Tullyvin Musical Society shortlisted for award
Members of Tullyvin Musical Society are overjoyed after they were nominated for an Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) award. In only their fifth year in existence, the group has been shortlisted in the Sullivan category 2019/2020 for ‘Best House Management’ for its 2019 production 'All Shook Up'.
Chairperson Pamela McCormack explains that this nomination acknowledges the huge voluntary group effort in the decorating and presenting of the venue for the show.
“The front of house team try as hard as the cast to set the perfect atmosphere and create a suitable ambience and it is satisfying for all that the adjudicator felt that and saw the passion and dedication involved," she said.
This is the second time that Tullyvin Musical Society has been nominated for a prestigious AIMS award.
The nomination has lifted the spirits of the committee and members who have had their activities curtailed due to Coronavirus restrictions.
“We put so much time and effort into creating a full experience for our patrons. Many hours are put into the front of house and we have such great workers who get in on the whole experience too by wearing costumes and always done with a smile,” she told the Celt.
Formed in 2015, the society has gone from strength to strength and grown in numbers and popularity. Tullyvin Musical Society is a fully inclusive musical theatre group. It is made up of volunteers, including a strong energetic committee.
They welcome all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Their base is Tullyvin Community Centre and they use this hub for fundraisers, meetings, auditions, rehearsals and of course to do their run of their annual musical.
"Members gain so much from their participation – friendships, laughter, bravery and pride - as well as learning new artistic skills in set design, costumes and props, makeup and hair, singing, dancing and acting, alongside communication and advertising skills," explains Pamela.
The society is a central part of the community and links in with other groups regularly on a range of projects and festivals. The group was also nominated for a Pride of Place award in 2019 in the Wellbeing category.
To date Tullyvin Musical Society has presented four musicals: Calamity Jane, 9 to 5, Sister Act and All Shook Up and each year their show is adjudicated by AIMS.
Their next show, ‘The Addams Family’, which was unfortunately postponed due to Covid-19, will now run in October 2021 and promises to be the biggest and best yet. "Despite current restrictions the group is still active and always welcome new and returning members. They have entered the EPIC Awards 2020 and are constantly innovating and growing. The society is extremely proud of its achievements to date," said Pamela.
Meanwhile, Tullyvin show director for the previous two years, Paul Norton, has been nominated as Best Director for 'Ragtime' with Portlaoise Musical Society, which is also up for ‘Best Overall Show’.
The winners will be announced at the AIMS awards ceremony on Saturday, September 19.