Airdrie’s Bert Church LIVE Theatre is a performing arts hub. Before the pandemic hit, the theatre presented shows from September to June, along with educational programming throughout the year. Other creative groups could access the venue for their artistic expressions. For now, however, the curtain remains down and the stage is dark.
“We were just finishing up our 35th season when COVID-19 hit,” says Chris Stockton, artistic producer. “For awhile all theatres were shut down completely by the Alberta Government. All of our shows, programs, and venue rentals were cancelled or put on hold. Recently we were allowed to reopen, although with the restrictions put in place, it makes it difficult to continue even close to what we were before.
“As a live performance venue, we are dependent on groups gathering to enjoy something and that is obviously not what is best right now for the greater good. Based on the guidelines as of today, we could fit a maximum of 156 patrons in a theatre that can normally hold 381," Stockton says.
"As a result, we have adapted as best we can. We have just begun some online programming called Creativity Crates and we started a podcast called 948-ARTS to highlight amazing Airdrie artists, singers, and performers while also connecting world class performers to citizens of Airdrie.
“We are in the process of preparing the building and our staff for reopening our facility to small rentals and recording of performances to start, and hopefully as guidelines shift and adapt we will continue to do the same, eventually being able to welcome large groups back sometime in the future.”
Stockton sees a far-reaching impact for the performing arts sector.
“We have learned that the ripple effect of this pandemic is going to impact the arts long-term. From performers to admin staff to builders and ushers – there are so many people who are completely out of work because of the nature of our business. The experience economy (live arts, sports, tourism, etc.) is going to be one of the most difficult areas to come back but with creative thinking, collaboration and community support, we can not only survive but thrive.
"In terms of the Airdrie community, we have learned that they want to be able to experience live performances again, but they want to do it safely and that is our primary focus too. The support and interest from the community has been amazing as we have expanded our social media reach with interactive polls, makeup design submissions, and so much more.”
Stockton thanks city staff and council for their support, and notes that the theatre is looking into possible arts funding increases from the Government of Canada. For now, patrons can subscribe to the theatre’s podcast, order a Creativity Crate for a youngster in their life, and keep up to date by liking and following them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or by visiting BCLT.ca.
Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Great West Newspapers. This story was funded by the Facebook Journalism Project Supporting Local News Coverage of COVID-19 Program via the Local Media Foundation.
