Association of Community Theatre Hall of Fame

The Association of Community Theatre (NSW) was proud to induct three new members - Dr Robert Lang, Col Peet and Carla Moore - into its Hall of Fame for outstanding service to the sector.

Patron Nancye Hayes AM presented the awards at ACT’s Stagecraft conference dinner in October 2016.

Dr Robert Lang was nominated by the Cumberland Gang Show. He has been the producer/director of the Scout variety show based in Western Sydney since 1979.  For 37 years he has steered the show, which is performed each year at the Parramatta Riverside Theatre with a cast of 144. It requires a year long commitment, with work on the next season commencing the month after a season ends.

ACT noted the outstanding training for the performing arts industry that is provided by Gang Shows around Australia.

Rob was also recently successful in obtaining a grant for a scholarship to allow youth members of the scouting family who cannot afford show fees to be involved in public workshops in acting, dancing and singing.

Col Peet was nominated by Miranda Musical Society where he builds sets, with his brother Bob, that are used across Australia.

Col has made outstanding and often pioneering contributions to arts organisations across Sydney including the Canterbury Theatre Guild, the Association of Community Theatre (as founding CEO), The Newtown High School of Performing Arts and The McDonald College.

His professional career started as a theatre technician with the JC Williamson organisation and traversed many major venues, big musicals and festivals.

Other strings to his bow include being a champion ballroom dancer, helping to build a hospital in the Congo and an Errol Flynn like escape from a plane crash.

Carla Moore was nominated by the Theatre on Chester, Epping, where she has been an active participant for over 43 years. A published playwright (Over the Moon and Far Away)with a deep interest in theatre education. She also helped run Sydney’s one-act play festival Theatrefest for many years.

Carla has directed over 50 plays across a broad spectrum of styles. The company says, “when required, she will get cast members to ‘role reverse’ in rehearsals to let them understand the other character’s point of view.

Challenging productions she has directed include The Norman Conquests 1, 2 and 3 in a 12 week back to back season, The Taming of the Shrew, where the Shrew was a he tamed by a she, and Romeo and Juliet set on the Israel/Palestine border.

Image: Dr Robert Lang, Carla Moore. Nancye Hayes and Col Peet. Lightbox Photography.