by Lorna Gordon

For over 50 years, the Hills Musical Theatre Company( HMTC) has been a cornerstone of community theatre in the Hills District of New South Wales. Founded in 1972 by a group of theatre enthusiasts, the company has provided countless opportunities for people of all ages to engage with musical theatre, both on and off the stage.

The company’ s roots trace back to North Rocks, where its first production, The Boyfriend, premiered in 1973. The first person to step onto the Hills stage was Betty Tougher, setting the foundation

for what would become a thriving local theatre group. Since then, HMTC has staged numerous productions, with a strong focus on inclusivity, community engagement, and artistic excellence.

Jonathan Barons, current president of HMTC has a personal connection with the group. Having watched Hills productions as a child, he later found himself drawn into the company at age 23 when he responded to an ad looking for backstage help. To his surprise, he was asked to audition and landed a role in The Vagabond King. Since then, he has remained an active participant, recognising the unique charm of amateur theatre.

“ There’ s a special kind of magic in amateur productions,” says Jonathan.“ Because we only do a few shows a year, every cast member is deeply invested. There’ s an exciting energy as we rehearse for months, growing as a team, and then, suddenly, it’ s all over. But the friendships and experiences last a lifetime.”

HMTC prides itself on being a truly inclusive theatre company. With participation open to individuals as young as 13, the group offers opportunities for performers of all abilities. Their 2023 production of Seussical was inclusive of people who might not always get a chance to perform to be part of big chorus

numbers, creating an unforgettable experience for both cast and audience.

The company was recently awarded a Highly Commended Community Group Award as part of the Australia Day celebrations.

“ It’ s a great honour,” says Jonathan.“ It validates the work we do and the joy we bring to the community. The hardest part was deciding who would attend the award presentation since we could only take a few representatives. But in the end, we managed to bring more than we first thought.”

For those looking to be a part of HMTC, there are many ways to get involved. Aspiring performers can audition for onstage roles, or you can join committees for publicity, sales, costumes, and set design. Volunteers are always needed to help build sets, create props, and assist with moving props and costumes to and from the theatre at the beginning and end of each show’ s run.

“ Theatre brings people together,” Jonathan explains.“ It’ s about shared experiences, teamwork, and the joy of performing. There aren’ t many opportunities to sing and act in everyday life, so being part of an amateur theatre company provides that creative outlet.”

HMTC’ s next production, Freaky Friday, will hit the stage in May. Based on the

beloved Disney film, the musical brings the same humour and heart to a live theatre setting. The show will be held at Model Farms High School Auditorium, where audiences can enjoy a unique experience— seated at tables with the option to bring their own food, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere.

Tickets for the production can be purchased through the Hills Musical Theatre Company’ s website, www. hillsmtc. com.