A group of residents will be providing a number of extras to the Bert Church Theatre after its expansion, expected to start as early as January.
Robin McKittrick, of the Bert Church Theatre Expansion Initiative (BCTEI), made up of members of the Airdrie Rotary Performing Arts Festival, the Nose Creek Players, SLAM (Supporting Local Area Musicians), the Creative Airdrie Society, and the Airdrie Regional Arts Society (ARTS), presented its list of enhancements to council, Nov. 20.
User groups making up the BCTEI are currently fundraising to bring little ‘extras’ to the project, so once the expansion is complete, the building will be filled with various comfort items for audiences and tools for performers.
“We would like to look at enhancing the space,” said McKittrick. “We believe that rich experiences are key to (a community).”
McKittrick added the enhancements were also likely to attract high-class performers to the facility.
ARTS is fundraising for display hardware and cases to showcase art within the new areas of the Bert Church Theatre. The group recently contributed $1,000 from an art show and sale, held on the opening night of ARTember, Sept. 14.
Airdrie Rotary Performing Arts has plans to fundraise towards the purchase of a grand piano, while SLAM has been fundraising for instruments, bistro-style tables and backline equipment.
The Bert Church Theatre project, which is part of the City’s 2013 Capital Budget, will include an expanded lobby, box office/coat check, a multipurpose room, green room for performers, washrooms and storage space.
In addition, the plans include upgrades to the theatre itself, including expanding the stage flooring and seating, a project that will be cost-shared with Rocky View Schools.
Project design for the $2.45-million Bert Church Theatre enhancement project began in late 2011. Council deferred construction until 2013 during last year’s budget deliberations.
Construction tender is expected to go out this month, with groundbreaking beginning as early as January, pending budget approval.
