Petition plea to patrons

Press, 2 May 1985, Page 9

Petition plea to patrons

Court Theatre patrons are being asked to sign a petition to be sent to the Minister of Arts, Mr Tapsell, calling for an increase in funding for New Zealand theatre. The petition had been in the theatre’s foyer for the last week, said the Court’s promotions manager, Mr Nicholas Mcßryde. The petition was being organised by Actors’ Equity members with co-operation

from the theatre. Leaflets were also being distributed to patrons asking them to write individual letters to Mr Tapsell calling for funding increases.

On the opening nights of the two present shows at the theatre, Actors’ Equity members had actively sought signatures for the petition but on other nights the petition was left in the foyer for patrons to sign if they wished.

The leaflets were being put in programmes for the shows. Mr Mcßryde said Actors’ Equity members had decided on the petition instead of actors addressing audiences at the end of performances. The actors seek a wage increase of 25 per cent in negotiations with the community theatres. They organised a national strike on April 19.