Maisie will travel to the Canberra Area Theatre Awards next month, nominated in the John Thomson magic moment of theatre category for her entrance as Rufus. 

Owner Katrina Hurst and trainer Debi Coleman were thrilled. 

“She jumped when the costume came out again,” Ms Hurst said.

Ms Coleman said Maisie’s personality made her an engaging performer. 

“She’s such a character,” she said. 

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Nominated in the same category was Molong Players for its swimming training skit during Naughty at Forty, a re-enactment of a scene from 2000, where the team creatively used blue fabric to make actors appear as though they were diving in and performing synchronised swimming.

Kevin Beatty, who directed and performed in the scene, said it was great to be recognised for the hard work put in.

Kinross Wolaroi Preparatory School received four nominations for The Best Shot: best production of a school or youth musical, Romko Hordynsky for best director, students Oliver Roach, William Knight, Andrew May, Ben Maslin and Charlie Gill for the best ensemble as the Braxton Brothers and Charlie Hanson for best youth actor in a leading role as Willhelm Kadoc.

The Best Shot is a Western-style musical telling the story of a photographer with poor English skills who is mistaken for an expert marksman.

Mr Hordynsky said he was proud of his 120-strong cast and belief was key to their success.

“Even if they worried they couldn’t do it, I told them, ‘yes you can’ and they surprised themselves,” he said. 

He said the annual shows had become part of the culture of the school and also benefited from a dedicated team of parents.

Kinross Wolaroi School’s High School Musical received two nominations for best orchestra and Richard King for the Patricia Kelson encouragement award for his role as Coach Bolton.

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