AN amateur theatre company that has been entertaining Bathurst for more than half a century is facing its final curtain call unless the community supports its latest production.
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The Carillon Theatrical Society has been putting on a musical for the people of Bathurst every year since 1959.
But it could be lost if people don’t flock to its production of The Producers, currently playing at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.
CTS president Roland Auguszczak said the theatre company relies on community support as its only source of revenue.
“One show pays for the next,” he said.
“To put on a show like this costs between $40,000 and $45,000. That’s a lot of money. If we don’t get it back, we go under.”
Mr Auguszczak said many people don’t realise how expensive it is to put on a big musical production.
Two of the biggest costs are hiring BMEC and buying the rights to the show.
“The costs are overwhelming. Everybody gets their cut and by the time they are finished there is not much left,” Mr Auguszczak said.
The Carillon Theatrical Society has become a Bathurst institution over the past 51 years.
Community theatre provides an excellent training ground for those who want a career in the theatre. Many start off with a small part and grow into major parts.
“Our whole aim is to provide musicals for the public,” Mr Auguszczak said. “We also give local people a chance to be part of the theatre.
“We do it because we have a love of theatre and a love for musicals. Making enough money to run the next show is our only motive.”
The Producers features 45 local people on stage, an orchestra of 20 and 15 backstage crew. All are getting valuable experience.
“I can’t imagine what it would be like if Bathurst lost Carillon,” Mr Auguszczak said.
“I just can’t wrap my mind around it - but no doubt that is the reality if we don’t get more people along to our performances,” he said.
Mr Auguszczak said The Producers got off to a slow start last week, something that was likely compounded by the fact it is school holidays and the dead of winter.
“Those who did come had a wonderful time,” Mr Auguszczak said.
“It is a great production. The leads are exceptional. People who come along will really enjoy it - the funniness of it and the snappy music. The score is very good indeed.
“It’s a bloody good show. It has everything going for it. We’d really love to see a packed theatre from now on.”
The Producers will run at BMEC until Sunday, including two matinees. Performances start at 7.30pm and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 1.30pm. For bookings, phone 6333 6161.