Bendigo Theatre Company's Stania Tresize to make directorial debut after 42 years in theatre

As part of Bendigo Theatre Company's Tenx10 project, the 65-year-old will this week make her directorial debut.

In her more than 40 years of experience Stania has had a hand in dozens and dozens of shows as a performer, a costume designer, front of house worker, backstage crew, production manager and props master.

She has also been on the BTC committee for almost 10 years and is currently the company's secretary.

But she has never directed.

"It was a case of just giving it a go and I have thoroughly enjoyed it," she said.

"It's quite funny because I was getting the emails that come to the theatre company and nine had applied to be directors for the 10 plays. So I put my name down by chance.

"So why not give it a try, it's only 10 minutes."

Her experience in and around theatres for so many years means she has picked up a lot of tips from directors.

"I have observed a lot of directors. Some not so good, others really good," she said.

"There have been lots of little hints I've picked up. Things like projecting and using the whole stage - just things I don't have never thought about until I started directing.

"But I have been lucky to have three good people to direct in Carolyn, Ross and Steph.

"I'm proud with what I have achieved. I didn't think was capable of it."

BTC's Tenx10 sees 10 locally written plays produced and performed by members of the company.

It is designed to give inexperienced or new performers a chance to dip their toe in the theatrical world.

Stania said she has seen a number of new faces in the company in the four years since Tenx10 was first founded.

This year's Tenx10 comes to the stage from Thursday and runs until Sunday.

"On average there four people in a play, so 40 actors each year. Half of those people would be new to the theatre company," Stania said.

"We had close to 100 new people in the four years it's been going. But it could be more because there are people are helping backstage and other areas of the project.

"It's a mixed and varied group of scripts this year. There are some quite funny ones and in the last couple of days they have all looked really good."

After Tenx10, Stania will turn her attention to Bendigo Theatre Company's major production for 2019 Wicked.

She hopes to continue seeing a number of new faces getting involved in shows.

"I try to do a lot for the younger kids," she said. "I want to encourage them to try different things.

"My reward are the hugs that come from that. That's how I know appreciate me."

Bendigo Theatre Company's Tenx10 is on from March 28 to 31 at the BTC Arts Shed in Allingham Street, Golden Square. Tickets are $12. Visit www.gotix.com.au to book.