KATE LINDSAY (FINE THYME THEATRE COMPANY)
Katie Lindsay is originally from Melbourne, where she grew up in a family deeply passionate about music and performance which fostered Katie's early appreciation for the arts. Starting in the school orchestra supporting school musicals, Katie initially preferred being the behind-the-scenes. However, after discovering her love for singing she was eventually persuaded onto the stage, where she discovered a newfound passion for performing. After school, Katie transitioned from performer to audience member, and while her move to New Zealand initially left her apprehensive about leaving Melbourne's vibrant theatre scene she soon realised the exceptional calibre of theatre companies across the OSTA region and New Zealand, quickly easing her concerns. In 2019, after a significant hiatus, Katie reignited her passion for performing. She has since worked with companies including ShowBiz Queenstown, Waitata Theatre, and Fine Thyme Theatre Company, where she is an active member. Not limited to the stage, Katie often takes on roles such as Production Manager, which provides her with a deep understanding and appreciation for all aspects of theatre production. Katie firmly believes in the positive impact of the arts on mental well-being and finds joy in witnessing others discover their passion, whether on stage or behind the scenes. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to become an OSTA judge, reflecting her dedication to fostering the arts community and recognising the collaborative effort required to bring a show to life.
weddings and social functions over the years for friends and family.
MAXINE RAKIRAKI (MUSICAL THEATRE OAMARU)
Member of Oamaru Rep and Oamaru Operatic Sociery, now MTO, since 1979. Directed and acted for Rep until 2010s. Directed school musicals for many years for WGHS. Been involved in all but 2 major shows for MTO as dancer, actor, crew. Have directed and written theatre restaurants and in the most recent years been involved as crew, mainly with lighting and then sound.
Maxine is a life member of MTO.
GLORIA REID
Gloria has been actively involved in the Performing Arts in Dunedin for over 60 years. This began with an extensive background in studying and teaching ballet, learning Pianoforte and Theory and performing in Musical Theatre. She was instrumental in establishing the first Theatre Restaurant for Dunedin Operatic Society (MTD) and went on to compile, direct and choreograph twelve very successful productions. This is now a well supported, regular event that MTD have continued to grow and raise the standard of local talent. Other shows Gloria has directed and/ or choreographed are Oliver ( Taieri Musical Society) Annie ( South Otago Society) Vicar of Dibley (Taieri Dramatic Society) and Social Climbers (Dunedin Repertory Society). Some of the highlights of her career have been producing, directing and choreographing various fundraising community productions for Child Cancer, Christchurch Earthquake Appeal ,NZ Geneology Conference and Hospice. Gloria is an experienced Production Manager and Stage Manager on major MTD productions which has included Les Miserable, Miss Saigon , Singing in the Rain , Evita, Me and My Girl and Anything Goes. Gloria is fully experienced in all aspects of stage work including sound, properties, set design and wardrobe and has completed 2 x fulltime residential Director Schools with MTNZ. • Past President and Life Member of Musical Theatre Dunedin • OSTAS Judge (2018-2019)
KELLIE POST -
Excited for the opportunity to be a judge and to celebrate the talent and dedication in Otago and Southland’s theatre scene. I look forward to seeing the creativity and hard work that comes to life on our stages.
My experience in theatre on stage:
• The real inspector hound - SOTS 2013
• Goldilocks and the vampires - SOTS 2020/1
• I’ll be back before midnight - SOTS 2022 (Winner of the Best leading female in a Play)
• Blackadder the third - SOTS 2022
• The shape of things - Repertory Invercargill 2023
• The Revlon girl - Majestic Frogs 2024
• Mary Poppins the musical - WOTS 2024
My experience in theatre offstage:
• The Real Inspector Hound - Hair and Makeup 2013
• Sweeney Todd - Hair and makeup 2015
• Goldilocks and the vampires - Hair and makeup 2020/1
• I’ll be back before midnight - SFX prosthesic 2022
• Blackadder the Third - Hair and makeup 2022
• Mums the word - Graphic Designer 2023
• The Pink Hammer - Graphic Designer 2024
• Mary Poppins - Makeup 2024
• Eurydice - Stage manager, graphic designer and hair and makeup artist 2024
• Revlon girl - Hair and makeup 2024
SELENA AITKEN-BOYLE - SOUTH OTAGO THEATRICAL SOCIETY
Just like to introduce myself.. Selena Aitken-Boyle.. iv been with South Otago Theatrical Society nearly 30 years.
I’ve been involved as an actor and director, including 7 years as the Director of the youth theatre.
I’ve done lots of roles. Hair makeup, Front of house, even been seen working the bar..
I just wanted to help and encourage others to follow their heart and give things a go.
KIM SALMOND-McKECHIE
I am relatively new to the performance side of Musical Theatre. I got into it after answering a call in 2021 from a frazzled music director on the hunt for some Boylan Sisters. I was incredibly nervous, as most of us are, but I’ve well and truly succumbed to the lifestyle. I have now added my contribution to 4 shows, including both The Phantom of the Opera, and Les Misérables. A long-time fan of listening, watching, and privately singing along to musicals throughout my youth – it didn’t take much convincing to bring me round to performing! I love all aspects of being part of a theatre group. The anxiety and anticipation of waiting for your turn onstage, the camaraderie of the “family” you grow to love during the season, all the technical and behind the scenes magic. I am a firm believer that every performer needs to spend time in the backstage/tech crews – it really gives you a new respect for how hard everyone works to put on a show. I manned a make up chair during the last WOTS show. Without a single member of the cast and crew these shows will not run anywhere near as well. It takes a village to raise a curtain! I am keen to delve even deeper into supporting local theatre. Becoming an OSTA judge is one way I might be able to do this. I have been a member of local choir so I have an ear for the music, I love costuming and seeing how hair and makeup can make or break a character. I’m a photographer, so I always look to see how the lighting and set dressing is adding value to a show. It’s all so much fun and it’s interesting to see the different ways a show can be interpreted. I can’t wait for next season to roll around.
If you are interesting in applying to be an OSTAs judge please email OSTAs secretary Donna Osborne for an application form
