A Masterclass In Speaking

Having successfully weathered 75 years as Mackay's longest-running community theatre company, Kucom Theatre is kicking off the new year with a season of four one-act plays - two of them written by local Mackay playwright Paul Vander Loos. "Quartet", a season of one-act plays, is opening on 23 February.

The season includes: complaints to those whose behaviour she deems unacceptable.

“Murder Most Fowl” and “In Good Spirits”, by local author Paul Vander Loos, directed by Joe Clutterbuck and Brian O'Neill; “Putting Back the Fest”, by Australian playwright Michael Jeffrey, presented by Ken Sanders; and “A Lady of Letters”, from the “Talking Heads” series by Alan Bennett, presented by Tessa King.

What are they all about? “Murder Most Fowl” centres around a neighbourhood disagreement over a prized rooster that ends with a surprising twist!

“In Good Spirits”, performed as a radio play, follows four friends on a stormy night in which they experience some supernatural events.

“Putting Back the Fest”: the one-act play festival is over. Now it’s time for the presentations - and tonight’s adjudicator is taking no prisoners!

Tickets are now on sale at the special price of just $20 each.

Just follow this link or scan the QR code to go to the bookings website: https://events. humanitix.com/one_act_plays_2023.

Is improving public speaking one of your New Year’s Resolutions?

If so, take the first step to make your goal a reality by attending Mackay Toastmasters Club's Presentation Mastery Class on Tuesday, 7 February.

The class will run from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm and cover the essentials you need to plan and deliver a presentation.

“We know many people want to improve their public speaking skills and build their confidence,” Mackay Toastmasters Club member Megan Dillon said.

“However, they often struggle to believe that they can do something about it.

“If that sounds like you, come along to our class to learn some practical skills that will help you be confident in front of an audience.”

The class is suitable for anyone who would like to be able to improve their presentation skills. It will cover what goes into giving a presentation; from the first time you sit down to plan it to the moment you step out in front of your audience.

Tickets must be purchased to attend the event. The price of $24.95 includes refreshments and education materials.

Megan Dillon said Mackay Toastmasters Club offers people an opportunity to practise their communication and leadership skills.

“Public speaking is like any skill,” she explained.

“You can learn what to do, but you’ll only begin to see improvement when you practise.

“Toastmasters can speed up this process because we practise our skills then get almost instant feedback on how we could improve next time.

“Plus, we make our meetings fun, so our members want to keep coming back!

WHAT: Mackay Toastmasters Presentation Mastery Class

WHEN: Tuesday, February 7 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

WHERE: Jubilee Community Centre

COST: $24.95 including refreshments and education materials. Purchase tickets at mackay.toastmastersclubs.org

“A Lady of Letters”: middle-aged Irene Ruddock observes the lives of those living around her, and writes letters of

For more information about Kucom Theatre, visit its website www.kucom.org. au or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.