Many years of involvement in local theatre has been recognised with the presentation of a very special Cooma Little Theatre (CLT) award to Natalie Revelant.

From a young age, Nat, as she is better known, was destined for the stage.

“As a little girl I was always singing or being dramatic or cartwheeling across the soccer field when I 100 per cent should have been watching the ball,” Nat said.

From the late 70s her father, Marco, was heavily involved on stage and backstage in the theatre, so her love for acting and theatre production grew from there while accompanying Marco to rehearsals.

For the past 11 years, CLT has presented the David Unwin Memorial Award For Excellence. The award was established by Ruth Blattman (who died in June this year) in memory of her son, David Unwin, and it is awarded to members who have contributed enormously to the organisation.

CLT president, Caroline Fox, said in 2018, when Nat was 12, she joined the cast of Ron Dowd’s production of ‘The Sound of Music’ as an ensemble member, and, in around 30 seconds on the stage, she showed herself to have great comedic timing.

“Since then, she has continued to be involved in shows, in various ways as actor, hall officer, promotor, gardener, cleaner, and wardrobe sorter,” Caroline said.

She made her directorial debut in 2024, and will be directing her second show at the start of next year.

When she isn’t on the stage, she can be found working behind the bar, at the coffee counter, in the tech box, and back stage, Caroline added.

“Nat has participated in every Film Appreciation Society event, and has assisted with every event when the venue has been hired by other performers. She can often be found in an outrageous costume, promoting the theatre at the Rotary Markets, or distributing posters and flyers through the town,” Caroline said.

“She is also currently the organisation’s secretary and publicity officer, and has organised souvenir merchandise to celebrate the theatre’s 70th anniversary this year.”

Caroline presented the award to Nat, which was attended by a representative of the Unwin family, Nell Pernitsch (herself, a dedicated and prolific theatre member).

At the presentation, acknowledgement was also made of Nat’s parents.

“Marco has been an active theatre member since the ‘70s, and he has acted, directed and/or been on stage crew for countless productions, and he has generously given his time and skills on working bees,” Caroline said.

“Marjorie, Nat’s mum, has secretly been caterer to cast and crew for several shows: from pizzas to fresh sandwiches, gorgeous fruit platters and lolly bags; the Cooma Little Theatre is beholden to the whole family.”

Nat said she is extremely appreciative she was considered worthy of the award.

“It means so much to me in so many ways,” she said.

“It means that I’m being recognised for all the hard work that I put in to keep the theatre going. It means that in all my years I’ve made an impact on the theatre community. Most importantly, it means the most to my 12-year-old self, who started out as a little ensemble member, very afraid and shy about the world around me.”

The theatre is a second home for Nat and it shows that hard work and dedication do pay off; as does energy, passion and drive.

“I’ve always had a drive for performing arts and all things theatre, but what pushes me the most is seeing what impact it can have on people,” Nat said.

“I think theatre is something anyone can be involved with. I have been a part of so many shows with all different abilities and personalities and have watched so many people grow into their own on stage.”

The change from a timid or shy person to confident and secure is a special transformation for Nat to observe.

“You watch these people become absolutely golden on stage. Even on my worst days, I know I can go to the theatre and have fun and feel wanted, safe and accepted by all of the people around me.”

CLT has become a community to Nat.

“I have met so many different people who have made such an impact in my life,” she said.

“Some of my best friends I met there, and biggest mentors and support system are at the theatre. I have always felt wanted and with all of the years I’ve spent not only at the theatre but at school, I feel really knowledgeable around all things theatre.”

She concedes, however, there is still much to learn in the industry.

“Even if I’m not on stage, I have had so much fun backstage on many different productions. You will always find a laugh there.

“I enjoy my roles on the committee as well because even though it’s volunteer work, I have gained so much knowledge that will help me later on in life.”

In addition to her debut in ‘The Sound of Music’ as a child, Nat was the following year cast as Amy March for her first big lead role in ‘Little Women’, directed by Nell Pernitsch in 2019.

Since then she has been in ‘Aladdin: the pantomime’ 2022, ‘Goldilocks on Trial’ 2023, ‘Bullshot Crummond’ 2023, Two Short Comedies - my directorial debut along side Jess Clow in 2024, ‘Flint Street Nativity’ 2024, ‘Barefoot in the Park’ 2025, ‘Suessical’ 2025 - where she again had the lead as Cat in the Hat.

To further her knowledge and skills, in 2022 and 2023 Nat studied a double major in Drama at Mary Mackillop College.

“This gave me so many more tools for my own interest and benefit,” she said.

“Cooma Little Theatre is seriously though one of my favourite places on this earth.”