"I have rarely seen a better set up space. Many of our professional theatres are not so well equipped, the situation, parking, back stage accommodation, wardrobe, stage, green room and the welcoming foyer and bar all serve the theatre patrons and the actors, designers, work shop crew and directors excellently and I pray that they will remain," she said.
Late last year the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust stated it would contribute $1.5 million to the shared theatre project telling both organisations it was not interested in funding refurbishment work on either the Shambles Theatre or the Musical Theatre's Casablanca Theatre in Riri St.
Rotorua Musical Theatre life member and district councillor Glenys Searancke said a meeting was to be held with the membership of both theatres next week which would provide members with a full business case regarding the proposal.
"We think it's a wonderful opportunity for a new theatre right in town and also to build a community centre that not just both groups could use, but also others in the arts community.
"If they don't want to be part of it, that's up to them. But where will they be in 10 years' time?"
Rotorua Musical Theatre president Natasha Benfell said work on the shared theatre project had been going on for some time, well before Mr van Miert took over as president.
She said she was very angry with Mr van Miert who she said could jeopardise the whole process.
"The steering committee for the project is made up of members of both theatres and a business plan has been done, so members of each theatre can come together to share that information."
She encouraged members of both theatres to attend next week's meeting to hear the facts. "This is a forward thinking project and we'd be silly to bury our heads in the sand if we don't try and go for it. Paul is lobbying for what he wants, not what's best for both theatres and their members.
"I'm quite angry with Paul and what he's doing, he's missed the boat, he should be working on behalf of his members.
"He is causing us so many headaches, we've done a lot of work on this and all this is doing is undermining the whole process."
Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust deputy chairwoman Jo-Anne La Grouw said the trust would stick to its policy of not funding the repair of older buildings.
"And we are not forcing anyone into a shared theatre, it's all down to them."
- The meeting for theatre members will be held this Wednesday from 7pm in the Brass Band Hall next to Pak N Save.