New performing arts centre “absolutely critical” for Lethbridge, say advocates

AMS came back with two possible scenarios – one would be a traditional proscenium performing arts centre similar to the Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary that would cost just over $74-million to build. The other is a more flexible flat space with an estimated price tag of $34-million.

The traditional theatre would have fixed seating with a 950 seat capacity, be 87,000 square feet, and have an orchestra shell, orchestra pit, and a cable fly system.

The flexible performance space would hold upwards of 1,200 attendees, be 36,000 square feet, and allow for a variety of configurations such as music concerts, banquets, and other events.

The current recommendation is to build a traditional theatre.

Dawn Leite, a member of the Steering Committee, explains that it can include technical features that the Yates Memorial Theatre cannot currently accommodate and would have better acoustics and sightlines for guests.

“We need some of these technical pieces for our performing arts community so we can continue to grow, so our arts community can continue to grow. The Yates is fantastic – we appreciate the renovations that have been completed, but they still don’t meet some of those technical needs that our theatre companies are looking for.”

She believes it is “absolutely critical” that Lethbridge has a new performing arts centre that meets the needs of those utilizing it.

City Councillor Mark Campbell, who is also on the Steering Committee, echoed her sentiments and thinks it is an important project for the future.

“I was thinking about this, as our forefathers walking around Henderson Lake and thinking about [Exhibition Park] and thinking about all the things that’ve happened years ago and how much foresight our forefathers had putting together things that are going to be valuable, not just to my generation, but our future generations, our grandkids.”

The performing arts centre is still very early on in the process. At this point, a site has not been selected and there is no detailed design.

A motion is expected to be introduced at the Monday, September 21 city council meeting that would remove this project from the current capital improvement plan.

Campbell hopes to at least be able to have the detailed design and fully-estimated costs before making a decision like this because of the ramifications it could have.

“For advocates of a performing arts centre, that could be the end of the whole process of looking for a performing arts centre down the road, so I think this could be a crucial vote.”

Funding from the provincial government is limited right now, but Leite hopes that when the economic situation improves in the coming years, they have might a stronger chance of securing grants.

Estimated costs for each theatre style. (Supplied by AMS Planning & Research)

Usage for each theatre model. (Supplied by AMS Planning & Research)

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An example of a flexible performing space. (Supplied by AMS Planning & Research)

An example of a traditional-style proscenium performing arts centre. (Supplied by AMS Planning & Research)

by David Opinko

New performing arts centre “absolutely critical” for Lethbridge, say advocates

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