Parking relief opens theatrical space
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Updated: October 20, 2009 12:21 PM
For months, it's sat empty as an empty, black room, but soon it will open for artists who wish to fill it with their creative impulses.
The 50-seat studio space has been underused since Intrepid Theatre moved into its new location at 1609 Blanshard St. in March.
The hindrance was a lack of parking, which prevented the theatre from opening to the public.
"It's a difficult city to find small, cheap well-appointed venues and this certainly is one," said Ian Case, general manager.
At $120 to $150 rental per night, the theatre is hoping to rent to small acting troupes or acoustic artists.
"What we'd like is to make it as affordable and accessible as possible to the community and just see enough money to subsidize the cost of keeping the doors open for us," Case said.
The studio has a lighting rig and sound system, and unlike in most venues, incoming artists are inviting to use the technical equipment themselves as long as they know how.
While normally a studio of its size would require five parking stalls, council waived this requirement at its meeting last week.
Intrepid's single stall sits in a larger lot shared with businesses that are primarily occupied during the day. The studio will be primarily used during the evening.
Intrepid Theatre hosts the Fringe and Uno festivals.
rholmen@saanichnews.com
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