About Us

The Griffith Regional Association of the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to showcase a range of theatre productions for the local area. For over 10 years GRAPA has enriched the lives of many people looking to take part in or experience community theatre. GRAPA is run by a volunteer committee of local people, each with their own passions for the arts.

In August 2020, Griffith Pioneer Park Museum and GRAPA collaborated to deliver Vintage Voices, a radio play series based on Griffith’s history. These radio plays are available to listen to online, head to the Vintage Voices page for more information.

Awards

GRAPA has been putting on productions since 2009 and throughout the years, we have received multiple award nominations through the Canberra Area Theatre Awards (CAT).

2019 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

• “John Thomson Theatre Magic” for Acapella singing by the cast
• “Best ensemble in a play” – The Fairies
• “Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play” –  Melanie Toscan as Hermia
• CAT Awards Commendation for attracting a youthful cast and audience to Shakespeare with a Midsummer Night’s Dream

2017 – Murder in the Cathedral

• “Best lighting” – Peter Fordham

2016 – Much Ado About Nothing

• “Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play” – Bonnie Owen as Beatrice

2014 – King Lear

• Technical Achievement – Aaron Grugan’s Incidental musical arrangements
• Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play – Bernie Maxwell as Lear

2013 – The Merchant of Venice

• Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play – Bernie Maxwell as Skylock
• Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Play – Aaron Kember as Lorenzo

2012 – Richard III

• Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play – Bernie Maxwell as Richard
• Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Play – Aaron Grugan as Buckingham

2012 – Bits by Degree (A Season of Short Plays)

• Best Original Work – Stella Dougherty and Bernie Maxwell for original scripts

Committee

President – Bonnie Owen
Vice-President – Melanie Toscan
Treasurer – Bernie Maxwell
Secretary – Katherine Innes
Executive Committee – Bonnie Browne, Matthew Ingles and Philip Clarke.