GOOD PROGRESS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 May 1940, Page 6

GOOD PROGRESS

MASTERTON LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY PRESENTATIONS DURING YEAR. LARGER MEMBERSHIP DESIRED. The second annual report of the Masterton Little Theatre Society, to be presented at the annual meeting,. on Wednesday night, says the society may congratulate itself on the progress made and the results achieved. This is not to say that the society cannot .do still better, and with the assistance and co-operation of members, the comini' season may find the society nioie amply fulfilling the intentions of its founders. Three major productions were presented during the season. "Housemaster." produced by Mrs. Peggy Mirams; "Family Affairs." produced by „ Miss Betty Coleman: and "Lucky Dip." produced by Mrs. E. J. Rich and Miss'K. Cruicksliank. Those productions afforded opportunity for some 40 members to test their acting ability, and al the same time gave other members valuable experience in stage-craft. Each presentation received a fair share of public support, though it is hoped, as the quality of performances improves with experience, that audiences will, increase in numberj. The net. proceeds from the performance of “Lucky Dio” were devoted to the District. Patriotic Fund, which was thereby augmented to the extent of £2O. Lucky Dip” was, at the request of the mayor, subsequently repeated as the society's contribution towards the activities of Recreation Week. In addition to the society’s own productions, arrangements' were made for the Wellington Thespians to present in Masterton their highly successful performance of "Private Lives." Il is hoped that this may prove the forerunner of a regular interchange of productions between the societies. SOCIAL EVENINGS. From various causes, the proposed monthly socials were not held as icgurlarly as had been intended. However, four social evenings were hold during the season, and these afforded opportunity to a number of novices to try their hands at producing one-act plays. In addition, an interesting and instructive talk on "make-up" was delivered by Mr. F. L. Price. The membership of the society now stands at 132—two fewer than a year earlier. It is essential to the well-being of the society that the membership be increased. Members who are interested in the progress of the society and the promotion of its objects, will make every effort, to'introduce new members. , , . The society has suffered severe loss in the departure on active service m Mr. T. C. Wynne, one of the society's most successful stage-managers. In addition, Messrs. G. C. Gaze. C. C. Marwack and C. J. Williams have since 101 l or are about to leave on military service Thanks are due to the Press lor kindly assistance and tolerant criticism during the season, to the lion, secretary. Mr T E. llandcock. for his work on behalf ol the society, to the hon auditor Mr A. D. Low. and to all who have assisted in the various productions. Special thanks should be given to (be hon. treasurer. Mr. C. K., ndcn. who has done the greater part ot the work of compiling the dratt constitution and rules. , The report is signed by the president, Mr. fl. Mackenzie Douglas.