Re: “Bert Church Theatre considers expansion” Sept. 24
Dear editor,
A recent newspaper article in regards to expansion of the Bert Church Theatre is something citizens of Airdrie should be aware of taking a strong look at it. It is hard to believe that the City of Airdrie and Rocky View School division would even consider it.
With the population growth of Airdrie where schools are overcrowded, more schools need to be built and some of the present ones need upgrading. This matter should take first priority over upgrading the theatre.
Management states the loss of revenue is primarily due to lack of support space and many potential performers are being turned away.
A few years ago, a survey and study was conducted to see how many seniors lived in Airdrie to get a resource centre for them. It was astonishing to see that 51 per cent of the population were seniors, approximately 38 per cent were working families and the remainder were people over the age of 18.
The majority of families are on a fixed income with high mortgage payments, utility bills and supplying food and needs for their children. For most of them, they are unable to afford to take in venues at the theatre.
Mr. Rob Lemorande, previous management at Bert Church Theatre, brought in acts at a reasonable price that seniors were familiar with and enjoyed. He hosted shows such as Scott Wood, Valdy, The Reflections, Gary Fjellgard and many more with good old-fashioned country music and there was always a sold out crowd.
At the present time, there are only a few of those acts that are familiar to seniors brought in by management. There has been some well-known local groups in Alberta that are fantastic musicians which have inquired about putting on a show but management told them, “We no longer book no name bands.” Yet they bring in unknown rock and roll bands.
Sorry to say, that is not the kind of music most seniors enjoy.
The article states that one third of all the 2009/10 performances were sold out, yet another article states the turn out to be approximately 200-250 people. Bert Church is advertised as having a capacity of 350, so why is there a need for expansion?
For any event, there is very little promotion and advertising done. Ads in one of the papers states that the only place to buy tickets is online. Doesn’t management understand that very few seniors have computers in their houses? There is nowhere to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Alderman Shawn Howard questioned how much space was needed. For instance, the rehearsal space is not required as the theatres at the University of Calgary, the Jubilee Auditorium and others use the stage that they perform on. The performers do this to familiarize themselves with the stage and area.
To say a rehearsal area is required indicates that management doesn’t know much about show business.
The loss of revenue for the theatre is due to poor management. If this was done properly, the theatre could be self-sufficient and have funds for any expansion that might be required.
The first priority of the City of Airdrie and Rocky View Schools should be for more schools and upgrading the existing ones.
Education for our children and grandchildren is far more important than expanding the theatre.
I hope that our newly elected council will take the matter into consideration and make education the first priority for all the citizens of Airdrie.
Victoria Brodie, Airdrie
