Shakespeare by the Sea is set to return to an indoor stage this summer after a lengthy process — at least when it rains.
A report that went before council Tuesday recommended the municipality amend its agreement with the group so it could return to using Park Place Theatre for rain dates. It was approved unanimously.
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The theatre group, who primarily puts on their performances outside in Point Pleasant Park, leased the building at 5480 Point Pleasant Dr. and used it as a performance space when it rained. However, after a fire badly damaged the building in 2014, the building no longer met standard codes for public use, meaning when it rained, the group was forced to cancel shows.
Staff recommended in October, 2014 to demolish the building, but council instead approved $225,000 for repairs in May, 2015. Public use codes still prevented it being used as a performance space, but rehearsals and storage were allowed.
But it’s still been a challenge, according to co-artistic director Jesse MacLean.
“When we lose a show if it’s raining, which it often does in Halifax, that’s loss of revenue, that’s loss of audience, it’s harder to attract sponsors when you can’t show as many … numbers,” MacLean said.
“You lose confidence of your audience. That just degrades over time and it takes a long time to build confidence for people to know, ‘what am I going to do tonight, I’ve decided to go to the theatre.'”
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The performance group has installed an exterior door, and improved electrical wiring, heating and washroom access to bring the building to code. Some roof repairs are still needed, however those repairs won’t be done as plans are in the works to build an entirely new space.
Occupancy permits will still need to be obtained before performances can happen in the venue, but MacLean said council’s approval gives them the “pathway to fix it.”
Council’s vote extends the group’s lease with the municipality until 2025. Staff will also have to return in fall 2017 with building recommendations, giving the group time to perform a feasibility study of building a new venue.
Shakespeare by the Sea founder and co-artistic director Elizabeth Murphy said the vote means they can provide a “strong artistic and cultural presence” in Halifax.
“It means we’re moving forward on something that we’ve been trying to get to for at least 10 years now,” Murphy said. “We’re going to go forward with our fundraising money to replace the building and have a home for Shakespeare by the Sea and other companies.”
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“We could end up with a manifestly better situation than we had before that tragedy,” Waye Mason, District 7 Councillor, said Tuesday.
MacLean said they hope to start a capital campaign this coming summer for the building and, if enough money can be raised, they would like to be able to open the new building in 2018 in time for the group’s 25th year. They also plan to apply for funding from the federal government’s Cultural Spaces Fund.
— With files from Marieke Walsh, Global News
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