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Recognizing the Impact: The Role of Volunteering in Creative Arts and Distinguished Service Hero Awards



Volunteering in the Performing Arts is something everyone can enjoy.


There are dedicated volunteers behind the scenes who are the backbone of any successful production. Their passion and hard work often go unnoticed, but their contributions are truly invaluable. From setting the stage to creating the perfect lighting and sound atmosphere, every role plays a crucial part in bringing a performance to life. The administrators who keep everything running smoothly, the front of house staff who welcome audiences with a smile, and the stage managers who ensure every cue is executed flawlessly - each individual is essential to the magic of theatre.


Let us not forget the talented designers, builders, and artists who craft the visual world of the show, or the directors and choreographers who shape its artistic vision. Behind every great production is a team of unsung heroes, working tirelessly to create something extraordinary. Their dedication and creativity deserve to be recognized and celebrated.

If you lean towards technical skills, then exploring lighting and sound design could be your niche!


Alternatively, if you excel at decision-making and compliance, consider joining a committee. If you have strong interpersonal skills, roles like front of house assistance, makeup and hair styling, or costume design might be perfect for you! All Gold Coast Theatre Alliance members provide comprehensive training in these areas and more, led by experienced individuals dedicated to enriching the Gold Coast's cultural arts scene, free of charge.


This training can open doors to paid opportunities, boost your confidence in group settings, engage you in a rewarding creative process, and connect you with like-minded individuals for enjoyable experiences. Additionally, your contributions may be recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from your creative community.


The DSA - Hero Awards were established by the Gold Coast Theatre Alliance in 2014 for those volunteers in our Community Arts sector who have given exceptional service over many years. Our Member companies are invited to fill out a nomination form and submit it to to the alliance executive who ratifies and confirms the authenticity of the nominations before conferring the Award to a nominee. Awardees will be presented with DSA badges and certificates at a breakfast event


A DSA nominee is usually acknowledged for their significant contributions or years of devoted service to a community organization. Previous DSA recipients have often dedicated more than a decade to volunteer efforts, with some extending their service for thirty, forty, or more years. While some nominees may have shown exceptional service over a shorter time, the crucial aspect is their voluntary and exceptional contributions, surpassing the standard level of community volunteerism.


These unsung heroes generally can be found behind-the-scenes and their voluntary efforts and can be in the following areas: administrators, front of house staff, stage managers, stage crew, technicians including lighting and sound operators and designers, set builders, prop creators, directors, choreographers, musical directors, musicians, make-up artists, costume creators, wardrobe personnel, publicity officers and maintenance crews of theatres etc.


You can view the heroes nominated for the 2023 DSA Hero Award in the video below!



This year, during Volunteer Week, Alliance Members will honor their 2023 Distinguished Service Award and Youth Award Nominees at a breakfast awards presentation on May 19th, 2024.


The event will take place at the Waterside Venue Room, Currumbin RSL Club, 165 Duringan St, Currumbin, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am. If you wish to join us in recognizing their dedication, network, or connect with members from various groups, such as Gold Coast City Choir & Gold Coast Philharmonic Society (Ashmore), Tweed Theatre Company (Tweed Heads), Murwillumbah Theatre Company (Murwillumbah), Tambourine Mountain Little Theatre (Tamborine Mountain), Spotlight Theatre Company (Benowa), Javeenbah Theatre Company (Nerang), Tugun Theatre Company (Tugun), and explore opportunities to contribute, please book by 01/05/2024 using the following link: https://forms.gle/VoCg8UHFP2wYZhXm8.


The cost per person is $48.00, covering venue expenses, presentations, and meals, with light entertainment by Robert Renfrew, a singer, songwriter, and musician.


The menu offers two options for an Alternate Drop:

1) "Classic American" with Scrambled or Poached free-range eggs, Bangalow streaky bacon, grilled tomato, hash brown, toasted sourdough, Fruit Skewer, freshly brewed coffee, fine teas, and juice.

2) "Healthy Harvest" featuring Poached free-range eggs, Smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, feta, roasted field mushrooms on sourdough, Fruit Skewer, freshly brewed coffee, fine teas, and juice.


For additional information, please reach out to Dianne at 0400 518 057 or gctaisecretary@outlook.com.



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