New West Theatre performing Blockbuster from December 14 to 31, 2022, at the Yates Memorial Centre. (Photo: LNN, December 8, 2022)

By Sarah Jones

New West Theatre hits first goal in Save our Stage fundraiser

Dec 20, 2022 | 12:36 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – New West Theatre is here to stay, despite what organizers described as an extremely difficult year.

In November, New West Theatre kicked off its “Save our Stage” fundraiser as they faced growing expenses and potential closure.

With a goal of $150,000 to raise over the next two months to eliminate deficits and maintain operating costs, the non-profit was in dire need of community support.

A final push was made to hit the Yates Memorial Centre this winter as the production company put on its final show of the season, Blockbuster.

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Just a few days into the run of the musical revue show, on December 16, 2022, New West Theatre’s Artistic Director, Kelly Reay hopped on stage to give the audience some good news.

Since the launch of the Save our Stage fundraiser on November 19, 2022, New West Theatre has raised $35,934.

This means it has surpassed its original fundraising goal in phase one of the Save our Stage campaign and they’ve collected enough to stay in operation next year.

Reay told LNN, “New West Theatre is humbled by the support of our community — we asked for help and our community came through!”

He went on, “The first phase of our fundraising campaign has been a tremendous success. We are thrilled to say that New West Theatre’s doors will stay open and we will continue to deliver high-quality theatre for Lethbridge audiences for years to come!”

The second phase of fundraising will begin in January 2023 and run until June 2023 as they look for an additional $65,000 which will help invest in the growth and future of New West Theatre.

A third bout of fundraising is set to start in July 2023 with a goal of $50,000, which will help maintain operating costs for years to come.

Those interested in learning more about the Save our Stage fundraiser can find more information on the New West Theatre website.

New West Theatre’s final show of the year, Blockbuster runs until December 31, 2022, with tickets still available online or at the Yates Memorial Centre box office.

Read more: New West Theatre could face closure without community support