all about.’’
For information on the Three Minute MonoComp and GMCU Emerging Young Artist, visit or email georgyawards.org.auhello@georgyawards.com.au
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