The cast had difficulties remembering lines, while adjusting to entrances / exits, which were constantly changing. I am sure that the Construction and Technical Crew (same people really) and Ron Little as Director did not actually relish the challenge.

Apart from the actual productions, all activities were conducted in the homes of Committee members – rehearsals and monthly social activities such as play-readings, sherry nights and charades … all of which helped to raise money for our continuing theatrical ventures. Finance was always needed to pay for expensive necessities such as authors’ royalties, hall rental, costumes, sets, printing, postage, etc.

Soon after our inauguration we received an invitation to join the newly-formed Strathmore Community Association. A Community Hall was to be built in Loeman Street, Strathmore by the Broadmeadows Council, and participating groups would share use of this facility. They were, of course, expected to share in administration / upkeep responsibilities. Many of our members worked hard to ensure that this multi-functional hall could be utilised as a theatre for our productions. When the building was completed, we at last had a home, although shared with Guides, Brownies, Youth Groups, Judo Classes and the Kindergarten. Much juggling was needed to ensure that rehearsal and production dates fitted in with the other groups’ commitments.

Over the years, the other groups either dissolved or moved elsewhere, now only STAG and the Kindergarten remain and the space has been successfully partitioned. We have been able to turn our section into a theatre and, with the addition of curtains and carpets, it functions very well.

Despite many difficulties over the years, we grew – not just one play a year, but for some years we managed four Productions plus a Pantomime and a season of One Act Plays to a Teenage Production. In this way we fostered new actors, and directors, which has been very pleasing. Over the years, many artists have passed through our group – technicians, actors, directors, workers and supporters, giving freely of their talents and enthusiasm for one year, five years, ten or twenty years – and some have been with us for our entire history. We thank them all – without their support we could not have survived or grown.

We have endeavoured to present a varied program each year. To this end, we have produced the works of classical authors – Meliere, Wilde, Shaw, Sophocles, Coward – together with contemporary playwrights such as Williamson, Rayson, Ayckbourne, Simon. Melodramas, Pantomimes, Music Hall have all been part of our repertoire.

We shall continue with the successful, exciting and innovative productions – with audience support – for another 40-plus years, thereby fulfilling our original intention … to provide artistic and theatrical enjoyment to our community and the opportunity to participate in these activities.

– Irma V. Jackson
(Original found-member and member of the Committee until she passed away in 2005)