September 9, 2016 - 12:45pm
The public is invited to come check out the renovations at a Theatre Open House on September 16
Malaspina Theatre has a new look that’s putting it in the limelight. Brand-new seats, lobby furniture and carpets, a modernized bar area and a fresh coat of paint have brought the theatre into the 21st century, and it’s all thanks to the many community supporters who stepped up to help when Vancouver Island University (VIU) put out the call.
The Theatre turns 40 this fall, but after four decades and thousands of community and student performances, rehearsals and events, it was looking a little worse for all of that wear and tear. Earlier this year, the University launched the Encore campaign to help raise the funds needed to replace the seats in the 293-seat theatre, as well as upgrade the lobby area and technology.
The public responded, donating thousands of dollars towards the campaign. For each donation of $300-$500, a customized plaque was mounted on a seat to recognize the individual or business’s donation. The campaign’s largest donor, Mid Island Co-op, gave $10,000, which replaced an entire row of seats in the theatre.
VIU is inviting the community to view the newly renovated space during an open house on September 16 from 1 - 5 pm.
“The theatre is looking better than ever before, and we have our many community supporters to thank for that,” says Leon Potter, Chair of the Theatre Department. “It’s a much more welcoming, professional space. The goal is to continue being a rich centre for the arts and culture scene in Nanaimo.”
“I feel very honoured to have been involved in the Encore campaign to renew the Malaspina Theatre,” says Kamala Haughton, VIU’s Advancement and Alumni Relations Coordinator. “I knew it was only going to be successful if the community rallied behind it, and we had a tremendous response with more than $84,000 raised! I am so grateful for everyone who contributed to make this renewal of the Malaspina Theatre possible.”
Every year, more than 10,000 people attend events in the Malaspina Theatre, including community theatre productions, conferences, graduation ceremonies, public debates, memorials, movie nights and readings.
“For decades, the Malaspina Theatre has brought people together to enjoy a wide range of community events and student performances,” says Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor. “The new renovations will allow that tradition to continue. I’d like to extend our appreciation to the community donors who have made this possible.”
The September 16 Open House event runs from 1 - 5 pm and includes light appetizers. From 6 - 9 pm, VIU Theatre and Music program alumni are invited to a reunion to celebrate the Theatre’s 40th anniversary. The alumni event includes a historical slideshow, appetizers, cash bar and the opportunity to share stories from the last 40 years.
For more information, please visit the VIU Encore homepage. People are also invited to join the Theatre’s new mailing list by emailing BoxOffice@viu.ca for information about upcoming plays and events.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jenn McGarrigle, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.740.6288 | C: 250.619.6860 | E: jenn.mcgarrigle@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews
Tags: Announcements
