16 July 2014

Urban Myth having difficulties


Urban Myth, who now  lease the Mayfair Theatre on the corner of Victoria St and Goodwood Rd are seeking support to help to keep their organisation going. They have been helping teenagers develop acting skills for 33years in Unley. While you might not have $500 to spare to help them out even making an effort to attend performances would make a difference. Read the Eastern Courier's full story below.





Eastern Courier Messenger, Adelaide  by  Emmie Dowling
16 Jul 2014


GOODWOOD
YOUTH GROUP NEEDS $200K TO SURVIVE
URBAN Myth Theatre Company might need to cut productions or vacate Goodwood Institute if it fails to raise $200,000 in the next six months.
The 33-year-old youth theatre company is asking about 2000 people in its database to each donate $500 as part of its "500 for 500" campaign, launched last week.
The aim was to get at least 500 people to help save the not-for-profit company as it grapples with a $30,000 equipment debt.
The company also had to spend more than planned on occupational health and safety compliance to transform the 130-year-old Goodwood Institute into a 212seat theatre for productions and hirers.
The company's general manager Bec Pannell said ongoing costs of running the theatre were "killing" it.
She said the senior ensemble's annual theatre production would be one of the first projects to be cut if it was unable to raise money by December.
Senior ensemble actor Gabriel Allani, 18, said the company offered aspiring actors a step up.
"I'm really disappointed because it's the perfect place to find out whether you want to be on stage and pursue an acting career," Allani, of Hackney, said.
The company has three full-time staff, including Ms Pannell, after cutting four positions in the past year.
Money raised would help to run programs, reduce debt and pay rent and bills at the venue.
Urban Myth moved from its Unley "Cottage" base of more than 30 years to the Goodwood Institute, opposite the Capri Cinema, in 2012 because it wanted more space.
The company leases the space for $55,000 a year from private owners Bill and Margaret Mackenzie.
Rent has been rising by $10,000 each year but it will be capped at $75,000 in two years.
The theatre company has nurtured successful South Australian actors and writers, including Packed to the Rafters star Hugh Sheridan.

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