All about Richard

Photo coming

President, Set/Prop builder, Tech crew, Painting and heavy lifting.

Allergies: Being on stage during a performance (the world is not ready for his kind of talent or lack there of).

A Western Port resident since 1977 when he moved to Bittern from Blairgowrie with his parents, Richard now lives in Old Tyabb Township, a stone`s throw from the home of Pelican, the Hastings Town Hall. Richard came to Pelican with no previous theatre experience in 2009. With his daughter Alanah being a passionate young member of the company since 2007, he became involved with set and prop construction for the 2009 production, Children Overboard. With a trade background he felt that this was the most effective way to support his daughter`s passion and in turn the company as a whole. While 2010 started with plenty of construction challenges including a new fold away stage system, multi-purpose set construction projects and an overhaul of the tech department, Richard`s job description was about to change dramatically.

The resignation of one of Pelican`s most valued staff members and President, Malcolm Scown, due to health issues left Pelican in need of someone to fill the huge void left by his departure. Apprehension was replaced by flattery as Richard began to realize the trust being placed in him after such a short time with the company in a non committee role. He now lay awake nights with thoughts and ideas racing through his mind like so much food in a blender. Richard soon settled into the role of President, a process made so much easier with the support of both Pelican members and Mornington Peninsula Shire staff.

Four months on, in December 2010, the wonderful face of Pelican for the last 5 years, Gail Smith, resigned from the Treasurers position for a well earned break from what was a very demanding tenure. After checking his deodorant and receiving a visit from the afore mentioned blender, the amazing Jes Warner stepped up and accepted the responsibility of the treasurer`s position.

While Richard considers the last 12 months as some of the most challenging in his life, he also feels they have been the most rewarding times. Pelican is quite unique in its approach to both original theatre productions and its ability to offer anyone with the desire a chance to participate. Richard would like to thank everyone at Pelican for the opportunity to contribute to such a wonderful company and extend an invitation to  everyone to come and experience the magic that is Pelican Theatre Company Inc.

See you at the theatre,

Richard Parkin.