One of Bundaberg's very own talented stage performers has been thrust into the spotlight this week at a prestigious awards event.
Jack McGovern was awarded Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role at the 2018 Matilda Awards, held at the Brisbane Powerhouse last night.
The award highlighted his work in The Owl and the Pussycat stage show where McGovern “found gravity, balance, humanity and humour in an eclectic array of larger-than-life characters including a turkey, a pig, a bear and a moon”.
Born and raised in Bundaberg, McGovern graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre in 2014.
He has worked throughout Queensland as a drama teacher, adjudicator and freelance writer. He has many stage credits including his performance in White Rabbit, Red Rabbit and his role as Mark in the sell-out season of Rent at The Brisbane Powerhouse.
Bundaberg origins
McGovern has had a long-standing affiliation with The Playhouse Theatre in Bundaberg during his earlier acting days, performing in many local productions as well as holding the title of Youth Theatre Director in 2011.
Patron of The Playhouse Theatre's management committee Cr Judy Peters said McGovern's success was a testament to the outstanding talent coming out of the Bundaberg Region.
“Bundaberg is home to a thriving theatre scene with many fantastic performances held throughout the year at The Playhouse Theatre,” Cr Peters said.
“I would like to congratulate Jack on his outstanding achievement. He is one of many fantastic young talents making a mark for themselves out there on the world stage.”
President of The Playhouse Theatre Nigel Dick echoed Cr Peters' sentiments.
“The Bundaberg Players Incorporated proudly offers a platform for aspiring performers to hone their theatrical skills and techniques, and we're incredibly proud to see former members such as Jackson pursuing a career in the arts,” he said.
“It is especially gratifying when that work in the professional arena is acknowledged by his peers with such a prestigious award.”
Matilda Awards
Attending the 2018 Matilda Awards, Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch congratulated all the nominees and recipients for their outstanding work.
“The Matilda Awards are the highlight of Queensland's performing arts calendar, showcasing the strength and diversity of talent in theatre across the state,” Ms Enoch said.
More than 500 performers, artists and patrons of the arts attended the ceremony in what Matilda Awards executive committee chair Deb Wilks described as a celebration of Queensland's theatre industry.
“The calibre of nominees and winners was outstanding and a real testament to the quality, resilience and effervescence of the Queensland arts sector,” Ms Wilks said.
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