A group of people performing on a stage with wooden background, some standing and some sitting, engaged in an energetic activity or acting.

About

Spotlight Theatrical Company is a not-for-profit community theatre company established in 1955, located centrally on the Gold Coast. Spotlight musicals and plays showcase the fantastic talent on the Gold Coast, including remarkable directors, actors, technical crews, set designers and costume creators (our costumes are available for hire and purchase at our Costume Hire shop).

We have renowned youth theatre training programs providing performance skills training for young people aged 18 and under.

Who We Are

We are a not-for-profit that is managed by a committee comprised of volunteers, governed by a constitution. We have eight committee members.

Our committee can be contacted at the following email:

secretary@spotlighttheatre.com.au

The 2026 committee members are:

  • Duncan Sims - President

  • Erica Graham - Vice-President

  • Noreena Wines - Secretary

  • Michelle Edwards - Treasurer

  • Kathryn Henderson - Councillor

  • Peter Maden - Councillor

  • Pina Omeros - Councillor

  • Sheryl Tank - Councillor

Governance

Constitution

View our constitution here.

A theatrical stage scene with performers, including one in mid-air jump, and others in black costumes, with green curtains and dramatic lighting.

Our Venues

Stage performance at a theater with a group of actors holding hands, audience members clapping, stage decorated with wooden pallets and string lights, with lighting fixtures overhead.

Halpin Auditorium

In 2001, Spotlight completed construction on the New Spotlight Theatre. On 15 September 2018, it was formally renamed The Halpin Auditorium in recognition of the outstanding service and achievements of long-standing members and supporters Clem and Shelly Halpin.

With its large stage, and state of the art sound and lighting, the Halpin Auditorium provides an excellent venue for Spotlight’s high quality musicals. It is an air-conditioned, licenced venue and has a capacity of around 150 patrons in a cabaret style seating arrangement.

Empty theater or auditorium with rows of chairs, a stage with a yellow curtain, and various stage lights and equipment hanging from the ceiling.

Basement Theatre

The Basement Theatre was the original Spotlight Theatre; the theatre was built in 1984 and was the first theatre Spotlight built and owned. It’s still enjoyed by patrons, cast and crew, for offering a more intimate vibe that is perfect for smaller stage plays. It is an air-conditioned, licensed venue and has a capacity of around 90 patrons in a cabaret style seating arrangement.

Recognition

Gold and silver theatrical masks and text that reads 'Gilded Philanthropy Awards' with additional text mentioning sponsorship and a charitable foundation event.
A closed red curtain with vertical pleats.

Gold PALM Awards

Spotlight Theatre has been participating in the Gold PALM Awards since it was founded in 2009 as the Gold Coast Area Theatre Awards. The Gold Palm Theatre Awards are now regarded as the highlight of the performance year in S.E. Queensland and Northern NSW. This event is held annually at Draculas in Broadbeach to celebrate and recognise the success of incredible cast and creatives who volunteer their time at local community theatres and high school/colleges.

A panel of judges visits dozens of musicals and plays staged by local companies in a catchment area encompassing Redcliffe in the north, Kyogle in the south and Toowoomba and Ipswich in the west - and awards winners in categories covering set, costume, lighting and sound design, music and show direction, leads and support actors and actresses and many others are recognised at an annual awards evening held on the Gold Coast.

2025 GOLD PALM AWARDS

8 December 2025

Congratulations and thank you to all our Nominees, Winners
and everyone who contributed to a fantastic 2025 Season!

Spotlight Theatre Winners 2025

GOLD PALM AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING
COMMUNITY THEATRE PLAY
The Universe Has Your Back

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN
Thomas Bell
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A COMMUNITY THEATRE PLAY
Amy McDonald
The Universe Has Your Back

BEST ENSEMBLE IN A PLAY or MUSICAL
The Cast
The Universe Has Your Back

BEST DIRECTOR OF A COMMUNITY THEATRE PLAY
Helen Maden
The Universe Has Your Back

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A COMMUNITY THEATRE MUSICAL or MUSICAL REVUE
Melissa Dorge
Mamma Mia!

Spotlight Youth Theatre Winners

BEST YOUTH PRODUCTION - (Play or Musical)
Senior Musical Theatre -- Beauty and the Beast

BEST VOCAL or MUSICAL DIRECTOR IN A YOUTH PRODUCTION
Jonathan Whitlow
Senior Musical Theatre -- Beauty and the Beast

BEST CHOREOGRAPHER IN A YOUTH PRODUCTION
Alana Schokman
Senior Musical Theatre -- Beauty and the Beast

BEST ACTOR or ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A YOUTH PRODUCTION - (Play or Musical)
Asher Briggs
Sophomore Musical Theatre -- Chicago TE

BEST ACTOR or ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A YOUTH PRODUCTION
Daisy Webber
Senior Musical Theatre -- Beauty and the Beast

BEST DIRECTOR OF A YOUTH PRODUCTION - (Play or Musical)

Melissa Dorge
Senior Musical Theatre -- Beauty and the Beast

Full Results on Awards Website

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