The Marylin Apps Players Contribution Award (MAPCA) has been introduced to secure the legacy of our friend and founder, Marylin Apps. We believe the award ensures that the legacy and reason why Marylin started The Russett Players continues in the society; that of introducing drama and entertainment to the village and surrounding areas while ensuring the society gives back to the community.
While people may come and go, committee members may change and the performances may alter, the reason why we are here giving back to the community will live long and remain in the future of The Russett Players for all time.
This award is open to all members, and members are invited to nominate potential winners for the services they have given to the The Russett Players. This is not necessarily acting, it could be props, costumes, scenery, front of house or backstage, writing, directing, etc.
All members, including the committee, can nominate and the society Chair along with a selected committee member will review the nominations and select a winner based on the nominations. The award, a shield, will be presented at the AGM or at our autumn/winter production and the winner receives a certificate.
While people may come and go, committee members may change and the performances may alter, the reason why we are here giving back to the community will live long and remain in the future of The Russett Players for all time.
This award is open to all members, and members are invited to nominate potential winners for the services they have given to the The Russett Players. This is not necessarily acting, it could be props, costumes, scenery, front of house or backstage, writing, directing, etc.
All members, including the committee, can nominate and the society Chair along with a selected committee member will review the nominations and select a winner based on the nominations. The award, a shield, will be presented at the AGM or at our autumn/winter production and the winner receives a certificate.
Anne Ferguson was our MAPCA winner for 2023 and the award was given posthumously. Patrick Ferguson kindly accepted the award on Anne's behalf. The society said of Anne : "She was not only a fantastic, enthusiastic, versatile, natural and dynamic actor, she gave each of her characters a life of their own and always learned her lines before anyone else. Anne was generous, welcoming and a real asset to the society and an excellent secretary of the committee." She will be missed by all that knew her.
Joff Brown was the winner of the MAPCA award in 2022. The society said of Joff "he works tirelessly behind the scenes ensuring sound f/x, music and occasionally lighting work seamlessly for each production. Preparing, researching at home, attending rehearsals, working with the cast and directors and of course during the performances themselves. A dedicated and enthusiastic member of the society."
Having paused the society due to Covid-19 for 2020, 2021's winner was Sue Noad. The society said of Sue. "Sue supports the society through significant times of change and years of service. Giving back to the community in selflessly taking on directing and producing productions ensuring ‘the show must go on’ on many occasion. A dedicated member of the committee whom The Russett Players would be lost without.
2019 saw the award presented at the production of 'A Christmas Carol', which was directed by Dave Francis. This was the largest cast of any Russett Players production so along with other reasons, it was fitting that many of the membership nominated Dave Francis for the award.
The society said of Dave...
Having never served on the Russett Players committee before, he was not backwards in coming forward to stand as Chair when the need arose. Within the next three years, not only did they Chair the society, but also helped direct a production started by our founder, Marylin. He then wrote and directed his own one act play, continued to be cast in lead roles and has also just successfully directed the RP’s latest community production. Many have had the pleasure of working with him over this time. He attacks everything with absolute gusto and the Society believes him to be the epitome of Marylin's vision and passion for local amateur dramatics.
The society said of Dave...
Having never served on the Russett Players committee before, he was not backwards in coming forward to stand as Chair when the need arose. Within the next three years, not only did they Chair the society, but also helped direct a production started by our founder, Marylin. He then wrote and directed his own one act play, continued to be cast in lead roles and has also just successfully directed the RP’s latest community production. Many have had the pleasure of working with him over this time. He attacks everything with absolute gusto and the Society believes him to be the epitome of Marylin's vision and passion for local amateur dramatics.
The shield was awarded for the second time at our performance of 'Habeas Corpus, when it was presented to Penny Graham. The membership felt that Penny deserved the award as she tirelessly works to promote the society around the village, she is an influential active member of the Society’s committee, going above and beyond in her duties with every production she is involved with, including taking on a directing role for ‘A Murder is Announced’. Oh, and she also makes a damn good cake!
Jill Roper, the first winner of the MAPCA award.
The first time the shield was awarded was at our performance of 'Party at the end of the Earth, when the award was presented to Jill Roper. The committee felt that Jill deserved the award because of how she has grown as an actress over the last few years, always throwing herself into every role; and for the work she does publicising the society to the village and surrounding areas. A very worthy winner.
The first time the shield was awarded was at our performance of 'Party at the end of the Earth, when the award was presented to Jill Roper. The committee felt that Jill deserved the award because of how she has grown as an actress over the last few years, always throwing herself into every role; and for the work she does publicising the society to the village and surrounding areas. A very worthy winner.