Meet the Committee
President – Jesse Hana Ellison
After spending several years performing professionally in Brisbane, plus years of studying musical theatre, acting & standup comedy, Jesse joined the CTP family in early 2010. She has been involved in over 27 of our productions. Favorites include: “Adrift in Macao”, “Urinetown”, “Sweet Charity”, “Spamalot”, “We will Rock You”, “Xanadu”, “Avenue Q” & “Les Femmes Sur La Mer”. She was the entertainment coordinator for our 30th birthday celebrations in 2018, and directed the hugely successful seasons of “Xanadu the musical” & “Avenue Q”. Jesse has been on the committee for seven years, this is her second year as President. “I can’t wait to see what’s next for CTP”.
Treasurer – Greg McMahon
Greg moved to the Sunshine coast 15 years ago and agreed to support his wife’s interests by helping backstage at CTP. This led to roles onstage and his current role as Treasurer. For one 2019 production, Greg scoured the coast to source a Harley Davidson lookalike, proving his dedication! One thing he says he’s learned is that, as with all clubs and community groups, there is something for everyone who’s interested in joining.
Secretary – Fiona Bastion 
Fi joined CTP in 2004 as the prompt for Annie Get Your Gun. Her daughter had been successfully cast as one of Annie’s siblings. Over the years she has taken on many roles including Ticket sales, FOH assistant & Manager, Youth theatre assistant, Treasurer, Wardrobe assistant dresser, Back stage. She has appeared onstage in “Mothers Day”, “The Great Pretenders”, “Rocky Horror”, “Barnam”, “HMS Pinafore”, “Get Smart”, & “Dr Lurve & the Syringe of Shame”. Fi was awarded Life Membership at our 2023/2024 Annual General Meeting. Congrats Fi, and thank you for your years of service.
Wardrobe Mistress – Babs Newton
Babs has been involved in theatre for around 12 years. Four of those with the Mount Isa Theatrical Society, the rest with Coolum Theatre Players. In the four years she was away, she stage managed and wardrobe / props “personned” 15 productions. She is very proud of being the 1st person to complete all those performances without a break!!!In real life, she is a teacher and has done so many different things in her 60+ years but she continues to find enjoyment in community theatre. Each production has a life of its own.
Committee / Crew Consultant – Mallory Young
Never work with children or animals! I took this advice as a challenge as I have not only worked as an educator within the drama field, but also as a veterinary nurse. The logical progression? Joining Coolum Theatre Players as the president from 2018-2023!
When I have trodden the boards, I’ve been a temptress, an unimpressed matriarch, a despondent witch and a disgruntled widow and most recently on stage for Calendar Girls..
I’ve also stumbled into backstage roles including lighting design, stage management, sound and directors assistant for CTP’s Ladies in black.
Committee – Julie Delmore
Julie stepped in to help CTP when we couldn’t find a Stage Manager for Ma Baker’s Tonic. That was April 2010 and she is still here! She says the difference between CTP and other theatre companies is the sense of family. Over the last 14 years, she has been active in 38 shows and has tackled almost all of the back of scenes roles. She has extensive knowledge of the ‘workings’ of theatre and is always happy to share. Julie was awarded Life Membership in 2020.
Committee / FOH Manager – Karyn Sarbach
Karyn is keen to be involved in all aspects of the theatre. Originally from Victoria, she became involved in musical comedy at 14. Acting, singing and dancing in shows such as Carousel, The Music Man, Victoria & Her Hussar, as well as acting in original drama plays. She then moved to Sydney and joined Mosman Musical Society for their production of Cabaret. Karyn has been our wonderful FOH manager for the last 6 shows.
Committee – Tana Johnston
Tana moved to Coolum a few years ago, Joined CTP, and has been helping out backstage ever since. Shows include Ladies in Black, Calendar Girls, Avenue Q, Chicago, All Shook Up, Last of the Red Hot Lovers & One Man, Two Guvnors.
She says “It’s incredible how much occurs backstage making sure each performance is unique and seamless. Props and costumes appear like magic, many transformed from what they were in the last show, and being part of it all is so much fun.
