Footlight Productions rakes in award nominations, commendations

Geelong theatre company Footlight Productions has been recognised for excellence, receiving 15 nominations and 12 commendations from the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria.

The guild’s annual awards program includes more than 100 musical theatre productions across the state.

A judging panel attend and review productions, and release nominations in November.

This year, Footlight Productions received seven nominations for its January 2024 production of Strictly Ballroom and eight for its July 2024 production of Grease, making it the second-most nominated company in the state.

Nominations for Strictly Ballroom include Ashley’s Boyd’s choreography, Victoria Horne & Bridget Dunstan’s costumes and the ensemble, as well as performers Perri Espinoza – Lead Performer in a Female Presenting Role, Sophie Collins – Supporting Performer in a Female Presenting Role, Jamie McGuane – Supporting Performer in a Male Presenting Role, and Jesse Simpson – Dancer’s Award.

Grease was one of eight productions nominated for Production of the Year. It was also nominated for Damian Caruso’s choreography, Tom Warren’s lighting, Marcello Lo Ricco & Nick O’Connor’s sound and for performers Paris Walsh – Supporting Performer in a Female Presenting Role, David Van Etten – Supporting Performer in a Male Presenting Role, Katie Loxton – Dancer’s Award, and Thomas Membrey – Dancer’s Award.

Peter Wills, founder of Footlight Productions and producer, said the company was very proud of both these productions and everyone involved in them.

“The glitz and glamour of Strictly Ballroom was the perfect way to start Footlight Productions’ 20th anniversary year, and we loved bringing this unique, uplifting and visually stunning musical to Geelong for the first time.

“Meanwhile, Grease has charmed generations of Geelong performers and audiences over many years, so it was exciting to bring a new, creative and energetic production to the Geelong stage that audiences loved.”

The Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Award winners will be announced at an awards event on December 14.

Footlight Productions is now preparing for its next production, Billy Elliot, which will be staged at the Geelong Arts Centre in January 2025.

Tickets are on sale now at geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/billy-elliot-presented-by-footlight-productions