Griffith’s Own John Matkovic Wins CAT Award

John Matkovic, Technical Coordinator at Griffith Regional Theatre has been awarded a Canberra Area Theatre (CAT) Award for his Lighting Design in last year’s production of The Wedding Singer.

CAT Awards showcase the very best aspects of theatre productions in the Canberra and Southern NSW area.

Mr Matkovic was up against five other lighting designers for the award and was delighted to have his work recognised.

“Putting together a production like this starts at least six months out from opening night and getting the lighting design right from the visual impact of the show is as important as the set, the music, the costumes and the acting,” Mr Matkovic said.

“The lighting sets the mood for each scene and can also highlight the action, and even hide things that we don’t want the audience to see.”

Mr Matkovic has been with Griffith Regional Theatre for 20 years.

Before that he worked at Sydney Enmore Theatre and toured the world with Bangarra Dance Theatre.

In addition to lighting, Mr Matkovic is responsible for the sound and all technical aspects of productions at the Theatre.

“The whole production crew needs to be congratulated on this show, and I want to particularly thank Nathan Hardy, who used to work here at the Theatre, who came back to help us program the lighting console, as well as our technician John Bortolazzo who operated the console throughout the show,” Mr Matkovic said.

Theatre Manager Marg Andreazza congratulated Mr Matkovic saying that local productions, schools, dance schools and the many touring shows that come to the Theatre all benefit from Mr Matkovic’s skills.

“He makes everything look and sound great,” Ms Andreazza said.

“We are so pleased that he has been recognised with this award and we are very fortunate to have him here in Griffith.

“John was a very important part of the production team for The Wedding Singer, helping design and install the set, and sourcing all the backdrops that were used throughout the production, as well as coordinating the technical crew required behind the scenes.”

The Wedding Singer was also nominated for four other awards at the CAT Awards, held in Queanbeyan.

Cynthia Arel and Robyn Hutchinson were nominated for Costume Design, Valerie O’Meara for Best Actress in a Featured Role, Best Set (Katherine Sharpe, Romina Tappi, Peter Fordham and John Matkovic) and The John Thomson Theatre Magic Award for when the real Shelby AC Cobra 302 car rolls onto the stage.

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• Performing Arts
• Awards