Subject:  The Future |
Author:
Ken Campbell
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Date Posted: Thursday, January 13, 05:48:42pm
In broad terms, there are two directions the theatre can begin to move in, and while these aren't totally incompatible, they nonetheless involve different development strategies. The first would be to try to find additional renters and build up the bookings to different cultural organizations. The second is to begin presenting or co-presenting productions. At first blush, there isn't an incompatibilty here, as new productions can be worked around the schedule of existing (and any new) renters, but this will tend to relegate the new presenting role to a "fill -in" or seasonal role, which may not give the presenting entity enough critical mass (resourses, audience) to become all it might be. Now, strictly from the standpoint of viability, it may be enough to get new organizations, such as the Fringe , Jazz Festival, etc. to start renting the theatre, thereby expanding the theatre's role as a roadhouse. This might turn the page on financial viability, since the decifit is small. But, is it enough from the standpoint of the community's need? On the other hand, I believe we have an obligation to the existing users to keep the facility available for their use, as they have been instrumental in saving the space and might have a problem finding another place. One of the things we need, and are in the processing of preparing, is more information on the present pattern of use, the revenue gained from this pattern, as well as data on how "full" the existing users get the theatre. If we promoted the theatre by preparing a monthly calendar, like the West End Cultural Centre, and gave it wide distribution to members and the community at large, couldn't we increase the audience of the groups we rent to, cross-pollinate the audience of our renters and own presentations, creating in effect a regular audience for whatever is going on at the theatre? This implies a significant gear-up for new presentations, but since we have the theatre, and since the marginal per-event cost of gearing it up is small, should we not give it a try?
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