Quote:
Originally Posted by UPP
That should be interesting. No government funding should exceed 25%, and at least 40% should be paid for through a theatre improvement fee of $16 per ticket. Then, moments after the announcement, we should start a petition because theatres do not feed the hungry... oh wait, we only do that for sports facilities.
Before anyone goes off on me, I really want a new Globe Theatre that could truly serve the arts community. I just think it's sad when 1 community goes against another like what happened over the stadium issue. Hopefully it doesn't happen with this.
|
I would prefer a brand new stage theatre before funding for a theatre in the round. The Globe is nice, but it's very limited in its runs and usage compared to a traditional stage theatre. The city is filled with mediocre theatres in highschools and gyms and church halls, but lacks a great one. The Performing Arts Centre on Angus is the best in the city, but the location is horrible (prostitutes wandering around at night), as is the rest of the facility (really cramped backstage and basement).
The Conexus Arts Centre can't even be included since it's out of the price range of local groups for regular use. The city needs a good theatre with a stage the size of the PAC, with seating for 400-500, and inside a decent facility. They keep giving lip service to this idea, but never follow through.
The Orr Centre has a fantastic facility and theatre, but one of the worst stages in the city (it's not even square, it's more like one half of a hexagon, and it has no wings or entrances, it's just open), as it used to just be a church preaching stage.
So that's why I'd rather the city invest in a facility which will be used year-round by schools, dance groups, bands, etc, instead of a theatre for one specific company which has a limited audience.