Shakespeare Under The Stars
Townsville N.Q.

The Jean-Pierre Awards

The Awards began in 2011, to remember and honour our beloved founder, Jean-Pierre Voos. "J-P" was a man who dedicated his life to the theatre. To this day, we continue to be inspired by him and follow the guidelines he left us for producing this event, from the catered dining tables to the lighted paths and grandstand seating, to, of course, the direction and sense of ensemble amongst the cast. We truly are standing "On Giant's Shoulders" and are so very honoured to be continuing this tradition.

The awards are intended to honour those who display "a devotion to the success and survival of Shakespeare Under the Stars". Their efforts are often unsung and in many cases, unknown by most of you. In 2011, there were 4 awardees, representing 1 for each season since Jean-Pierre's passing.

The Awards themselves were designed and hand-crafted by Gerry O'Connor and the recipients were chosen by our Artistic Director Terri Brabon.

The Honourary Jean-Pierre Award

An Honourary Jean-Pierre Award recognises the significant contribution of those individuals who dedicated so much to the establishment and creation of this event since its inception in 1992.

The Martin Gibson Medal

In 2011, the company lost a great supporter in Martin Gibson who was taken from us suddenly. To honour him and his beloved wife Lorna Hempstead, we have established the "Martin Gibson Medal".

Martin was a consummate gentleman, a man who often stood in the sidelines, cheering people on but all the while possessed amazing talents of his own. He was so unassuming, that you would never have known how talented and clever he was.

We honour that sense of humbleness in the form of the Martin Gibson Medal to be awarded to a young talent involved with the company, who we feel not only possesses extraordinary talent but whose attitude and approach is "Gibsonesque" in both their personality and dealings with others.