staff
Rossland News
A three-year grant in funding is taking centre stage in a plan to get more people in the seats of the region’s premiere theatre.
In a bid to increase usage of the 731-seat Charles Bailey Theatre (CBT), the Trail and District Arts Council presented a business plan to the East End Services (EES) last year—of which Rossland is a member—proposing the regional service hand over theatre operations to the non-profit over the course of three years.
The regional district has jumped on board with the idea and recently granted the arts council $18,500 annually for three years to hire a marketing and public relations officer for the theatre.
“This is a great opportunity to promote the Charles Bailey Theatre to agencies and promoters in North America,” said Mark Daines, regional manager of facilities and recreation, “and increase the number of A-list performances in the theatre.”
Additionally, the EES (participants) from Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale, Area A and Area B, agreed to waive sound and lighting fees for local groups, with a goal to bring community talent back into the theatre.
Rental fees currently start at $500 for non-profits and reach as high as $1,000 not including sound and lighting costs in the CBT.
Those charges vary depending on the performance needs, according to Daines.
However, the sound fees start at $190 for the first four hours of the rehearsal and show and $40 per hour for additional service; and lighting fees are $170 for the first four hours then $35 per hour after that.
With those fees waived, local dance troupes would be more inclined to put on performances.