[e-drive][EQUIFLASH - PUBLIC MEETING IN SUPPORT OF EASTERN FRONT THEATRE - DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA]

[Darlene Bullard]

Please direct all responses and inquiries directly to the theatre or
association listed in the e-drive notice below. 

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Public Meeting in Support of Eastern Front Theatre 
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All interested members of CAEA and the general public are encouraged to
attend a public meeting on Thursday, February 8 at 7:15 pm. in the Helen
Creighton Room of the Alderney Gate Branch of the public library (60
Alderney Drive in Dartmouth). The meeting stems from yesterday's
announcement by Peter Mancini, the chair of Eastern Front Theatre, that
the current production of "Portia White - First You Dream" which is
currently in rehearsal, may be shut down this coming Friday and the
theatre may close its doors. 

If Eastern Front closes it will result in the loss of three full time
jobs plus the cancellation of the contracts for eight actors and
production staff.  Downtown Dartmouth will also lose a key cultural
component and Alderney Landing will lose an anchor tenant.  Theatrical
experience for children would also be lost with the cancellation of the
company's Artists in the Schools program and the 10-Minute Play Writing
Contest for High School Students.

Mancini says the Board has been frustrated in its efforts to secure
working capital.  "Over the last 6 months Eastern Front made extensive
efforts to secure a loan from the NS government through various
programs, and although many government officials all through this
process encouraged us, late last week we learned that our request was
denied.  We were told essentially that the provincial government is
unable to lend money to non-profit organizations.  We are looking for a
loan repayable over four years, not a hand-out.  Without working capital
there is no way for the company to operate in a stable fashion."

The Eastern Front Board has worked to put a sustainable business plan in
place, through restructuring and developing a 5 year plan that requires
new working capital of $60,000 to maintain a steady cash flow for its
main stage productions and annual On the Waterfront Festival.  Mancini
said that many private and public sources have been approached but with
no firm commitments forthcoming, the Board feels it may have no choice
but to shut down operations in as orderly a process as possible.  "This
will be a major blow to everyone - the audience, the actors, the staff
and the theatre community as a whole", said Mancini.  

Over its eleven-year history Eastern Front Theatre has been a primary
source for the development of Atlantic Canadian plays and playwrights.
The company has commissioned, developed, and presented numerous original
dramatic works for the stage. 

"Portia White - First You Dream" is based on the life of African Nova
Scotian Portia White, who achieved international acclaim as a classical
singer in the 1940's and 50's.   This widely anticipated new play was
written by Nova Scotian playwright Lance Woolaver, author of the popular
play about Maud Lewis, "World Without Shadows" and was scheduled to open
February 19 during African Heritage Month.

Further information is available at Eastern Front's website at
www.easternfront.ns.ca or call 466-2769. 

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Canadian Actors' Equity Association 
44 Victoria Street, 12th Floor 
Toronto, ON M5C 3C4 
Tel: 416-867-9165 
Fax: 416-867-9246 
e-mail: communications at caea.com