A recent loss in the Edmonton theatre community has brought it closer together, in the spirit of helping others through a rough patch.
In January, the Roxy Theatre was destroyed in a fire that left the Theatre Network without a place to stage its 40th season. The Eastglen High School donated the use of its Majestic Theatre for members of the Network to stage one production, while the Varscona decided to allow them to have the use of its new Backstage Theatre to stage the rest of their season, which will mark the group’s 40th anniversary.
It will last for six weeks and include the Network’s production of ‘Hey Ladies’, which is scheduled to start on February 27th, and then its fundraiser on March 6th and 7th. After that, the Varscona will reclaim the space to produce its season’s shows, starting with ‘Becoming Sharp’, which will open on April 29th.
Once this year’s season is complete, the Theatre Network will look for a temporary space while it focuses on rebuilding a new stage of its own.
When members of the artistic community pull together to help one of their fellows through a crisis, it can have benefits for them all. It helps to draw attention to their efforts as a whole, and can help to make the public more aware of their offerings. A poster printing company can create advertising that lets people know about the theatre’s temporary location, and also the dates when the shows will be staged.
