Mervyn Smith was active in performing arts from 1946 at the age of 7 years. He began by learning piano, brass instruments and tap dancing.
Born in Charters Towers on 28th June, 1939, he lived between there and the Ingham area during World War II. After the war, his parents resided in Charters Towers and Mackay until 1950 when they settled in Townsville. Mervyn has remained there until the present day apart from study in Brisbane. During three World tours that he enjoyed after he was married, he viewed many professional productions. Mervyn trained as a teacher and taught for 47 years to 2004. The last 36 years were at Ignatius Park College where he was Deputy Principal for 25 years.
Mervyn learnt piano for 10 years, and played a Brass Band instrument to competition standard from 1949 until 1972, latterly in the Townsville Brass Band. He played saxaphone and clarinet in dance bands and pit orchestras from 1957 to 1967.
From 1957 to 2000, Mervyn participated in 70 theatrical productions, backstage, on stage and as producer/director of plays and musicals. Mervyn studied singing from 1993 to 2013 and performed as a soloist and Townsville Choral Society member with some success as a Baritone. The impact of a virus curtailed his participation after 2013 but he continues to support the Performing Arts Historical Society since 2005.
Mervyn is most proud of his successful achievement in a 20-year association with the yearly musical production at Ignatius Park College. He thus promoted the development of acceptance of theatre at an all-male school during his tenurte. He is also proud of his comedy performances, especially at the original Stage Door Theatre between 1972 and 1982, and the success of his singing between 1993 and 2013.
Mervyn was married to D’Esley Jefferies in 1963 and has her continuing support in theatre throughout the marriage. She was a Dancing Teacher and choreographer as well as a Library Assistant and mother of three girls, all of whom have had performance experiences.
