BEING involved in local theatre is not about winning awards but it is still humbling to receive recognition for productions such as the MMuDS (Mansfield Musical & Dramatic Society) play “Kid Stakes” according to its director Daryl Hunt following last week’s announcement of four nominations in the Border Region Amateur Performance in the Theatre (APT) Awards.

Set in 1937 in suburban Melbourne between two world wars, the Ray Lawler play the first in a trilogy associated with the “Summer of the Seventeenth Doll” opened for a successful season in July 2024 at the Mansfield Performing Arts Centre.

“While I don’t take awards as validation of what was done it is a nice acknowledgment,” said Mr Hunt.

“Everybody associated with this production did an outstanding job and it showed during the performances,” he said.

“The fact that we were not nominated for any acting awards shows that we were a real ensemble cast and in a sense I’m happy with that.

“My push during rehearsals was that there were no lead actors, all (cast members) were lead actors and all were important."

MMuDS has received the following nominations for “Kid Stakes,” Achievements in Stage Management, Achievement in Direction, Achievement in Production and Best Play Production.

Mr Hunt is particularly pleased with the category that recognises the incredible work and dedication of the stage management team ably led by Meredith Newman who played the starring role in the one woman play “Shirley Valentine” in a previous award winning production in 2023.

“The Best Play Production nomination recognises all who are involved,” he said.

“I think Ray Lawler would have been proud.

“Let’s do more Australian theatre and showcase more Australian stories."

The fifth Border APT Awards night will be held at Albury's Thurgoona Country Club Resort on Friday May 23 with cast and crew members hopefully able to attend.