THE THESPIANS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 4

THE THESPIANS

RAPID PROGRESS

MEMBERSHIP LIMITED

Although the Thespians (Incorporated) will have completed only three years when the annual meeting is held tonight, the society has grown so rapidly that a limitation on membership has been imposed, and it is anticipated that this limit will be reached early this year. The annual report of the society states that .the present membership is 414.

During the past season, four major productions were presented under the direction of Mr. Victor S. Lloyd, assisted by Miss Winnie Cooley, an.d while Mr. Lloyd was absent in. Australia, Mr. D. G. Edwards took his place for the production of the last play. For these productions forty-six parts had to be filled, and thirty-two of these were taken by members who were making their debut in Thespian major productions. < Only five members played twice, and no one person played more than one leading part. An original revue was presented for three nights and nineteen one-act plays of a high standard were produced by fourteen producers. In addition, three plays were presented by the juniors and 41 plays were read, the attendances averaging 130 to 160. Approximately 61 new members took part in the reading.

■The year was a successful one financially, and a small profit is shown in the balance-sheet. Attendances : increased at each major production and the committee anticipates the same success during the coming year.

The report states that the committee has been advised that Mr. Victor S. Lloyd, the director, has been forced to relinquish his position through pressure of business, but the society will not lose his full services." The committee places on record its sincere appreciation of the great amount of time and patience Mr. Lloyd has given to the society since its inception, and extends to him its best wishes for his future in his- new activites.

In a separate report Mr. Lloyd pays a high tribute to the work of members during the past season. Referring to his resignation ■as director, he states that he will shortly be embarking upon a new professional life and will not, have as much free time during the' evenings.

"You can perhaps gauge my emotions at having to take such a step when you consider that I founded the Thespians only three years-ago, but during those three years the society has grown and expanded until today, when its position in the cultural and dramatic life of the city of Wellington is one of some importance," he states. "The society has grown and expanded, and while I have been the figurehead and have had to shoulder the main responsibility, I cannot let this moment pass without giving the utmost possible credit to those who, during three difficult years, have given me their support, their very willing help, and their enthusiastic good will. I will not mention any of them by name; there are so many that it would take too long, and I am sure that all of you must know that without their help.the society would not. be in the position it is today.

"There is one name I would like to mention, that of Mr. Vryn Evans. Mr. Evans was with us in the days' when the society was born, and was the first chairman of the committee. , During the first year his help and guidance and unbounded enthusiasm did much to help to build up the society. He has been a vice-president for two years. Now he has been transferredto Motueka, wherg^ I understand, he intends to start the Motueka Thespians. I feel we cannot do better than make Mr. Evans our first life member."

In conclusion, Mr. Lloyd's report states that during the three years of the society's • existence, relations between himself and members of the casts have been most harmonious. He states that he will always watch the society's activities ■ with the warmest and most affectionate interest, and will always be glad to give any advice or help to members.