MatthewCater – 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, Vice-President and as President since early 2008. Matt has extensive experience in performing, administration, 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, nearly 11 years ago.

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

AnneVeitch – Vice 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. Anne was Assistant to Director for Les Misérables, Assistant Director Me & My Girl, and Pickwick. Her Directing credits include; A Little Bit of Broadway, Anything Goes, Jerry’s Girls, Cabaret, How to Succeed in Business (Without Really Trying), Gypsy and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She serves on the CMS Committee as Vice-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!!

JudyRoy – Secretary

GrettaHoward – Assistant Secretary/Membership Officer

Gretta has been involved with Chatswood Musical Society since 2004 when she joined the cast of Grease. After the uplifting experience of being involved in such a high-energy production, Gretta returned to the stage in Gyspy in 2006 and became involved in the society’s committee in 2007 as Assistant Secretary. Since then, Gretta has been heavily involved in fundraising activities including starting our Annual Trivia Night, much loved by the CMS members. Gretta has continued her passion for performing, appearing in five CMS’ productions. In 2009, Gretta took on the additional role of Membership Officer with CMS, and joined the new CMS Choir. ‘The choir is a lovely wind down after a busy day at work with a great group of people. We are lucky to have such a talented Choir Master in Marcus Bortolotti’. Gretta, who keeps busy working as a vet at Gordon Vet Hospital, enjoys being on the committee as it gives others the chance of being actively involved in community theatre as well as being a stepping-stone for a professional career for some individuals. In her spare time, Gretta enjoys being part of a salsa performance team at Salsa Suave.

Expert Tip:
Have fun! You get out of it what you put in.
Funniest Stage Moment:
In Thoroughly Modern Millie I forgot to put my glasses on in the secretary scene and had them tucked in my top. During the tap-dancing number, my glasses flew out of my top and into the audience!

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 six 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 on this year having 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.

CassieMullins – Marketing Officer

Growing up in a household, where you had to shout in order for someone to hear you in the bottom paddocks, it’s easy to understand where Cassies’ loud voice stemmed from…In early years, Cassie was quick to be involved in singing and dancing as like most other little girls, and has continued to follow this passion for the stage, performing in a number of musical theatre productions and plays. After moving from Queensland, Cassie was eager to get involved in musical theatre and after performing in CMS productions, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Gypsy in 2006, she accepted the role of Marketing Officer for the society. This role includes production of all show promotional souvenirs and works closely with the PR & Events Officer to drive awareness for CMS within the community. Nine-to-five, Cassie works in the magazine publishing industry.

Expert Tip:
Always be nice to the person who puts the show souvenir program together…
Funniest Stage Moment:
Too rude to put in print.

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...