Marian Street Theatre Suddenly Closed
Marian Street Theatre for Young People (MSTYP) wishes to advise that its January production of Snow White will now play at the Lighthouse Theatre, Macquarie University, North Ryde in January, instead of at the theatre in Killara.
The reason for this change came about suddenly when Ku-ring-gai Council voted at the 10 December meeting to close the theatre immediately on the basis that it is no longer compliant with the Australian Building Code.
MSTYP will comply with Council’s wishes, despite the fact that neither Council’s own structural engineer’s report or the report commissioned by MSTYP recommended that the theatre needs to close while remedial work takes place.
In 2008 – 2010 extensive work was undertaken by Council and MSTYP staff and students were not required to leave the building.
MSTYP’s Board, headed by Lindfield resident David Castle, is extremely disappointed that Council has decided that for remedial work to be done the entire theatre has to be vacated. MSTYP had at least expected to remain in the office and downstairs area while an upgrade takes place in the Upstairs Theatre. The MSTYP Board has been very supportive of Council’s ideas to rejuvenate the building and bring in theatre for adults in the evenings.
“It has been very difficult, but thank goodness we have at such short notice been able to find alternative accommodation for our January workshops and our rehearsals for Snow White,” said Artistic Director Margie McCrae.
Ms McCrae went on to say that “Regular drama classes that are normally held at the Theatre will go ahead in alternate venues. However we are in urgent need of office space so if anyone in the community can sponsor or offer a temporary office space we would be very grateful!”
You can contact MSTYP on 9498 7671 or email info@mstyp.org.au
The Board and Management are looking forward to working constructively with Council to restore MSTYP to the theatre as soon as possible. In conclusion Ms McCrae said “While this is a difficult time for us and for our loyal students and audiences, we have been around for 45 years – we will survive and continue to produce great productions for children, as well as drama training and theatre skills for young people for the next 45 years!”
Bookings for Snow White can be made on 1300 306 776 or www.mca-tix.com.au