Colette Quin, Laura Gundrill and Brenda Spilva as the cast of an earlier production, Grace.
What began as a bold idea in regional Victoria is now stepping confidently onto national stages and changing lives along the way.
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In just 18 months, Limelight Touring Company has grown into an award-winning arts organisation, moving from local halls to one of the biggest arts festivals in the world, while also transforming young lives through its Set the Scene drama program.
That growth was recognised with Limelight being named ACE Star Achiever of the Year 2026 at the Moira Achiever Awards, celebrating excellence in arts and culture.
Limelight Touring Company was founded by Brenda Spilva and creative collaborator Laura Gundrill and is driven by a shared belief that regional communities deserve access to high-quality arts experiences.
“I think it’s an acknowledgement of the importance of arts and culture in our region,” Brenda said.
“To have made an impact in such a short amount of time is a real accomplishment.”
A defining milestone came with a two-week season at the 2026 Adelaide Fringe Festival, one of the world’s largest arts festivals.
Brenda Spilva with JC Clapham at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, with a production they plan to take to the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
“Seeing our posters around Adelaide and being part of that community was recognition that we belong in that space,” Brenda said.
“You realise you’re part of something much bigger.”
To Laura, the experience confirmed what they had always believed.
“We’ve always had big goals,” she said.
“But Adelaide was confirmation; now we know we can do it.”
Limelight also took writer and performer JC Clapham’s storytelling comedy show Joely Poley, Puddin’ & Pie to Adelaide Fringe, with plans for Melbourne Fringe and local performances.
JC said joining Limelight made it possible to tour and to benefit from the team’s experience.
While the company’s productions continue to grow, its community work is just as impactful.
Through Set the Scene, Laura and facilitator Lexi Aivaliotis deliver drama classes to children aged seven to 17 across Yarrawonga, Myrtleford and Benalla.
“The acknowledgement shows how important it is to create accessible arts where it may not be offered,” Laura said.
“It gives kids a place to come. Nine times out of ten, they say, ‘this is a safe space for me’; and that’s everything.”
Set the Scene now supports about 45 students with a program focussed on building confidence and creativity through acting, voice work and performance.
“We’ve had kids come in too shy to speak,” Laura said.
“By the end, they’re laughing and performing; it’s incredible.”
Brenda said accessibility was key.
“It’s not about big productions or costs; it’s about giving kids the chance to learn and shine,” she said.
“We want to remove barriers so every child who wants to do drama can access it.”
Set the Scene drama students in Yarrawonga, a community initiative from Limelight.
Looking ahead, Limelight is preparing for the Melbourne Fringe Festival while continuing to expand access through sponsored places and outreach into regional schools.
For both women, success is measured in opportunity, and the belief that “just because you live in a country town doesn’t mean you can’t do this; it is possible”.
From local halls to national stages, Limelight Touring Company is proving exactly that.
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