About the Electric Light Theatre

About

Electric Light Theatre had its beginning in 1984 when a small group of interested adults decided to form a holiday activity based on the performing arts to learn and practice the age old art of Stagecraft. Each member of the company was involved in at least one area of their interest, be it singing, dancing or acting. In addition, they were also practicing and learning from each other in the artistic, creative and technical areas. From the beginning, it was always about young members of our community being able to be involved in an activity that provides opportunities not just to experience the wonders of theatre but also be part of a community group where they would be welcomed regardless of talent and experience but also to develop existing skills and talents.


It soon became obvious that this activity should culminate in a presentation on stage which was presented at the Mildura Arts Centre theatre on February 8 – 9 1985. With a cast of 50 members, the first show was lucky to get on stage at all with the first production running at a small loss. Original production team was made up on Mike Saunders (founder and producer), Scott Bildstien, John Bradley, Mike Hellwege, Janeen Milne and Darren Stephens. As an establishment, they raised $500 which was used to print tickets and a poster. The Arts Centre accepted the booking of the theatre for three performances over one weekend and long time supporter, Des Tobin agreed to help with technical needs. Other local theatre groups, Mildura Little Theatre and Red Cliffs Musical Society helped with costumes and stage sets and old packing cases were converted into scenery such as a light globe and an Army tank which still exist in our scenery store today.


Whilst now the live orchestra has been replaced by pre-recorded music due to technological changes, the first show featured Vaughan Stirrat as conductor, Andrea Edwards on piano, Peter Tobin on drums, Campbell Olsen on Bass Guitar and Geoff Dea on Trumpet. Other volunteers included: Jan Edwards (costume supervisor), Jeff Thornton and Rod Voullaire (Floor Manager), Greg Egan and Robert Manger (Props), Peter Norris and David Klarich (Audio), Des Tobin, Stephen Irvine, Bo Suleau and Jason Brown (Lighting), Greg Meredith (Stage Manager assistant), Shane Munro, Grant Brown and Jason Morrish (Scenery construction), Ray Beevers (Video), Helen Haines (Choreographer), Kevin McCoy (Front of house), Becky Milne, Benita Bildstien and Mandy Huxley (Makeup).

Electric Light Theatre Mildura, 1985

During 1985 a Management committee was formed, and the show proceeded to become incorporated as Electric Light Theatre (Mildura) Inc, simply known as ELT. Mike specialised in Television Technology and Production and hence the ELT light globe logo stems from this passion and the concept of ‘lighting up on stage’.


With no financial support outside our own resources, we require cast to pay a membership fee and rely on offers of support from within the Community. Our production now costs around $40,000 to perform four shows at the Mildura Arts Centre Theatre. We have rehearsed in many different venues (with no home to call our own), and are advocating for a local venue to house our need for rehearsals and storage of our thousands of costumes and props!


The show has always been based on being a variety show, chosen to allow more scope to train members in different aspects of stagecraft rather than a more traditional play or musical. Some specialize in dancing or singing, while others choose acting or all-rounders.


Many of our previous cast members have gone on to have successful careers – not just in theatre, television and music, but in leadership positions, teaching and production. We also take pride in our group for encouraging and developing life skills such as leadership, self-confidence, teamwork and respect, which they can carry through to any chosen path and not just theatre.


Once you join ELT, you are part of the ELT family forever!


Committee for 2024/2025 Season

Position Team Member(s)
President Jodie Judd
Vice President & Personnel Nigel Hoyle
Secretary/Personnel Narelle Tomlinson
Treasurer Alicia Bruton
General Committee Kylie Livingston
Rowena Humphris
Toni Douglas
Nerellee O'Brien
Luisa Falivene
Allison Taylor
Brooke Hutchison
Producer Shay Bruton
Production Team Nigel Hoyle
Aleisha Hoyle
Jack Hoyle
Stacy Boully
Hannah Browne
Allison Taylor
Georgie Martin
Emily Schofield
Ella Hutchinson

What's Involved?

Volunteers

The success of our show still depends on many people. We need parents, family members, friends and supporters to help in a variety of areas such as preparing costumes, cooking and serving for weekend rehearsals, making a painting scenery and props, helping apply make up, theatre ushering and assisting in all areas of rehearsals and theatre including front of house and backstage. Our Volunteer application can be found here.


Volunteering can take the form of many things as there are numerous duties involved in creating and presenting a stage production of this size and calibre.


If you have vast knowledge or no experience in theatre, we are more than happy to have you involved or show you the ropes, and maybe some of the following area's will be of interest to you? 

  • Sales and Marketing
  • Sponsorship Sourcing
  • Set Design and Construction
  • Costume Design and Creation
  • Make-up or Hair
  • Vocal, Acting or Dance Coaching (additional 1 on 1 opportunities for cast)
  • Costume Hire Assistance
  • Funding submissions
  • Media co-ordination
  • Committee or Sub Committee involvement
  • Workshops & Mentoring co-ordination

Cast

Applications for cast open in August and auditions are generally held in September. An audition-style approach is part of the learning process and we will support you along the way, building your confidence to not just be able to perform but these skills will assist you with real life challenges and opportunities e.g. job interviews or public speaking.

 

Rehearsals are generally held on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings from October to late January, with theatre week generally the second weekend of February each year. Along with weekly rehearsals, we have three compulsory weekend rehearsals (Sat and Sun) throughout the season. Applicants need to be sure they can be committed to attending rehearsals at the scheduled times.


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