Court Theatre’s programme

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33061, 31 October 1972, Page 18

Court Theatre’s programme

Although the Christchurch Theatre Trust had been formed primarily to sponsor the Court Theatre Society, it wanted to support any theatrical activity in Christchurch which had a role to play in building interest and competence in theatre, said the trust’s patron (Mr A. R. Guthrey) last evening.

At a meeting of the trust to elect three additional trustees, Mr Guthrey said that while the trust sponsored the senior professional theatrical company in Christchurch—the Court Theatre—it wanted to support theatrical activity generally in the region. The three trustees elected were Dame Ngaio Marsh,

Professor J. C. Garrett, and Mr H. G. Hay. A full-time business manager will be appointed for next year by the trust. Mr D. R. Hindin, a member of the trust board, has been acting as business manager. Mr M. G. Thompson, the artistic co-director, said that with 12 plays scheduled and others to be promoted by the Court Theatre, Christchurch theatre-goers could expect up to 30 weeks of productions by the Court Theatre during next year. He said attendance at locally produced theatre in Christchurch next year would be between 55,000 and 60,000 persons, of whom 16,000 would attend Court productions. CHANGE OF RULES At a meeting of the Court Theatre Society, Inc., held after the trust board meeting, members approved a change of rules of the society. The chairman (Mr W. T. Guthrie) said the rental of the Orange Lodge at 163 Worcester Street was $1750 a year, with $2300 expenses. The trust would provide $BOO for expenses and the rest would be obtained from ticket sales. The $3OOO grant from the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council through the trust would be used for payment of actors and backstage staff. Mr Guthrey had provided a total of $550 for carpet, and a carpenter’s wages. Mr Guthrie said the council had promised a sl-for-$2 subsidy on money given by Christchurch people.