The individual nominations include:

• Excellence by a male actor under 18: Oliver Crawford (St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton)
• Excellence by a male actor under 18: Riley Warner (St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton)
• Excellence in set and props design: Lisa Little (ASPIRE Executive Officer)
• Excellence in hair, makeup and wigs: Lauren Wheatley
• Excellence in costume design: Lauren Wheatley
• Excellence by a choreographer: Lauren Wheatley
• Best under 18 ensemble
• Excellence in lighting and audio visual design: Lachlan Thomas
• Best new play or musical written for a Newcastle company
• Excellence by a director - musical: Anna Kerrigan (ASPIRE Artistic Director)

The CONDA awards are highly recognised throughout the region and encourage excellence in theatre making.

The judging panels for the awards is made up of the region’s most accomplished theatrical artists and professionals.

Now in its eighth year, ASPIRE has very quickly established itself as a key driver in schools across the Diocese, as well as being one of the region’s premier performing mediums.

“These nominations are a testament to the dedication and commitment shown by the cast and crew of Dark Matter,” said Anna Kerrigan.

“I am particularly proud of the young performers, designers and backstage crew who inspired the story, were crucial in shaping it and told it with such professionalism and energy.”

The CONDA awards ceremony will take place on 1 December at Wests in New Lambton.

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.