Theatre duo scoops 19 awards

THEATRE duo Steven Stead and Greg King from the independent Durban Theatre company Kickstart Theatre scooped a whopping 19 awards at the Durban Theatre Awards on Monday, 21 November.

The awards consider only those productions originating in Durban, focusing on productions representing the genres of drama and comedy, musical theatre, and children’s theatre.

It is clear to see why Kickstart was a big winner with their front-running production Into the Woods taking most of the accolades.

Bluffite Steve Stead couldn’t be any more proud of his company, “We were delighted that Into the Woods was so affirmed at the awards this year – it was a pet project of ours to stage. Passion is what drives us, we are completely passionate about everything we do. Greg is amazing with his creative sets and we work with an astonishing team – everyone is as caring, fastidious and committed as we are. Everyone from behind the scenes, to wardrobe, technical, designers, publicity and photography – so what the public sees on stage as the finished product personifies our passion and commitment,” he said.

Kickstart started when Greg produced his first high energy drama called Popcorn out in a small church hall called the KwaSuka Theatre in Greyville back in 2000. In 2003, Steve joined him and they staged their first of many ‘matchbox pantos’. “It was small-scale pantos which got such amazing response and we have grown them over the years. We both have high standards and from our very first show there, we have moved on to collaborations with larger theatres and managements over the years such as, the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, The Playhouse Company,Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, and the Liberty Theatre on the Square in Johannesburg. We also have been collaborating with Pieter Toerien Productions which has allowed our shows to tour nationally,” added Steve.

It the duo’s great adoration for theatre that keeps them motivated to continue sharing the passion with the world. “Theatre transports you to different worlds, different times and different realities – there is no experience quite like it,” exclaimed Steve.

Although theatre is a difficult industry, he encourages aspiring thespians to follow the dream. “Money is tight and theatre is often considered a luxury – so making a career in theatre is very challenging. I would suggest you ensure that you work towards having a comprehensive skill-set to complement your performance skills, to be able to make money when not performing in teaching, writing, directing, composing, prop-making or anything in the associated field would be helpful. And you have to have passion. If you enter the industry for fame and fortune, you may be disappointed,” he advised.

Kickstart Theatre thanked all their supporters every ticket bought; every compliment received and every round of applause.

 
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