The Georgy Awards celebrate the best of amateur musical theatre across the Goulburn Valley and surrounding regions. For over 50 years, the awards draw together companies from across the region for an evening that is as much about community as it is about celebration. From lead performances to lighting design, direction to choreography, every award acknowledges the countless hours of work that go into amateur theatre, and the profound role it plays in the cultural life of regional Victoria.
Several of the Georgy Awards are named in honour of individuals who left a lasting mark on theatre in the Goulburn Valley.
The Georgy Award (named in memory of George Pullar)
George Pullar was involved in all facets of theatre in Shepparton and district throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He acted, directed, and brought deep expertise in make-up and all aspects of theatrical procedure. He served as President of the GV Drama Association and played an important role in many early productions of the Shepparton Light Music Company. The Georgy Awards bear his name in recognition of his contribution to the region’s theatrical life.
The Elaine Tonks Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Play
Elaine Tonks was one of Shepparton’s finest actresses. Her memorable roles included Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit, for which she won the first Georgy Award for Drama, and the Wicked Witch in Billy Tee and the Witches Brew. A member of the Shepparton Players, the Shepparton Dramatic Society, and the GVDA, she was also a life member of STAG and contributed to all aspects of production throughout her involvement in regional theatre.
The Joyce Baker-Dawber Award for Achievement in Choreography in a Junior Production
Joyce Baker-Dawber’s (OAM) service to the performing arts in the Goulburn Valley spans more than 55 years. She has been involved onstage, offstage, as a mentor and in administrative roles with organisations across the region, from the Shepparton Dramatic Society and the Shepparton Light Music Company through to STAG, Echuca Moama Theatre Company and the Georgy Awards Association. Her many honours include multiple Georgy Awards, the Ted Malloy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Theatre and the Edith Harrhy Award from the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria. Known lovingly throughout the region as “Aunty Joyce” for her sincere interest in seeing performers of all ages thrive, the award in her name celebrates excellence in choreography in junior productions.
The Ted Malloy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Theatre
Malloy’s artistic fingerprints are all over the performing arts landscape of the Goulburn Valley. A talented illustrator, signwriter, and performer, his involvement in community theatre spanned five decades: from productions with the Shepparton Dramatic Society and the Shepparton Light Music Company, through to his role on the working committee that formed Shepparton Theatre Arts Group (STAG) in 1975, and right up to his final curtain call in Onyx Productions’ Son of the South in 2003. Along the way he provided hand-drawn program covers, signwriting for set dressings, and publicity work for companies across the region. The award in his name recognises individuals who, like Ted, give generously of their skills across every facet of theatre life.
The Georgys cover productions staged by amateur theatre companies across the Goulburn Valley and its surrounds, including Shepparton, Benalla, Wangaratta, Echuca, and beyond. If you’re a theatre company in the region and would like to know more about participating, we’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re a theatre company, a sponsor, a volunteer, or simply someone who loves musical theatre, there’s a place for you in the Georgy Awards community. Follow us on Facebook to stay across nominations, announcements, and tickets for the annual ceremony.
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