His career in the arts spanned more than 60 years and in that time he was involved with just about every aspect of the performing arts in Wellington. He played a leading role in the construction of the Hannah Playhouse (which later became Downstage), chaired the Embassy Theatre Trust and the New Zealand Film Festival Trust, and was influential in saving the Embassy Theatre and Opera House from the wrecking ball. Sheat was pivotal in setting up the New Zealand Film Commission, serving as its inaugural chair for seven years.
ROSA WOODS/Stuff
Bill Sheat, a stalwart of Wellington s arts and film industries, was honoured at the 2019 Gold Awards.