AnneVeitch – President

Anne has a passion for Theatre that started as a child, writing plays at school and performing in shows from her teens which still continues today. Anne has worked backstage: Assistant Stage Manager, Props Co-ordinator, Cast Caller, Principals Dresser and Front of House Manager. Anne performed for WTC in 19 Shows with principal roles. She has performed with Woodstock Theatre, Mosman, THE Theatre, Zenith and Chester Street Theatres. Annie was Assistant to the Director for Les Miserables, AD for Me & My Girl & Pickwick, Director for A Little Bit of Broadway, Anything Goes, Jerry’s Girls, Footloose, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, Gypsy, Cabaret, Thoroughly Modern Mille, Sweet Charity, Children of Eden and recently Co-Directed Best of Broadway and Director, The Sound of Music. She serves on the CMS Committee as President and is delighted to be a part of this friendly society and is firmly committed to bringing people the best that Amateur Musical Theatre can offer its patrons.

Expert Tip:
Enjoy yourself!!

MattCater – Vice President

Matt Cater first joined Chatswood Musical Society in 1998 as an ensemble cast member of the Count of Luxembourg. He was then invited to join the CMS committee in 1999. Since 1999, Matt has served on the Committee in the capacity of Public Relations Officer, Membership Officer and President (2008 – 2011). Matt has extensive experience in performing, directing, administration, production management, back-stage, front of house and coordinating many different types of events. By day, Matt works for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) as the Instructor Development Administrator and Travel Coordinator for the Asia-Pacific region. Matt has completed a Musical Theatre course at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Along with Matt’s administrative and performance experience as well as his love of musical theatre in general, it was Kismet that made Matt as passionate about CMS, when he was an audience member, over 15 years ago.

Expert Tip:
In musical theatre, there is no such thing as over-acting..... Just under-commitment!

JudyRoy – Secretary

Judy has been a member of CMS since 1992 & has appeared on stage singing, dancing & acting in numerous musicals & gaining the experience of all facets of theatre work including crewing backstage, set building, props, Front of House, ticketing & being on the committee. Judy enjoys being involved especially meeting people from all walks of life.

Expert tip:
Be committed & have fun

GrahamBone - Treasurer

Graham has been involved with music since he was a young boy, a trait he inherited from his maternal Grandfather, himself part of a large musically talented family. From singing in a duo during an Easter parade in 1st class to performing in front of over 2,000 people at a Scout Jamboree, Graham has performed in a variety of situations and styles over the past 30 odd years. Gilbert & Sullivan, Rogers & Hammerstein, Sondheim and many more and for the past eight years with Chatswood Musical Society, a length of time only surpassed with Cumberland Gang Show where he spent 24 years in total, onstage and on the production team. With his work career in finance Graham was more than suitable for the Treasurer’s position which he has taken onhaving previously been Membership officer.

Expert Tip:
Never say you’re sorry. Whether rehearsing or performing in a show, if you fluff a line or forget a production or dance movement, carry on as if nothing happened.

NeilShotter – Technical Advisor

Theatre involvement for Neil began in the early stages of his life in England, upon where his chorus roles in various small town musicals were well-known throughout the Kingdom. As age and wisdom took hold his passion for theatre took a turn towards back-stage positioning where he was able to demonstrate strong ability with both screw-driver and paint brush. Joining CMS in 2008 Neil quickly secured a seat on the Committee. He has been able to demonstrate formidable aptitude as Technical Advisor after combining both his on-stage and back-stage experiences, and has been heavily involved in many behind-the-scene activities including the use of live weapons and experimental pyrotechnics. Neil advises anyone pursuing on-stage passions to have some experience back-stage. He dismisses any divide between cast and crew and ensures that everyone works in understanding of one another for smooth running performances. Neil is 6’4”, English, and enjoys swimming and historic pop-up books.

Expert Tip:
Any performer should aim for at least some crew experience to better understand behind the scene activity.
Funniest Stage Moment:
Seeing a close friend walk into a wall in blackout...

JamesWallis – Assistant Technical Advisor

James arrived in Australia in January and in an effort to make friends promptly joined CMS as he works locally. Involved with Amdram in the UK, James has many years of involvement on and off stage, from taking roles in shows such as 42nd Street and Godspell, to lighting productions including We Will Rock You and Footloose.

Expert Tip:
Always find your light and remember to smile, that way you’ll definitely be the centre of attention!

TroyJodzio – Membership Officer

Troy is not like other committee members... he works during the day in the IT industry...and doesn't have endless musicals on his iPod playlists.  In fact, Troy's first foray into musical theatre only happened recently when he was invited to help with a past CMS production, Thoroughly Modern Millie with Front of House duties, while his friends performed on stage.  Seeing the enjoyment his friends had throughout the show performance period, ensured Troy was back for more and helping out with the following CMS production.  Troy has enjoyed being involved with Chatswood Musical Society and learning the ins and outs of theatre ever since.  His current role on the CMS committee is Membership Officer, and although he is relishing being part of such a vibrant community theatre company, he's decided that his talents would be best served behind the scenes, for now anyway...his musical iPod playlists however, are increasing!

Expert Tip:
Get Involved and Have Fun.