Post by Talissa on Sept 21, 2003 20:24:47 GMT 11
I saw this at www.musicalsaustralia.com.au
SPECIAL REPORT: SAVE CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL
News has just been received that the City of Stonnington has stood down its Business and Artistic Manager of the past 8 years Ms Nancy Cato. Nancy Cato has built Chapel Off Chapel into one of the most thriving and vibrant cultural centres for the performing arts in the world. Since taking charge of operations and programming at the former Chapel in Prahran, Victoria, Nancy Cato has established Chapel Off Chapel as a ‘can do’ place for performing artists including actors, writers and musicians. The demand for use of the Chapel is so great that artists and production companies are queuing up to book space for their productions. With the cost of hiring rehearsal and production space being prohibitively expensive for low paid aspiring artists, Ms Cato has managed to provide a haven to nurture and promote new and established talent. With initial support from Stonnington Council, Nancy has been able to provide opportunities to the performing arts community that have established Chapel Off Chapel and the City of Stonnington as a major contributor to the betterment of society and the community through its support of the performing arts.
The turn-about by Stonnington Council in standing down Ms Cato has created a flood of protest from both the performing arts community and the general public. With the cost of tickets to most shows in Melbourne being out of reach to much of the public, Chapel Off Chapel provides quality live entertainment at affordable prices. This makes it possible for a couple to see first class musical theatre, cabaret, drama, script readings, musical readings and workshops on a weekly basis. Theatre is a social culture. It is a sense of place, space and people. The Chapel Piano Bar has been in operation for over a year. What started out as a short–term idea has turned into an institution. Walk into the Chapel foyer during the day and there is always a friendly face a cup of coffee and someone to talk to. There are teams of volunteers stuffing envelopes for the next mailout while performers young and old rehearse or workshop their upcoming productions.
All this will disappear if the City of Stonnington Council members have their way. Nancy Cato and her ‘We’ll make it happen’ spirit will be gone and along with it the dreams and aspirations of all the performing artists she has been able to support through the cooperative arrangements that currently exist. The Council’s plan for a user-pays approach will mean that the community spirit will be gone, and the Chapel will be just another ‘Venue for Hire’.
Send letters and emails of support to Chapel Off Chapel today! Chapel@stonnington.vic.gov.au
Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street , Prahran, Vic 3181
News has just been received that the City of Stonnington has stood down its Business and Artistic Manager of the past 8 years Ms Nancy Cato. Nancy Cato has built Chapel Off Chapel into one of the most thriving and vibrant cultural centres for the performing arts in the world. Since taking charge of operations and programming at the former Chapel in Prahran, Victoria, Nancy Cato has established Chapel Off Chapel as a ‘can do’ place for performing artists including actors, writers and musicians. The demand for use of the Chapel is so great that artists and production companies are queuing up to book space for their productions. With the cost of hiring rehearsal and production space being prohibitively expensive for low paid aspiring artists, Ms Cato has managed to provide a haven to nurture and promote new and established talent. With initial support from Stonnington Council, Nancy has been able to provide opportunities to the performing arts community that have established Chapel Off Chapel and the City of Stonnington as a major contributor to the betterment of society and the community through its support of the performing arts.
The turn-about by Stonnington Council in standing down Ms Cato has created a flood of protest from both the performing arts community and the general public. With the cost of tickets to most shows in Melbourne being out of reach to much of the public, Chapel Off Chapel provides quality live entertainment at affordable prices. This makes it possible for a couple to see first class musical theatre, cabaret, drama, script readings, musical readings and workshops on a weekly basis. Theatre is a social culture. It is a sense of place, space and people. The Chapel Piano Bar has been in operation for over a year. What started out as a short–term idea has turned into an institution. Walk into the Chapel foyer during the day and there is always a friendly face a cup of coffee and someone to talk to. There are teams of volunteers stuffing envelopes for the next mailout while performers young and old rehearse or workshop their upcoming productions.
All this will disappear if the City of Stonnington Council members have their way. Nancy Cato and her ‘We’ll make it happen’ spirit will be gone and along with it the dreams and aspirations of all the performing artists she has been able to support through the cooperative arrangements that currently exist. The Council’s plan for a user-pays approach will mean that the community spirit will be gone, and the Chapel will be just another ‘Venue for Hire’.
Send letters and emails of support to Chapel Off Chapel today! Chapel@stonnington.vic.gov.au
Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street , Prahran, Vic 3181
