CAT Awards

The Combined (formerly Canberra) Area Theatre Awards (CAT Awards) has been running since 1994.

We provide recognition for the enormous contribution made by non-professional groups to the artistic life of Australia, in particular in Canberra and the region

24/05/2026

Martians have landed in Wagga Wagga… or at least at the CSU Riverina Playhouse. 👽🎭

Judge Garrick travelled to Wagga Wagga for the Freeroam Theatre production of The War of the Worlds.

Freeroam Theatre continues to present productions for audiences across the Riverina region, with this adaptation bringing H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction story to the stage.

Another stop on a busy year of travel for CAT judges as they continue visiting productions across NSW. ✨

17/05/2026

Sister Act in Parkes. 🎭✨

Judges Charles and Garrick travelled to Parkes to attend Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society’s production of Sister Act at Parkes Little Theatre.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society has a long history in the Central West, with roots dating back to 1875, and continues to bring musical and dramatic productions to local audiences.

A long trip, a warm welcome, and two judges clearly getting into the spirit of the show. 😇

15/05/2026

Our judges get around! CAT judge Ted’s 4th trip to Albury, this time for the production of & Juliet. It’s a busy time for CATs - this weekend we have judges attending productions in Albury, Ulladulla, Parkes and Canberra.

10/05/2026

Ulladulla for Magic, Myths & Mayhem. 🎭✨

Judges Ian, Charles and Peter travelled to the Ulladulla Civic Centre to enjoy the variety show presented by Milton Ulladulla Entertainers Inc

The company has a long history of bringing the local community together through live performance, with productions featuring dance, music, comedy, pop favourites and classics. Their shows also support local fundraising efforts, helping community groups across the Milton Ulladulla area.

The trip also included some time to enjoy Ulladulla’s coastline and the warmer South Coast weather. 🌊

06/05/2026

It’s been an exceptionally busy year for our judges already! 🎭

Judge Sarah recently travelled to Corrimal to attend Arcadians Children’s Theatre’s production of Newsies JR. at the Miner’s Lamp Theatre. With productions taking place across NSW almost every weekend, our volunteer judges continue spending many hours on the road rewarding excellence in community theatre throughout the season. ✨

05/05/2026

Autumn road trip and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 🍂🚗

Ted and Brenton recently travelled to see the Orange Anglican Grammar School production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Brenton was excited to discover that the 1964 book on which the movie and musical were based was written by Ian Fleming of James Bond fame. On the way they stopped to admire the astonishing autumn colours.

04/05/2026

🎭 Introducing Judge Sarah Hull 🎭

Sarah Hull joins the CAT Awards judging panel for 2026, bringing with her a long-standing involvement in community theatre across the Canberra region.

Since 2000, she has worked on stage, backstage, in the pit and within production teams, with experience spanning musicals, plays, touring restaurant theatre, work as an Excited Particle at Questacon, and voice-over work for a local escape room experience.

Some of Sarah’s performance highlights include Big Stone in Eurydice at the Mill Theatre at Dairy Road (2024), Naiad Mother in crouching giraffe and Paper Moon Theatre’s The Penelopiad (2021), Helen in Canberra Rep’s Australia Day (2017), Pam Lukowski in Supa Productions’ The Full Monty (2006 and 2019), and the Sour Kangaroo in Ickle Pickle’s Seussical (2014). In 2024, Sarah played Diana in Queanbeyan Players’ Next to Normal, receiving Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the 30th CAT Awards. She was also awarded Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the 29th CAT Awards for her performance as Vi in QP’s Footloose (2023).

Sarah has also directed a number of musicals, including QP's productions of 9 to 5 (2025), Keating! (2022), The Wedding Singer (2018, co-directed with Amy Kowalczuk) and High Fidelity (2015, co-directed with Nathan Patrech) for Phoenix Players.

Please join us in welcoming Sarah to the judging panel for 2026 ✨

03/05/2026

Arcadians Theatre Group in Corrimal 🎭

Judge Ruth was at the Miner’s Lamp Theatre this weekend to see the .act production of Newsies JR.

Productions like Newsies JR. provide opportunities for younger performers to take part in all aspects of theatre, from performance through to production. It’s another example of how community theatre supports participation and development across different age groups.

02/05/2026

After winning hearts as Mrs Wilkinson and Jackie Elliot in the 2024 production, Joe and Janie were thrilled to be back in the world of Billy Elliot — this time in the audience for The production at the beautiful

27/04/2026

The CAT Awards were saddened to learn of the passing of our great friend, sometime chronicler and enthusiastic supporter Marya Glyn-Daniel this week.

She was incredibly active in the Canberra arts community, forming a theatre company at the University of Canberra with her husband and supporting many groups, often as production manager, scouring the town for costumes and props, and promoting shows.

A great friend to people on stage and offstage. She will be sadly missed. Our love goes to her family and loved ones.

26/04/2026

Back to Campbelltown for Billy Elliot 🎭

Judge Peter was at the Rehearsal Room production of Billy Elliot the Musical, with the old adapted to bring the story of the Durham miners’ strike to the stage.

With its strong focus on young performers, Billy Elliot is a production that highlights the important role community theatre companies play in developing skills, confidence, and stage experience.

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Canberra, ACT

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https://cat-awards.com.au/, https://cat-awards.com.au/join-us/

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