The directors of a leading midlands theatre said they are "fully committed to the theatre's future", after a recent decision to lay off all members of staff.
However, the departing theatre manager has announced a public meeting will take place on the issue on Thursday night.
In a statement issued at the weekend, the directors of the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone say they were forced to lay off all staff earlier this month to avoid "a financial crisis threatening the theatre's very existence". They would ensure that the theatre would continue to stage "national and international plays and concerts", as well as the All-Ireland Drama Festival each year.
"The directors also remain fully committed to the educational agenda of ensuring that young people will develop their interests in drama, art and music," they said.
But former manager Fionnuala O'Connell, one of six people made redundant earlier this month, said there was no financial crisis looming.
"The theatre is not operating on a loss. In fact, it has quite a healthy sum of money in its account at present," said Ms O'Connell, who claimed that the directors should have carried out a proper review of the business before making their decision.
She said nearly all the staff wages were paid directly from the €108,000 Fás funding in 2005, and the funding was also in the pipeline for 2006. "It must be recognised by the directors that six jobs have been lost and six families will be directly affected by such unnecessary losses."
She added that a public meeting to discuss the matter will take place at the Dean Crowe Theatre on Thursday at 8pm.
Although the theatre at times struggles to attract large crowds for events, it is a popular venue for the annual All-Ireland drama finals.