Cowra creative Lusi Austin won Best Original Work for the script and music for the show Intertwined that played at Cowra Civic Centre in August 2024.
Lusi attended the awards with family and cast member Jerikye Williams who was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
“This one is for the cast, crew, band, our family and friends, the helpers, the consultants, mentors, creative advice-givers, amazing supporters (financial, in-kind, or otherwise!), for the people who sent texts of encouragement, who prayed me through the process, who shared yarns and stories, who gave feedback along the way, who leant us props, who believed in us…” Lusi said.
Also winning from the NSW Central West was Owen Hooper, BEST YOUTH ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL. The Scots All Saints College, Bathurst student won the Best Youth Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical as Harry in Mamma Mia!
Central West nominees
Also nominated for the CAT Awards were;
- BEST ORIGINAL WORK Molong Players, Original script, Two Weddings and a Nervous Breakdown, Molong Players
- BEST SET DESIGN FOR A MUSICAL, VARIETY OR DANCE PRODUCTION Russell Tanswell and Brian Townsend Annie, Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society
- BEST COSTUME DESIGN FOR A MUSICAL OR VARIETY SHOW Lyn Townsend, Elisa Massari and Tracey Ross Annie, Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society
- PATRICIA KELSON ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD Benjamin Lau Lead guitar in the band, Mamma Mia!, Scots All Saints College, Bathurst
- BEST YOUTH ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL Lexi Herden As Annie in Annie, Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society, Parkes
- BEST YOUTH ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL Olivia Brabham As Donna in Mamma Mia!, Scots All Saints College, Bathurst
- BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL Kimberly Ryan As Lily St Regis in Annie, Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society
- BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE IN A PLAY Jerikye Williams As Aboriginal Man in Intertwined, Lemon Tea Theatre, Cowra
- BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL OR VARIETY SHOW Lyn Townsend Annie, Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society
- BEST PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL Annie, Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society
The Combined (formerly Canberra) Area Theatre Awards (CAT Awards) have been part of the theatre, dance and musical scene in Canberra and the surrounding districts since 1994. They provide recognition for the enormous contribution made by non-professional groups to the artistic life of Australia, in particular in Canberra and the region, and they encourage individuals in the performing arts.
See the full list of winners here
Pictured, Jerikye Williams (centre) in Intertwined. Photo credit Zenio Lapka.