Bert LaBonté
MTC Foundation

Bert LaBonté's MTC Story

Actor Bert LaBonté says he’s privileged to be part of the MTC family after his first role 20 years ago.

We asked nine people to share their MTC story with us. Actor Bert LaBonté says he’s privileged to be part of the MTC family after his first role 20 years ago.

For Bert LaBonté, the MTC story began 20 years ago in a walk-on role where he said four lines, in the dark, wearing a head-torch. However, in 2006, he returned to the MTC stage in a role that would redefine his career and mark the beginning of a steadfast relationship with the Company. The show was a new production of the two-time Tony Award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – fresh from Broadway where it premiered the previous year. ‘It was just one of those shows. It was a hit … I made life-long friends … It was an unbelievable thing to be a part of with an incredible cast,’ Bert says.

It was in the dressing room he shared with fellow actor David Campbell that Bert experienced a psychological shift in the way he viewed his career in performing arts, and the industry as a whole. ‘[David] taught me so many lessons about how to enjoy your craft, and what you’re doing, and the fact it may not be here forever. That’s where my career turned, I said “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.” So I’ve taken all the pressure off and I’ve worked ever since.’

‘MTC’s a huge part of my life and I’m supremely grateful for it. I count myself as very, very lucky and privileged to be a part of this family, and to be part of this group who are constantly giving me opportunities to do amazing things. How could you not be grateful for that? There’s a real human element that goes beyond just a working relationship. You feel very lucky to be around people like that, who look after you.’

Our stories begin with you. With your generous support of MTC we can ensure that the Company remains a vibrant and integral part of this great city for generations to come. Learn more and share your story at mtc.com.au/yourmtc

Published on 21 April 2017

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