The arts and culture scene has faced challenges, but Calgary’s theatre community is happily welcoming back many audience members.
The Matha Cohen Theatre was full earlier this month for The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon, a famous curling play by Canadian writer W.O. Mitchell.
Haysam Kadri, artistic director for Alberta Theatre Projects, said, “It was fantastic. It was one of the organization’s best shows in its 50-year history.”
The arts scene has been trying to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. But busy lobbies and increasing ticket sales are positive signs for theatre groups.
Kadri mentioned, “Calgary seems to be doing well. Vertigo Theatre is doing great. Theatre Calgary is filling theatres and making their plays more accessible.”
One thing attracting audiences is Theatre Calgary’s “Theatre for All” project, which offers $39 tickets to make going to the theatre more affordable for everyone.
The discounted tickets helped pack the seats for A Christmas Carol during the holidays.
“We hadn’t done the large-scale Christmas Carol in a couple years,” said Maya Choldin, executive director at Theatre Calgary.
“People were excited to have that tradition back in their lives. When we combined that with lower ticket prices, we saw more people returning to the theatre.”
The Girl on the Train is also drawing in audiences at Vertigo Theatre.
Jack Grinhaus, artistic director at Vertigo Theatre, said, “Every one of our shows has sold over 90 per cent, which is amazing.”
“It’s increasing from year to year. So even from last year to this year we’re seeing a rise.”
Despite the success, some difficult decisions are still being made. Theatre Calgary announced that Shakespeare on the Bow has been paused this year.
“We’ve been around for 56 years and we want to continue, so we have to make smart choices for the near future,” Choldin explained.
People in the local arts community are hoping that the $480-million Arts Commons transformation project, expected to start this year, will bring in more people.
— with files from Tracy Nagai, Global News.
