Noosa Arts Theatre has now been in operation for over 50 years, and, as we all know, it takes a village to make a theatre happen.
Although an amateur company, it is run like clockwork with the help of talented actors, directors, sound and lighting technicians, many backstage personnel such as stage managers, wardrobe and props people, and a dedicated committee, many who have been connected to the theatre for decades.
“We also are privileged to have massive help from all the wonderful volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes doing jobs like welcoming our patrons to the theatre, serving drinks and escorting them to their seats,“ Noosa Arts Theatre’s Maria Karambelas said.
Another absolute treasure of Noosa Arts Theatre are the men who build the sets and make the magic happen.
This group of men are known as the Secret Men’s Business.
These men come up with the framework on how to bring a play to life under the guidance of directors and nothing is a problem for them.
In fact they cherish the challenge. One of these amazing men is Con Bleyerveld who emigrated with his parents and siblings from Holland at the age of 12 and landed in Melbourne.
His family spoke no English but soon integrated into the Australian way of life. His father hitchhiked from Albury all the way to Brisbane in search of work which he managed to secure. He then had to hitchhike back to collect his family and they settled in Brisbane.
Con left school in seventh grade and had various jobs, one being at Arnotts and then he landed a job with the Public Works as a carpenter/joiner. He progressed up the ranks in his job to supervisor and had subsequent transfers to Mt Isa and also Cairns.
Con set up his own building business and retired finally in 2006. His family then moved back to Brisbane to be around family and eventually Con and wife Jean, also an extremely valued Noosa Arts Theatre volunteer, settled in Tewantin.
Con and Jean are now life members of the theatre. Con originally joined the theatre as a handyman but soon graduated to the workshop where he is at his happiest.
He says he loves to be able to come up with innovative ideas on how to build sets and is a much loved and respected member of our Noosa Arts family.
At the moment the Secret Men’s Business has 10 members but are always looking for more volunteers to join them.
The theatre has a wide range of tools and no qualifications are needed.
If anyone has any spare tools and would like to donate them to the theatre they would also be very welcome.
“So if you have an interest in all things theatre and you’re handy with a paint brush or can hammer in a nail, we would love to have you on board,“ Maria said.
“Hope to see you at Noosa Arts Theatre very soon.“
Anyone who would love to get involved with other areas such as acting, backstage, box office, wardrobe, props or even learn about the sound and lighting areas and wants to be a part of this valued organisation please get in touch with Susan Dearnley at the theatre on 0413 147 300 or email susan.dearnley@bigpond.com
