A WHOLE NEW SHOW
Local theatre plans expan

LMU LD

NEWS photo Terry Peters

THEATRE co-ordinator and business manager Herb Walker stands in troat of the proposed
model for the expansion of Ceatennial Theatre in North Van Walker

would lhe to see the
theatre druw more North Shore patrons

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expand the building.

**Centennial’s been under
utilized for years,’’ says
Herb Walker, the theatre's
co-ordinator and business
manager. ‘‘The Recreation
Commission made the dec-
sion to provide support to
increase its visibility in the
community and to expand
programming.

‘“‘The public’s perception
of Centennial has been as a
white elephant, but we’d hke
to do something about it, so
it will be more respected tn
the community.”’

Theatre publicist Judy
White, recently appointed to
her position to increase the
profile of the theatre, says,
“We'd like to book it more
frequently, book it at capact-
ty.”

Over the last year the
theatre has increased its staff
from one full-tume employee
to one part-time and three
full-tume employees. Duirec-
tor of Recreation Gary
Young says the increase was
because the commussion
wanted ‘‘to provide the same
service to theatre user groups
as all) other) groups, and
thereby encourage more
people to use the theatre By
doubling the bookings, theo

retically we're doubling the
number oof people  gomg
through

Although the expansion of
the theatre is planned tor
1986) Simon bvans. Chas
man oof the North Shore
Theatre Socrets Saves fun
draiing ois already oo atider
way Surname r fundraisers on

vo tuded

garden

coments and oa beer

and oa December

dla : . aie ‘ “

IN AN EFFORT to make Centennial Theatre in
North Vancouver a more viable theatrical outlet,
North Van Recreation Commission is planning to

By BARRETT FISH

Christmas concert 1s planned
“to get seed money Co get oil
in the wheels.

“The City and = District
have given the green light on
fundraising,’’ Evans says,

“".. but rather
than a local
auditorium,
we want to see
it become a
viable stage,
used by major
touring
productions.’”’

SECTION

FASHION - FOOD
TRAVEL

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**since the non-profit society
has incorporated itself. The
sole intent of the society 1s to
raise a quarter of a million
dollars, a third of the capital
cost.’" The other two thirds
will be funded by City and
District.

Specific changes planned
for Centennial renovations
include expanding the size of
the lobby and = concession
stand to meet the capacity of
the already large theatre
which seats 718, expanding
dressing rooms, washrooms
and administration § offices,
building a green room and
meeting rooms, and making
the building accessible to the
handicapped, Evans said.

Cosmetic changes might
include canapes in front of
the building, a box office
and gardens, ‘‘to raise the
profile of the theatre in the

on

community
The theatre itself had its
floors refinished last year,

Walker and White explain-
ed They say 11 1s a beautiful
stage for performing arts,
such as dancing and theatre.
it has good acoustics for
concerts; and it 1s well-
equipped technically

“In the past it has been
treated hike an auditonum,
and run as a rental facility,”’
Walker says, ‘‘but) rather
than a local auditorium, we
want to see it become a
viable stage, used by mayor
touring produchhons

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