The Regional Theatre Awards this year played host to a myriad of theatre companies from all across the Manawatu, and amongst the throng of talent shone Massey Community Theatre, made up of students and staff from Massey University’s varied drama programmes…and swept the night away with not one, not two, but five wins to their name.

In the spotlight was Firing Line, a piece of street theatre devised, written and performed by 139.333 Creativity In The Community’s class of 2018. Drawing on themes and imagery that evoked Palmerston North’s place in the First World War, the performance took out both the “Best Ensemble” and “Best Original Script and Production” awards for its skilled, colourful cast and engaging presentation. The show’s technical support team made up of Luke Anderson, Leith Haarlhoff, Sean Monaghan and NZ composer David Downes was not forgotten either, winning the “Technical Design and Operation” award for their enthralling multimedia work that turned Firing Line into such a spectacle.

Two Massey University School of English and Media Studies staff members also received individual awards; technician Luke Anderson won the “Gordon Alve Memorial Award in Technical Excellence”, and Professor Angie Farrow, known internationally as an award-winning playwright and coordinator of theatre papers at Massey, received the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement in Theatre Award”.

Massey Community Theatre endeavours to create further award-winning performances – and people – moving forward.