The Camrose area is home to more than 50 not-for-profit arts and cultural groups which include more than 5,000 participants from both the community and the University of Alberta who need venues for rehearsals, performances, exhibits, etc. Local artists and performers will come together and exchange creative, collaborative ideas. It will also help the community attract many theatrical and musical performances by arts groups from across Canada and around the world. In addition, the Centre will serve both the University of Alberta’s Augustana Faculty and the Battle River School District.
Not including proposed day use by the school district and the University, the facility is projected to be used an average of 198 days per year.
Our current arts facilities in Camrose do not meet the needs of local arts groups. In particular, we need performance space with sufficient seating and stage area, rehearsal space, and work areas for construction and instructional space. The Centre will be ideal for multi-scene drama productions, musicals and dance presentations and will have a 550-seat audience capacity, which will lend to higher box office revenues and higher-profile touring productions. Local facilities can, however, share technical equipment, expertise, a volunteer pool, marketing programs, festivals or fundraising events, and even a box office.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Performing Arts Centre vision is the potential for joint planning and complementary programming, particularly with the Bailey Theatre. These facilities have the capacity to function as arts anchors on the northern and southern ends of Camrose’s downtown. The two venues together will be able to support vibrant arts festivals that we hope will bring many visitors to attend performances and shop, dine, and perhaps stay overnight in Camrose.
