Guildford’s Fringe Theatre Company Now Able To Pay Set Wages To Actors

Published on: 30 Apr, 2016
Updated on: 17 Apr, 2016

The Guildford Fringe Theatre Company is going from strength to strength and is now in a position to pay set wages to actors and staff.

Previously it has paid actors, stage crew and directors by way of a profit share system, like many other fringe theatres around the UK. However, in the past four years every production has made a profit.

Managing drector Nick Wyschna said this success has shown that there is a demand for professional and high quality fringe theatre in Guildford.

The director of the Guildford Fringe Festival, Nick Wyschna. “I am thrilled to announce that Guildford Fringe is now at a place where we can pay all actors working with us minimum wage rates of pay, or more!”

He said: “The Guildford Fringe uses small, quirky venues. Although this does commonly present limitations on our seating capacity and what we can therefore pay our actors, the company is growing and as profits build, the salaries we offer will increase accordingly.”

It will be providing jobs to people in the theatre industry – new graduates, as well as more experienced actors and actresses who are between mainstream West End and UK tour contracts.

Guildford Fringe confirmed that it had been involved in discussions with the actors union Equity, but has now decided to issue its own paid contracts with actors.

The full cast of the 2015 Guildford Fringe adult panto. Will this be the last show to pay actors and production staff on a profit share basis?

The company produces many shows and events throughout the year in and around Guildford town centre. Most notable is its annual Fringe Festival that runs throughout July.

With more than 7,000 audience members attending the 2015 festival, this year is set to be even bigger and more successful.

Click here for more information on forthcoming Guildford Fringe productions and events.