The awards considered the four productions held at MITS this year. Links to the reviews are published here:

The best actor in a drama award went to Phil Kuzmanovic, who played the treacherous villain Iago in Shakespeare’s Iago. 

Mr Kuzmanovic stole the show over runner-up Damian Sacco. 

The best actress for drama and for comedy both went to Tyne James, who was in Othello and in short play Flying High as a mustached pilot. 

The runner-up actress for comedy was Jenelle Robartson while drama’s runner-up was Livia Wisniewski. 

Dave Howe was the best actor in a comedy while runner-up was Mr Sacco. 

The best adult newcomer was Dianne Stuart, who appeared in all four productions of the year, but stole the last half of the show in Murder Takes the Stage as an investigating sheriff. Runner up was Rhys Haig.

In her acceptance speech Mrs Stuart said she struggled with arthritis but was encouraged by her partner to join MITS.

“I’m glad he did push me because I have met some wonderful people. It’s brought me to a better place,” Mrs Stuart said.

Best newcomer under 18 years was 10-year-old Connor Heuir, who appeared among the So Mits short plays. Runner up was Lochlan Colinson.

Best non-acting volunteer was awarded to Babs Newton, who worked behind the scenes for Murder Takes the Stage. Runner-up was Kurt McGregor. 

Best set design went to The Umpire Strikes Back. Members undoubtedly recalled the unusual bushes decorated with genitalia in the science fiction parody when they voted their favourite online. The runner-up was for the bikie version of Othello.

The person most unlike their character award tied between Lisa Fitzpatrick and Kuzmanovic. 

Emma Harman won the ‘I wasn’t really acting award’ for her role in short play Day Off. Runner up was Katy McGregor who performed as the victim in Murder Takes the Stage, as the high profile and dominating actress Hazel Laverne.

The best or worst fake voice and accent in a production was claimed by Bryan Heuir, who performed as Thunderbirds’ character Virgil in Umpire Strikes Back. Runner up went to Robert Glanville.

Othello lead, Damian Sacco, was awarded best hair growth for a production. Grant Szabadics’ effort to grow a ponytail was acknowledged in Murder Takes the Stage was acknowledged. Alas, Jeffrey Rodgers’ Mohawk for Othello was not. 

Best on-stage couple in a production went to James and Kuzmanovic for their chemistry in a toxic relationship in Othello. Runner up was Jenelle Robartson and Howe. 

Best on stage death in a production went to James. Runner up went to McGregor. 

Best original short play belonged to Flying High. Runner up was New Years Steve. 

Best actress in a dual role in a production went to Fiona Watt. Runner up was Alicia Reay. 

Best actor in a dual role in a production went to Ryan Telford. Runner up was Sean Harman. 

Best supporting actor or actress with under 20 lines went to Bryan Heuir. Runner up was Anna Telford. 

Best junior performer under 18 years went to Laura Szabadics. Runner up was Grace Heuir. 

Best supporting actress in a comedy was Braelyn Preston. Umpire Strikes Back’s Singing Telegram Girl, Samantha Walton, was runner up. 

Best supporting actor in a comedy was Howe. Sacco was runner up. 

Best supporting actress in a drama was McGregor. Runner up was Kara Holdom and Lisa Fitzpatrick. 

Best supporting actor in a drama went to Ryan Sacco. Runner up was Anthony Kassulke.