MUSICAL COMEDY ACTORS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 191, 8 May 1919, Page 8

MUSICAL COMEDY ACTORS

A deputation from the Actors' Association waited recently on a special subcommittee of the West End Theatrical Managers' Association representing the musical comedy theatres to discuss various questions which tlio association nas decided to bring to the front in tho hope of arriving at • a friendly settlement.

The managers present were Mr. J. M, Gatti, Mr. Tom B. Davis, Sir Alfred Butt Mr. Edward Laurillard, and Mr. Robert Evett. Mr. C. B. Cochran was unable to attend, Wing to the first production of "Cyrano de Bergerac" at Edinburgh. The Actors' Association was represented by Mr. Sydney Valentine, chairman of the council, Mr. Norman' M'Kinnel, vicechairman, Mr. Alfred Lugg, secretary, Mr. Ernest Hcndrie,'' Mr. Nelson Keys, Miss Ine Cameron, and Miss Madge M'lntosh. '"> .

Tho points which the Actors' Association delegates brought before tho conference were:—A minimum salary of £3 a week; payment for rehearsals at the rate of .Gl n- week, whatever tho salary to'be iiaid during the run of. the play might bo; a definite period of engagement, instead of tin vivjuo terms which appear in many of the existing contracts ; /the' insertion of a fair "illness clause"; and the provision that contracts should bo made for a definite dale of production. Tho last point has been brought nrominontly to the front of late owing to-a certain production for which rehearsals began in January, and which has only just seen the lijht after more than one'postponement. The question of illness is also felt to be specially important at tho present time, as in many existing contracts absence from a icry few performances, even though a nwdieal certificate is forthcoming,- is liable to result in the cancelling of the engagement. Tho proceedings wero private, but it is understood that the negotiations wero conducted in a very friendly spirit. Tho theatrical managers admitted the justice in principle of the claims of tho association, nnd intimated their willingness tii submit a scheme setting out how far they consider themselves ablo to accept the nropusals. This ofl'cr was accepted by I lie representatives of the players, aiul it was* understood that the scheme would be brought forward' with as l : ttle delay as nossible. After it has been submitted to,the Actors' Association a further conference Ir.tween the parlies will he held, at which it is hoped a friendly sottlement may be arrlvod at.