|
Clwyd Theatr Cymru director Terry Hands has come under criticism from his staff after proposals were tabled to axe around 12 posts in production departments rather than associate positions. Management at the Welsh National Performing Arts Company are trying to reduce the number of staff from 70 to cut is deficit - rumoured to be nearly £850,000 - by £200,000 per year. Former Royal Shakespeare Company artistic director Hands, who took control of the venue three years ago, has decided to reduce posts in areas including the buildings services, stage management, wardrobe, maintenance and educational departments. One staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Everybody is really hacked off, but we are trying to pull together." "There is a feeling among the workshop staff that there is no point in them putting the set up because they are almost on the way out." "But there are still a lot of associate directors and literary managers here. The staff are not happy at all." It is thought that representatives of staff union UNISON have urged management to balance the budget from other areas at the venue. Clwyd Theatr Cymru receives grants totalling £2.1 million from the Arts Council of Wales and Flintshire County Council, but has accrued a substantial deficit. Its two theatres will go dark during August. It is thought that managers want to implement cuts by the autumn, but staff are eligible for two months notice prior to departure. Many are currently touring in Under Milk Wood and The Threepenny Opera. Hands, who is directing productions in New York, and board chairman Margaret Hanson were unavailable for comment. |
| The Stage web site: www.thestage.co.uk |
| e-mail: |
Thursday, May 11, 2000 |
Older news
stories have been carefully archived.
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999