Naomi Bailye - PRESIDENT

Having grown up in Esperance, I have always had a very strong connection with the Bijou- whether it was as a small child watching 16mm movies projected onto a sheet and getting a pie bag of lollies from the kiosk; to watching family members “tread the boards” in shows such as Joseph and his Technicolour Dream Coat and Showboat . I was involved in a number of productions in the 1990’s including Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Merry Moments and Mother Goose. In this time I also assisted in directing a couple of one-act children’s plays. It is, as this website opens, that I am currently involved in the production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory- a play that I have had dreams of directing for about 10 years – and am now blessed with a dynamic cast and talented crew to allow this dream to become a reality and to entertain the Esperance public! It has been a thrill to return to Esperance and become part of the committee and theatre at such a dynamic time as this. The improvements to the theatre are wonderful to be a part of and I am honoured to be included in some big future decisions- decisions that will make this theatre one of a kind for many future thespians to use and enjoy! One little Heck of a Theatre!

Tracy Schlink - Secretary

Tracey re-joined the committee as Secretary this year with much enthusiasm after having a 6 year break. She currently lives on her husbands family farm East of Condingup with Damien and their 2 daughters. She was originally a committee member from 1996 - 2003 with 5 of those as Secretary. Performing in musicals is her first love, however the practicality of this living 116km from town is very tricky. Although having trod the boards in numerous shows in the 90's to early 2000's has only managed to fit in one in the past 8 years (Wake Up).

Bob Stevens - Committee Member

Though I have always been a great fan of amateur theatre, it was not until the late 1990’s that I was ‘sucked’ in through the traditional method of helping backstage. Since then I have been involved in some twenty Esperance Theatre Guild productions. From stage manager to the one lead role, that being in ‘Talking Shop’, usually being careful to only take supporting roles without too many lines (a legacy to my failing memory), preferring mostly comedies; Comfort and Joy being one of my all time favourite shows. Highlights and inspiration have come from professional directors Jenny McNae, Geoff Gibbs and Mel Bell, and musical director Maggie Tolman.
In 2004 I was rather reluctantly elected President of the Esperance Theatre Guild, a position I held over the next 4 years. This was a huge challenge for me in an environment of blossoming ego’s and sometimes very diverse ideas. One of my goals was to set up a fund specifically for capital replacement works. I am pleased that this laid the foundation for the stimulus and momentum that has culminated in the recent refurbishment of the Bijou, myself having a major role in the dismantling, widening and then reassembling of the auditorium seating after they were professionally reupholstered.

Jennifer Ford – Committee Member

I only moved to Esperance in 2005 after a career in Archives and Records Management. Having been a keen member of a female classical singing group Ensemble Veritas in Perth and having performed in the chorus of Dido & Aeneas, Orpheus & Eurydice plus Fiddler on the Roof I was delighted to find the Bijou Theatre and the Esperance Theatre Guild. Since joining the Guild I’ve enjoyed working backstage and/or as an extra in Cinderella, Matilda’s Magic Mirror and A Christmas Carol. I’m new to the committee and am going to have a great time sorting out the Guild’s archives.

Andrew Bounds - Committee Member

Andrew is a man of few words, but is extremely knowledgable when it comes to all things theatrical. Primarily the "lights man", but also backstage worker extrordinaire and dedicated set builder.

Naomi Christensen - committee member

Naomi has had an avid interest in the theatre since she chickened out of an audition for The Sound of Music when she was 8.  She continued to pursue her passion, preparing and perfecting songs and monologues and chickening out of other auditions.  She knew she had really matured when she chickened out of her audition for the WA Academy of Performing Arts. Her interest turned to radio, where although she was "performing" to thousands of people, she was alone in a studio and couldn't see the terrifying faces of her judgemental audience.  In 2009 her colleague Ted Bull abducted her, forcing her to choreograph The Pirates of Penzance for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of WA.  There was no chickening out this time.  The whole season was sold out before the first performance.  Being a part of the terrifying judgemental audience revealed a new perspective.  Most are actually appreciative and delighted.  Naomi has danced since the age of 4 and has recently developed a passion for burlesque.  She is delighted to call Esperance home and is thrilled to be involved with the Bijou.

Hannah Siemer – committee member

Hannah first strutted her stuff on the Bijou Theatre stage at the age of eight in The Sound of Music (1997). Since her debut, she has performed in several productions at the theatre, including Santa in Space (2000) and Wake Up Esperance (2007). During her high school years, Hannah performed in many Perth College dance and drama productions, as well as competed in a long line of Speech and Drama festivals across Perth. In 2006, Hannah was elected the Perth College drama vice captain. Hannah joined the Bijou committee in late 2009. She takes care of front of house duties and also represents the guild on the Esperance Community Arts committee.

Josh Withers - Committee Member

A Queensland born and bred boy who's moved to Esperance to take the helm of the 747 Radiowest Breakfast Show, Josh has years of experience in the music industry, graphic design and marketing and knows enough about sound, lighting and projection to look intelligent (but nowhere near as much as Andrew!).

Josh debuted at the Bijou in the December 2009 production of "A Christmas Carol" and has now taken the opportunity to serve the Theatre Guild on it's management committee.

Lyn Penketh - Committee Member

Originally an 'eastern stater', I grew up in north east Victoria before moving to the south coast of NSW, then to Sydney before seeing the light and moving westward in 1975. An ex nurse I have been a resident of Esperance for the past nine years, not yet classified as a local. Married to David with, 4 children, he came with two and I came with two. My daughter and two grandsons are Esperance locals whereas my son and his wife, in Perth, will be providing us with our fifth grandchild in October. Having had absolutely no theatrical experience before, I decided that it was time to venture into the unknown. Since becoming involved with the Bijou I have had an absolute ball. It is a great way to meet a wide variety of people,and I find I am developing skills I never knew I had.