Michelle Sievwright Life Member 2026
In 2008, Michelle stepped into the role of secretary—quietly taking her place backstage, where so much of the magic truly begins. Even before that, she was already part of the production crew, lending her talents to typing show programmes and helping set the scene long before the curtain rose.
As the seasons changed, so too did Michelle’s roles. From the wings, she moved into the spotlight of the ticket box—becoming the familiar front-of-house presence that greets our audiences night after night. Like a seasoned stage manager, she keeps everything running smoothly: selling and booking tickets, answering enquiries, distributing programmes, and lending an attentive ear to patrons, cast, and crew alike. For many, she is the first act in their theatre experience.
Since 2013, Michelle has also played a starring role behind the scenes in our Youth Drama productions—crafting programmes for 3–5 shows each year. For 13 years, she has meticulously prepared cast lists, synopses, and graphics, ensuring every production is presented with polish and professionalism. And, as with our mainstage shows, she is often found in the ticket box for these sell-out performances, helping bring the house to full.
For 17 years, Michelle has performed the ongoing role of secretary with unwavering dedication. Her script includes precise minutes, prompt correspondence, careful handling of bookings, and coordination of venue hire—all delivered with consistency, diligence, and care. She may not take a bow on stage, but her contribution is woven through every production, every meeting, and every success we celebrate.
Michelle is one of those invaluable members of the ensemble whose work happens beyond the spotlight—yet without whom the show simply could not go on. Her commitment to Repertory Invercargill goes far beyond any title; it is a performance of service, loyalty, and quiet excellence.
Stéphane Fabre
Stéphane married his beloved Catherine in France and they eventually moved to her homeland in 1999, where she introduced him to Invercargill Repertory Society.
Stéphane Fabre is a constant presence behind the bar at Repertory productions as any seasoned acteur is upon the stage. While his role may not always take place beneath the spotlight, his contribution is no less central to the success of each performance. Like a maître de scène working just out of view, Stéphane curates the bar with a discerning eye—selecting wines attuned not only to the production but to the temperament of the audience it draws. He understands both his vintages and his public, anticipating what will delight the house each evening.
Ever attentive to detail, he ensures the bar is as finely run as any Parisian café before curtain-up. Should the props—glassware, in this case—fall short, Stéphane is already a step ahead. His insistence on pristine presentation led even to the acquisition of a commercial glass washer, elevating standards to those worthy of a première.
Yet Stéphane has not remained solely in the wings. From time to time, he has pris la scène—stepping into the light to tread the boards himself. In 2011, he portrayed the Count in Four Flat Whites. In Are You Being Served, 2011 he appeared as a customer—sharing the stage in a charming moment of theatrical family legacy, alongside his son Pierre, who took on the delightfully surreal role of a lobster. He also performed in Le Sud, adding further chapters to his repertoire, in 2010
Beyond performance and bar, Stéphane accepted his role on the Repertory Committee in 2014—an ensemble effort that extends far beyond meetings. Like any dedicated troupe member, he contributes wherever needed: from post-show strike and clean-ups, to setting the stage for opening night, to supporting performances and special events at Repertory House. His presence has been felt in every act of this collective endeavour.