2020, Summary
At the start of 2020, Australia was being devasted by extreme bushfires. DVS donated $5000 to bushfire relief. Now donations had reached $172 300.
Lion King Junior Directed by Rin Gallagher, MD Ian Lowe
We almost got there.
We started the year with many rehearsals for Lion King Junior with a cast of 70. The director was Rin Gallagher, assisted by Claire Colthup, who also directed all the animals in their choreography. Ian Lowe assisted with the music using the audio files provided by Disney. Michelle Collins played the piano. Malcolm Wilton made many production decisions. Many parents assisted with costumes and sets.
However two weeks before the opening, when we were about the bump into the theatre, the COVID-19 restrictions began, and we were in lockdown. Suddenly the show was postponed, until 2021 if possible. As of the start of 2021, we have production dates booked for the end of March 2021.
The Addams Family Musical directed by Katey Jones and Charli Lewis (also choreographer)
We made plans and learned the songs, but were forced by COVID-19 to postpone the show by 12 months, and it is expected to open in July 2021.
Show proposal by the director and choreographer
We believe this show is well suited to DVS as it is a family show and a crowd pleaser that most people are familiar with to an extent. The ensemble cast is perfect for the DVS policy of not auditioning ensemble, as we can have as many in the cast as possible, and no one needs to look a certain way or have any specific dancing ability. The music also allows for many harmonies, perfect for DVS’ choral background. It is a fun and light-hearted comedic show, with catchy and upbeat tunes for everyone to enjoy. (Katey Jones)
There were no choral activities (oratorio or carols) due to COVID-19.
Naturally there were no donations to charity, as the bank balance was shrinking.
The costume container gets a make over and upgrade, June 2020.
Near impossible to find anything in the costume container as years of shows build up and fill the volume inside to near bursting.
During lock down April 2020, Steve Wilkie designed then welded six sets of steel costume racks to suit the costume container. Each rack has two clothes hanging rails which are height adjustable. Sheet metal shelving racks sets are bought and assembled to store the many plastic tubs. During early June, the Covid restrictions are lifted to allow travel to “The Shed”.
At The Shed, a working team clears the container, the new racks and shelves are installed and all the costumes and plastic tubs are placed back into the container. A clear aislesway gives access to all the shelves and racks. Such an improvement.
Costume container “before”, photo taken 20 Mar 2020. Items cleared from the doorway for measurements to be taken.
Welded clothes rack rail mount fabrications made during covid lock down.
Clothes hanging racks are mounted into the empty container. Three Isles between the racks for access.
Shelves filled with plastic tubs and racks used to hang all costumes
Costume container, 14 June 2020 with new racks and hanging rails fitted. Space for a work table near the doorway and a clear passageway giving access to everything.