Performing arts centre proposed
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Updated: June 24, 2009 11:41 AM
Picture this. You are sitting with 599 other fans to see the musical group of your dreams. Or maybe it’s the ballet, or a more intimate theatre production.
If the vision the Shuswap Theatre Society building committee shared with Salmon Arm council Monday becomes reality, so too will the different types of theatrical productions.
Chair Jake Jacobson told councillors that the committee envisions a multi-purpose performing arts facility that will meet the arts needs of the community for another 40 to 50 years.
At 50, the current theatre on Hudson Avenue is showing its age in the infrastructure, said Jacobson, who pointed out limitations such as no space on either side of the stage, precious little behind and very limited storage space.
“The group is in a position to design a facility that is unique to the needs of the performing arts organizations in the Salmon Arm area,” he told council, noting that members of the theatre and other interested groups detailed specific needs at a recent workshop. “A working floor plan with room specifications is being developed to a point where an architect and theatre engineer can work on final plans.”
Noting the city has had to turn down some productions for lack of a suitable space, Jacobson said the new facility will be able to accommodate a variety of events, including live theatrical and musical productions, dance recitals, ballet, symphonies, musical groups, individual performers, festivals, lectures, public gatherings, film and video productions.
Regarded as a community theatre under the management of the Shuswap Theatre Society, the new facility will accommodate up to 600 people in increments of 200 so as not to lose the intimate feeling during smaller events, said Jacobson.
As well, the building committee’s dream includes two stages – one for rehearsals.
“It is hoped that the new building will be located on or near its present site, across from the Salmar Grand and near the art gallery,” Jacobson said. “This will create a downtown entertainment district.”
Other unique features that may be included in the new facility would be low-cost office space for art-related groups, a full dance studio with a sprung floor, a green roof system, geothermal heating, low-energy lighting, large storage spaces and an exterior design that will complement and enhance the area.
Jacobson told council the project is in the planning and costing phase and that the committee will eventually present three options for consideration.
These include a simple replacement of the existing building, a slightly expanded new building and a greatly improved version over three times the size of the existing theatre.
Costs will depend on location and size and could run anywhere from $3 to $7 million.
In response to a question about the need for two stages from Mayor Marty Bootsma, Jacobson pointed out that theatre production rehearsals tie up the stage for a month or more, preventing the society from renting to other groups.
Couns. Chad Eliason, Debbie Cannon and Kevin Flynn were in favour of an expanded theatre.
“I agree that a facility such as this is long overdue,” Flynn said. “My concern is, I think we should be looking at partnerships with Okanagan College.”
Jacobson reiterated that the theatre society has met will all the local arts groups and that Patti Munro is the group’s liaison with the college.
After hearing that the Salmar Community Association is applying for Western Economic Diversification Canada funding to expand the Salmar Grand, Couns. Ivan Idzan and Eliason suggested a partnership could be established between the Salmar Association and the theatre society.
If you wish to give your input, or help with any aspect of the project, you’re asked to contact Jake Jacobson via the Theatre’s web site, www.shuswaptheatre.com.
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