The future of the City of Newcastle Drama Association (CONDA) and its annual awards show are in good hands thanks to much-needed support from the City of Newcastle and local businesses.
The Civic Theatre, Out Of The Square Media (OOTS) and JH Productions have each signed a three-year memorandum of understanding to support CONDA and the awards show – the longest-running in Australia.
CONDA president Shane Brandson said the news was welcome given how COVID-19 utterly decimated the performance arts industry.
“Theatre was the first industry to shut down and one of the last to reopen. Production companies have been brought to their knees over the last two years and local theatre companies and practitioners have been hit hard,” Shane said.
“In a hugely welcome show of support for the local industry, three leading Newcastle organisations – Out of the Square (OOTS), Civic Theatre and JH Productions – have each signed a three-year memorandum of understanding to support CONDA and its gala annual awards program.”
Shane added that support would come in the form of The Civic Theatre hosting the CONDA Awards which, this year will be held on Saturday 11 December, OOTS providing marketing and event production, and JH Productions will provide staging expertise to ensure the awards are as dazzling as possible.
OOTS Managing Director Marty Adnum added that the announcement was testament to the collaborative spirit of the city that all three organisations can contribute to the success of CONDA’s future.
“OOTS is a passionate supporter of local theatre and the performing arts. When we first came on board to sponsor CONDA in 2014, the awards looked to be in their final year, thanks to financial uncertainty and dwindling attendance. Since that time, we have worked closely with CONDA to reestablish financial stability and sell out award ceremonies,” he said.
“In 2021, the industry, in general, is struggling and needs to rebuild, so we are steadfast in offering another three years of continued support to CONDA, knowing, in turn, the long-term benefits for our city as a whole.
“For a truly modern city to survive and, more importantly, thrive, we need to support our incredibly talented local performing arts industry. Each show we see, each ticket we buy, further contributes to the well-rounded success and growing richness of Newcastle and the Hunter.”
