Pat Slattery

• 

PAT SLATTERY – Nominated by CHATS Productions (Coffs Harbour Amateur Theatre Society).

Pat is something of an icon in Coffs Harbour community theatre, having directed for every group in town, as well as for her own independent group.

Starting with ‘The Pyjama Game’ in 1987, Pat has been directing musicals, comedies and dramas ever since. In the 30 years since, she has directed over 33 shows at the Jetty Memorial Theatre, as well as numerous dinner theatre shows at a local landmark restaurant (The Windmill).

In some instances, she has directed up to three shows in a year, and regularly put on two shows in consecutive years, working tirelessly to ensure that one theatre was never dark. Some of the highlights have been ‘Grease’in 2007, which sold out all 10 shows prior to opening night, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ which was and still is lauded as a major triumph for local theatre, and ‘Calendar Girls’ which touched everyone who saw it.

Pat is known far and wide in the area and you only have to mention her name in relation to theatre in Coffs to have people tell you how much they have enjoyed her shows over the years and how much they look foreward to seeing her next production.

She is also known for her generosity in lending items from her extensive costume and prop collection to anyone who may need them. She is also often found ushering for other people’s shows or volunteering behind the bar at the Jetty Memorial Theatre.

Pat continues to be an inspiration and mentor to amateur theatre folk in the Coffs Harbour region. It is fair to say that without Pat Slattery, Community Theatre in Coffs Harbour would not be the vibrant and rich family that it is today.