Loyola College is once again celebrating outstanding achievement in the Performing Arts space following the announcement of Music Theatre Guild of Victoria’s 39th Annual Bruce Awards, with our 2026 production of Newsies receiving seven award nominations and seven commendations!
The Bruce Awards celebrate and recognise the passion, talent and dedication of hundreds of theatre companies and performing arts professionals from across Victoria. To have Newsies recognised among such an accomplished theatre community is a significant achievement and a wonderful acknowledgement of the standard of Performing Arts at Loyola.
Nominations:
| Production of the Year | Newsies |
| Direction | Vanda Tolli & Lucy Watson |
| Musical Direction | Jem Sherwill & Gemma Hedger |
| Choreography | Julie Boyle & Gem Oktay |
| Creative Design/Technical Achievement | Newsies Set |
| Supporting Performer in a Female Presenting Role | Eva Antonopoulos (12/ADFE) |
| Ensemble | Newsies |
These nominations recognise the incredible creative and collaborative effort that went into bringing Newsies to life, from the overall production and direction through to music, choreography, technical design and student performance.
Commendations:
Creative Design/Technical Achievement | Newsies Lighting AND Newsies Foyer Setup |
Lead Performer in a Male Presenting Role | Lachlan O’Dowd (10/FFCH) |
Lead Performer in a Female Presenting Role | Mackenzie Murphy (12/CSVR) |
Supporting Performer in a Male Presenting Role | Dominic O’Dowd (12/FSKE) AND Maira Salomoni-Wojciechowski (12/KPBA) |
| Dancers | Ella Nathan (12/CKBR) |
Together, these nominations and commendations represent an extraordinary level of recognition for a school production and reflect the breadth of talent involved in Newsies.
A Celebration of the Entire Team
While individual performers, creatives and technical achievements have been recognised, the success of Newsies was ultimately built on the commitment of an entire team. From the cast learning choreography, harmonies and dialogue, to the crew working behind the scenes; from the creative team developing the vision for the production, to the countless hours spent rehearsing, designing, building, painting, programming, organising and problem-solving — every contribution played a part.
The recognition from the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria is therefore a celebration of the entire Newsies Cast, Crew and Creative Team and the remarkable commitment they demonstrated throughout the production.
Striving for the Magis Through Performing Arts
This achievement is also a reflection of the continued strength of the Performing Arts program at Loyola College.
Our students are encouraged to discover and embrace their talents, challenge themselves, collaborate with others and step beyond their comfort zones. Whether performing under the spotlight, creating behind the scenes or contributing as part of an ensemble, students experience the discipline, creativity, resilience and teamwork that are central to the Performing Arts.
At Loyola, we encourage our students to continually strive for the Magis — to seek more, give more and become more than they thought possible.
The recognition of Newsies at the Bruce Awards is a wonderful example of our students and staff doing exactly that.
Congratulations to everyone who brought Newsies to life. This achievement belongs to you.
