Strathmore
Theatrical Arts
Group Inc. (A 13761V)
Stag's
Current
Plays
and
Events#
Beginnings
S.T.A.G. was formed by a group of “young marrieds” in
Strathmore in 1955, some of whom belonged to other drama
groups, notably Williamstown and Northcote, and others
with no theatre background at all. At the time, Strathmore
and the surrounding areas had no such drama groups,
although the Essendon Light Opera Company provided and
outlet for singers and musicians.
Aim
To bring together people of similar interests and to
provide a true community theatre for Strathmore where
members could share their talents and abilities in diverse
fields of performance.
First Meeting
The first meeting was held in the home of Mary and Ron
Little in Bruce Street, Strathmore, and was attended by
approximately 12 people. Five of those present are still
active members in 1998 - Mary and Ron Little, Ivy and
Kevin Walker and Irma Jackson. It was decided to arrange
an inaugural play reading in George and Margaret at the
Caldwell’s home in Kernan Street. This presentation was
received with enthusiasm by friends and neighbours. The
decision was taken to formalise the undertaking and a
Committee was selected top run the financial affairs of
the fledgling group and to draft a Constitution. The
Essendon Gazette newspaper published details and local
traders displayed posters publicising and promoting the
group, thus helping the membership grow.
Name
It was suggested at the inaugural meeting that the group
be called the STRATHMORE THEATRICAL ARTS GROUP which could
incorporate drama, music, singing, etc. The name was not
universally popular but the acronym was, so STAG was born.
Early Days
St. John’s Presbyterian Church Hall, Essendon, was the
site of STAG’s first productions:
-
“And This Was Odd”
-
“Poison Pen”
-
“Here We Come Gathering”
Rehearsals were held in members’ homes, sets were
prepared in private garages and erected at St. John’s
during full dress rehearsals as the Group could not afford
to hire the hall for an extra night. Lighting and sound
was also organised at this time, while cast members strove
to familiarise themselves with a hitherto unseen set and
remember lines amid much hammering and shouted
instructions. Very traumatic for all concerned.
Directors.
In the early years the Group utilised the directing
talents of Ron Little and Jack Russell, who alternated as
directors of plays performed by STAG. In a few years
Directors from other performance groups were invited to
direct plays performed by STAG and other members of the
Group developed sufficient expertise to direct the plays.
Strathmore Community Association
The Strathmore Community Association
approached STAG to join the Association. A hall was to be
built in Loeman Street, Strathmore, and they suggested
that this could be converted into a theatre, on a
temporary basis, to stage the Group’s plays. STAG were
pleased to join and actively participated in the
functioning of the SCA with members serving on the
Association’s Committee in various capacities including
Treasurer and Secretary.
The bodies incorporated with the S.C.A. worked hard to
complete the hall, with STAG’s members ensuring as far as
they could that the hall would be suitable for theatre,
with an appropriate stage and other performance
facilities. Since its opening the Community Hall has
become the home of STAG with all productions being
performed at this address.
Finances
Initially the Group raised money to survive by monthly
social events - play readings, games evenings, sherry
nights etc. The Group was also assisted by some small
State Government grants for specific purposes, e.g., to
buy lighting equipment or curtains, but it has been many
years since this occurred. These days STAG pays its own
way raising money for the hall rental, set production,
publicity, royalties to playwrights and upgrade of
equipment etc from ticket sales and membership
subscriptions. As with most community groups the Group
survives in large part by the volunteer efforts of its
members.
Main Source:
From information supplied by Club.
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