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Bert Church Theatre to increase rental fees

BCTrentalratesweb
Beginning in September 2021, Bert Church Theatre will no longer offer separate rental rates for not-for-profit organizations. Photo Submitted

Rental rates at Bert Church Theatre (BCT) will be going up as of Sept. 1, with additional fee changes on the way next year that will see the elimination of the category for not-for-profit users.

“Base rental rates have remained the same for five years for all groups, and up to nine years for local not-for-profit groups,” said Chris Stockton, team leader with BCT for the City of Airdrie, in a presentation to council at a regular meeting Feb. 18.

The base facility rental fee includes access to the stage and auditorium; use of the full lobby or half lobby and multipurpose room; access to the downstairs dressing room or green room; and staffing – one facility attendant and one administrative staff. According to Stockton, the fee does not cover technical staff or the use of technical equipment, box office or front house staff, bar service, table fees or cleaning fees.

A review of user fees indicated the BCT base rental rates are much lower than market average – $400 to $700 lower, on average, he said, when compared to fees charged at similar facilities within a 30-minute drive of Airdrie.

Currently, rates are different across four separate user categories – local and non-local not-for-profits, and local and non-local businesses. However, Stockton said all other theatres in the market offer only one or two categories (typically local or non-local), increasing administrative efficiencies and providing clarity to potential users.

BCT’s switch to two user categories will see the elimination of lower rates for not-for-profit organizations within two years, he said. Rates for all four user groups will be increased Sept. 1, and by September 2021, local users will pay a fee of $725 for a four-hour rental and $1,300 for eight hours, while non-locals will be charged $1,350 and $1,955.

“This recognizes local not-for-profit organizations and local businesses as targeted users by retaining their rate advantage,” Stockton said, suggesting renters could raise ticket prices by between $0.31 to $2.93 per ticket, according to administration’s calculations, to make up the difference.

While Coun. Tina Petrow said she was not opposed to increasing rental fees at the theatre, which she admitted are too low, she felt an increase comparable to rates in Calgary does not take into account the smaller audiences that would likely attend performances in Airdrie.

Deputy Mayor Candice Kolson agreed, raising additional concerns that organizations may seek to hold their events at cheaper venues as a result.

“Sure, it’s only $1 per seat, but can you sell those seats?” she said. “I understand why we need to increase [rental rates], but I worry that unless we’re willing to be the presenter all the time and take responsibility for those shows, you’re going to start seeing more and more businesses or productions drop off.”

Other changes will see the minimum rental time switch from five hours to four hours, with an eight-hour rate available, as well. According to Stockton, this would offer flexibility to users and could accommodate up to 12-hour blocks for larger events, as well as weekday events after 5 p.m.

For multiple presentations over the rented block of time, additional resources are required, he said, and similar theatres use a formula to determine the appropriate fee. BCT users hosting multiple performances within the single rental period will either pay the base facility rental rate or 15 per cent of total ticket sales, he said, whichever is greater.

“Small and local groups are not likely to be impacted, and this allows BCT to maximize rental revenue to cover increased costs,” Stockton said.

Other theatres also offer “rehearsal rates” at a 50 per cent discount, which more accurately reflects the impact on the facility – wear and tear, staffing, etc., he added. This option will be introduced, along with the multiple performance rate, effective Sept. 1.

“This attains 2020 market value in both categories after two years,” he said. “There is an increased risk that BCT would remain below market fees in extending the implementation schedule, as rental rates are currently so far below market value and the market will likely change over the next year, which will compound the current problem of being below market rate.”

The new rates were approved by a council vote of 5-2, with opposition from Mayor Peter Brown and Petrow, who both said they would prefer to see not-for-profits included as a separate user category.

“As a municipality, we do have a bit of a responsibility – especially for these not-for-profits that create our arts and culture programs for our residents – to help the ones that maybe don’t have the ability to pay as much,” Petrow said. “As we’re trying to support arts in the city, this, to me, is a backwards move. I feel like we’re limiting the ability of these organizations to create those arts and culture moments.”

A full breakdown of fee increases can be found on the City’s website.

Jessi Gowan, AirdrieToday.com



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