about htc
Heidelberg Theatre Company (HTC) is a non-professional theatre company dedicated to quality productions. It presents five plays a year.
Heidelberg Theatre Company is one of the most successful and respected non-professional theatre companies in Victoria. Since its inception in 1952 Heidelberg Theatre Company has produced over four hundred plays. Force of NumbersThe theatre attracts in excess of 7,000 patrons to its presentations each year and involves scores of people: actors, backstage crews, set builders, costume and prop makers and front of house personnel. The theatre operates through the generosity of those who devote thousands of hours of voluntary labour annually. The membership of the Heidelberg Theatre Company has grown considerably over the years, particulary since the company moved to Rosanna. There are currently about 800 paid up members. Amateur and ProfessionalOne of Heidelberg Theatre Company's important objectives is to support non-professional theatre throughout Victoria. The company was a founding member of the Victorian Drama League. By supporting drama festivals, the company is able to showcase its achievements and share experience in a learning exchange with other theatre groups. The theatre frequently serves as a bridge between the amateur and professional spheres. Heidelberg Theatre Company encourages new writers by placing at their disposal the many years of expertise the members of the company have acquired. Many professional writers and directors are company members and have contributed their skills in a voluntary capacity to the company over the years. The theatre space has frequently been available for new writers to present rehearsed play readings or to workshop their scripts. A co-operative arrangement with TAFE colleges has provided students studying theatre with the opportunity to gain work experience and training in all aspects of theatre production including lighting, set construction and costume design. Equally, young actors and actresses have gained experience through participation in HTC productions and later found professional employment in television and in stage careers. Servicing the CommunityThe company services the local communities of Banyule, Nillumbik and Manningham. Situated within a residential and suburban area, the location does not determine parochial attitudes and the company is seeking to integrate the programs offered with the broader Melbourne program of special events, including the Comedy and Fringe Festivals. It is the policy of the company to present a work each year which is challenging to its patrons either in subject matter, stylistic innovation or production techniques as the company is always seeking to expand the range of work which is presented and to attract new audiences. |