Advocates Plead With Provincial Government To Help Fund New Fredericton Playhouse
FREDERICTON–Murray Jamer remembers the first time he went to The Fredericton Playhouse. He bought tickets for Canadian rock band “Lighthouse” in 1973. He recalls seeing the band members on stage, the lead singer and, specifically, the horn section.
“That was my first experience at The Playhouse, and it was pretty special,” says Jamer.
Jamer is now the president of the board of directors at the Fredericton Playhouse, which is pushing a plan for a new theatre, The Playhouse 2.0.
The much-needed new theatre is fully planned out, has strong community support, and has secured a $14-million commitment from the city. However, unless the provincial or federal governments come on board, it’s unlikely to ever get built.
Original Playhouse ‘at the end of its life’
Originally built in the 60s, the current Playhouse has become expensive to run and maintain. It is difficult to heat and cool; it has outdated systems and deteriorating steam and water pipes; the foundation is shifting and the addition built in 1972 pulling away from the building.
“It’s near the end of life,” says Jamer. “We know that we’re working on borrowed time right now.”
If the theatre were to be renovated, life-safety, fire protection, and accessibility requirements would need to be updated. Current building codes would require elevators to reach balconies, exits with fire separation from all areas of the auditorium, and new fire protection sprinklers.
These upgrades would result in the loss of hundreds of seats.
“You were going to spend a whole lot of money to have a lesser building,” says Jamer.
Right now, the theatre has 709 seats. Plans for Playhouse 2.0 include two theatres within the same building: one holding 850 seats and another with 300 seats.
That new capacity means shows that have bypassed Fredericton in the past will now have a suitable venue to perform at.
“The 850 is going to bring us more in line with the seat count in St. John and Moncton and really create a lot more synergy between the three cities,” says Tim Yerxa, the executive director of the Fredericton Playhouse.
Being in the same seating category as the other major New Brunswick city theatres allows artists to travel throughout the region. Yerxa says pop artists, comedians, and Broadway shows are bypassing Fredericton because “they just require a few more seats.”
Similarly, there are many artists who do not perform in Fredericton because there is no suitable, smaller venue for them. A smaller theatre is especially important to local artists.
“There’s all kinds of work that isn’t even created, or been imagined yet because there isn’t a suitable space to have the work performed,” says Yerxa.
He says whether it’s on stage or in the audience, the Playhouse represents bringing people together through shared experiences and building a stronger community.
Open letters of support sent
In 2014, the city of Fredericton committed $14-million towards Playhouse 2.0. The project is estimated to cost $45.1 million.
A combined $28-milion request has been made to the provincial and federal governments. Local governments and private donors would raise the remaining $3.1-million.
Both the members of the Fredericton arts community and downtown Fredericton businesses recently wrote and signed open letters discussing the importance of the Playhouse and pledging their support for Playhouse 2.0.
The letters are addressed to Fredericton’s mayor and council, Premier Blaine Higgs, and members of parliament like Jennica Atwin and Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
While Jamer says the board is an advocate for the Playhouse, it is ultimately the role of the city to acquire the funds and start construction.
Mayor Kate Rogers told Huddle in an email statement a new performing arts centre “is an anchor investment that will drive prosperity in our downtown for generations.”
“We feel really encouraged that the city is taking this seriously,” says Jamer.
But while the city has pledged clear, strong support for the project, other levels of government have yet to make any commitments.
Federal institutions like the Canada Council for the Arts passed on Huddle’s interview requests and the provincial government did not answer any of our direct questions.
Huddle asked Coreen Enos, a spokesperson from Tourism, Culture and Heritage NB, if the provincial government will help fund Playhouse 2.0 and when the money would come if it does.
Enos did not answer those questions, but in an email said artists are important to the province.
“When it comes to the Playhouse, the province is actively engaged with the City of Fredericton about their priority projects,” Enos wrote.
Rogers confirmed those conversations are happening but could not provide any concrete plans or timelines.
Mary Allan is an intern with Huddle in Fredericton. Send her your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].