 The Playhouse delivers value for money, says Karen Hebden |
A theatre has warned fewer actors may be on stage and it may have to axe community projects because its council grant has been cut. Derby Playhouse's grant from the city council has been reduced by 3% after the authority introduced a new method of funding.
The theatre made 36 staff redundant in 2006 and closed for almost five months while refurbishments were carried out.
Trustees will shortly meet to decide how to make up the shortfall.
City council leader Chris Williamson described the grant cut as "modest".
Theatre 'at risk'
He said: "They will still be receiving a grant approaching �400,000. That is topped up by a grant from the Arts Council of around �600,000."
Playhouse chief executive Karen Hebden said any cut in the theatre's funding put it at risk.
"We run on very tight margins. It's a very expensive thing to provide all the cultural services we do and we believe passionately that what we deliver is fantastic value for money."
During the closure the theatre went through a restructuring programme supported by Arts Council England. Ms Hebden said the city council had now reneged on a commitment to the Arts Council to maintain the Playhouse's grant at last year's level.
"I think there's still a hope from the trustees that they can go back to the city council and remind them that they've made this commitment to the Arts Council and if we can't put it right this year we can put it right for next year."
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