As reported in the Detroit Free Press, the Meadow Brook Theatre, a major Detroit area LORT theatre, is in critical danger of being turned into commercial road house. Oakland University's Board of Trustees is considering a proposal to lease the 600-seat venue to the Nederlander Organization, eliminating an important source of jobs for local Equity actors, stage managers and technicians.

Equity's Central Regional Director, Kathryn V. Lamkey, has sent a strong letter opposing the lease to Oakland University's Board of Trustees. "The value of creating over 30 weeks of live theatre by a university-affiliated professional company cannot be replaced by touring productions. A live theatre component that is resident within your university is valuable to students, the community and employees."

The Meadow Brook draws about 80,000 ticket buyers a year, including 8100 season subscribers. This would be a "terrible loss" to the local acting community, added Lamkey.

If you live in the Detroit area, or have worked at the Meadow Brook, please support this effort by writing to:
e-mail: zambardi@oakland.edu

Victor Zambardi
General Counsel and Secretary
Board of Trustees
Oakland University

For rally information, call 248-370-3306
Detroit Free Press

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