While businesses around the world slowly continue the process of reopening, theatres lie dormant and the people who work there struggle to find other options. A report from The Irish Sun documented Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine actor Colm Meaney's recent appearance on the television news show Claire Byrne Live. In the interview, Meaney discussed his efforts to help theatre workers in Ireland who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The stage door was barred and bolted, garbage piling up outside,” Meaney said of London’s Apollo Theatre, where the actor had performed just three years ago. “It was a really sad sight to see and it just struck home to me how difficult it is for theatre workers right now."

It seems this was the inspiration that prompted Meaney to advocate for change. While other businesses have begun to open, the actor said he “felt like there wasn’t any attention being paid to theatre”. Meaney has decided to take action, joining forces with Performing Ireland’s “Supporting the Arts” campaign to support theatre workers across the country.

Meaney commented on the issue in a recent interview with The Irish Times. “It was just to raise awareness of the theatre, generally,” Meaney said, “but particularly about the backstage and front-of-house people. The performers are often talked about, but people don’t often talk about those other people who are essential to the running of the theatre.” The people he’s referring to are the sound engineers, lighting technicians, stagehands, musicians, ticket agents and the many others who all work together to bring live theatre to audiences.

As part of his involvement with Performing Ireland, Meaney was featured in a new promotional video on the organization’s website. In the video, Meaney describes the level of commitment and dedication that theatre workers have for their craft, and how badly they want to get back to work. For more information about Performing Ireland, or to donate to the organization’s GoFundMe campaign, visit PerformingIreland.ie.