LITTLE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 August 1938, Page 6

LITTLE THEATRE

SOCIETY TO BE FORMED IN MASTERTON. PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE SET UP. A decision to form a Masterton Little Theatre Society was made at a wellattended meeting held in the Y.M.C.A. Hall last evening. A provisional committee consisting of Mrs Max Cleghorn and Messrs J. H. Kemnitz, C. C. Marsack, T. C. Wynne and F. McCallum was appointed to discuss the possible scope of activities of the society and its rcl&Umship to similar bodies already established in the town. This committee is to prepare a report on its investigations to be presented to a further public meeting to be held next Wednesday evening. Gratification at the large attendance at last night’s meeting was expressed by the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan who presided. “It is a very good start,” observed Mr Jordan. Mr McCallum said it had been suggested that something should be done to consolidate the existing repertory groups in the local area. Mr McCallum outlined the possible activities of a Little Theatre Society in Masterton. It might be possible to present four major productions in a year, he said, although as the season was already far advanced, it would not be possible to present more than one show this year.

The activities of similar societies in Dunedin were outlined by Mr Wynne. The Repertory Society in that city, he said, conducted various schools in which enthusiasts were able to study the various branches of the art of the theatre including acting, scenery, costumes and lighting, etc. A motion to the effect that a Little Theatre Society be formed in Masterton was moved by, Mrs M. Cleghorn and seconded by. Mrs E. J. Rich. In the following discussion, Mr V. Joseph said that he understood that the proposed society intended to assist the play-reading groups already established and to avoid as far as possible any clashing with those bodies in the matter of dates. Mr C. C. Marsack said that he understood that the proposed society was to embody all the smaller groups already in existence in one organisation to deal with practically all the theatrical work in Masterton. He did not think it would be possible for any new society to carry with the present societies in existence.

Mr McCallum said that the idea was for the smaller societies to remain as feeding-grounds for the proposed organisation, which might be called the parent body. When he left Auckland, there were 43 theatrical societies presenting productions to the public there. One society in Masterton, observed Mr McCallum, would not, with only four productions a year, give sufficient acting opportunities to those who were seeking them. That was where the smaller groups would come

After further considerable discussion, it was decided to form a Masterton Little Thearte Society and, on the motion of Mr Marsack, a provisional committee was appointed to investigate the entire position and present a report to a further general meeting to be held on Wednesday next.