The skies of Goonellabah and the walls of the Rochdale Theatre were lit up by laser lights last week when Lismore Theatre Company joined in solidarity with other arts organisations around the country.

The local theatre company took part in Light Unite on April 15 to raise awareness of the impacts of the global pandemic on the entertainment and arts industries. 

The lights showed messages thanking medical professionals for the work they are during during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lismore Theatre Company’s technician Luke Kane said traditionally theatres are not dark for long and having every theatre in Australia shut down is unprecedented. 

“All theatres whether professional or community based are feeling the financial and emotional effects,” Luke said. 

“It was a great way to bring a little colour to keep our spirits up during this period as almost everybody in the entertainment industry is currently unemployed.

“All of the theatre’s productions are currently on hold, but the volunteers will be back stronger than ever and we will be keen to welcome more people to be part of our theatre.”

While in this forced period of closure, the company is posting photos of past shows on its Facebook page and providing links to the many free on-line productions streaming from theatre companies around the world.