N.B. Theatres Launch Programs to Get Artists Working Again
NEW BRUNSWICK – Two New Brunswick theatres are working to get the artists in the community back on their feet after Covid-19 through pilot projects – The Incubator Project at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John and InterMISSION at the Playhouse in Fredericton.
“One of the things that was most prominent in the news was how hard our industry as a whole was hit,” Angela Campbell, the executive director of the Imperial Theatre, said.
“But also in the immediate aftermath of closures, how much artists were affected by suddenly not being able to work in any capacity.”
The Incubator Project is taking advantage of the theatre being closed to private events and allowing artists to use the space to create new work or rehearse.
They’ll be given access to the stage and auditorium space, they’ll have access to the technical equipment and operating technicians, and they’ll have consultations with Imperial staff on tech, art administration, and marketing and promotion.
“It was just a really great way for us to interact with the artists in our community in a way we don’t normally get to,” Campbell said.
InterMISSION at the Playhouse in Fredericton is having a similar program for community artists. The artists will be allowed space, equipment, and staff expertise in a paid residency position.
“If you work professionally in live performance, your income has pretty much gone to zero,” said executive director of the Playhouse, Tim Yerxa.
“Even in the amateur world. They’re just not able to practice at all right now.”
Both projects are by application. The spots are open to artists across the board – theatre artists, musicians, dancers, choreographers.
The InterMISSION residencies will be funded by grants and donations.
“So, depending on how much we raise, our hope is to be able to do six residencies,” Yerxa said.
“But if we can raise more money, then we’ll certainly look at doing even more of them through the fall.”
Yerxa said he hopes this project will help strengthen the relationship between the arts community and the Playhouse.
Campbell said she thinks Covid-19 has caused the Imperial to think on a smaller scale. A lot of their regularly scheduled performances include importing artists from outside of Atlantic Canada or Canada. But with Covid-19 and travel restrictions, Campbell and her team are pivoting their focus to the local arts community.
“We’re all sort of muddling through what this new normal [is] going to look like,” Campbell said.
“Yet, [we’re] all very ready to pivot into what we need to.”