Mr Halls has been involved with the company since 2004 and was asked by previous president Bruce Buchanan to take over.

He stepped up from the vice-president’s position and has come in at a financially sensitive time for the company.

The company runs on a fiscal year, rather than a financial year, and the outgoing treasurer’s report indicated a surplus of $50,000, up from $5000 the previous year.

Although revenue is in a strong position following several successful shows last year, the company also needs to spend $110,000 on a new shed this year.

Mr Halls said the money for the shed has been allocated and a Development Application has been submitted to the Orange City Council and grant applications have been made as well as an application for an interest free loan.

“We’ve tightened up all our budgets to maintain a reasonable account balance so we can go ahead with the shed program so we can remain vibrant and move ahead in the future,” he said.

To keep the income flowing, he said the company has had to be careful about its selection of plays and musicals to ensure they make a decent income.

“This year we are focused on shows that we are hoping are popular with Orange audiences to increase ticket sales,” Mr Halls said.

“We’ve got a couple of musicals on this year, we’ve got Annie in May and Spamalot in October and also a play festival (The Stage West Festival of One Act Plays) in July.

“Also it’s our 40th anniversary next year so we are planning some events for that.”