Theatre Northwest Gets Extension to Service Agreement

Tuesday, October 05, 2010 03:59 AM

Prince George, B.C.- Theatre Northwest isn’t being dramatic when it says it has been “gob-smacked” by a series of events which have left it struggling for funds.

Artistic Director, Ted Price says there were four events;

1. Cuts from B.C. Arts Council

2. Cancellation of Theatre North west’s bingo license

3. 100% loss of casino gaming funds

4. HST.

While there have been some indications some of the cuts might not be as deep as initially indicated, Theatre Northwest says it is in line to be short at least $61 thousand, and at the worst, $75 thousand dollars.

Price says they don’t want to boost ticket prices too high because they want to keep the theatre in a range where “people of ordinary means” can afford to attend the shows. There is also a concern that increasing the prices would trigger a clause in the contract which would mean wages would have to be increased across the board.

To give it some breathing room, the Theatre Northwest has requested it’s service agreement with the City be extended until April of 2011.

Council has unanimously approved the request to extend the service agreement.

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Tuesday, October 05, 2010 03:59 AM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: BCRacer on October 5 2010 9:07 AM

I listened to this sob story last night. I also noted that just about everyone on council will probably be gung-ho on okaying the performing center too...
They heard a sob story and fell for it hook line and sinker...I am surprised they weren't all in tears...
So fellow tax payers I can see a new performing center in our midst while other things of greater need will go by the wayside...

Posted by: gus on October 5 2010 9:27 AM

If they extend the service agreement, the it is the City that owes TNW another $118,000, which the City has been paying for the past 3 years.

Does that mean that this is the 4th year that we are gifting TNW at a level tice the amount the PGSO is receiving?

http://www.opinion250.com/blog/view/14629/1/pgso+request+out+of+tune+with+fiscal+realities+at+city++hall

"Councilor Don Basserman says while he would like to be able to fund the PGSO “We’re in a bit of a pickle” because of the significant budget challenges being faced by the City this year. A similar message was delivered by Councilor Garth Frizzell who says while he agrees with the letters of support for the PGSO “It’s difficult to afford frankly”."

The PGSO was asking for an increase to $100,000 for three years, less than TNW is now getting for 4 years.

Where is the equity?

Posted by: Junco on October 5 2010 12:15 PM

Times are tough. People are tightening their belts and for "people of ordinary means" plays and a night at the Symphony aren't in the equation. It is simply unaffordable.

Posted by: gus on October 5 2010 1:49 PM

Junco, no doubt that is true for some, and perhaps even many.

So there is a 10% drop in attendance, let us say.

Ticket prices stay the same instead of increasing.

Earned income is down. Provincial funding and gaming is removed. To keep the theatre going, the City kicks in more money rather than upping the ticket price from say $20 to $27.

How many other organizations are in a similar pickle because they have lost gaming funds?

Posted by: BCRacer on October 5 2010 3:19 PM

They should up the price....
If the performance is ggo then those who partake in this activity will have got their money worth...
I am getting tired of paying for everyone elses funtimes

Posted by: BCRacer on October 5 2010 3:28 PM

I need a spell check too it seems...

Posted by: onemansthoughts on October 5 2010 4:28 PM

I should consider my business of the arts. Then maybe I could ask for a grant every year to survive. Im joking of course. The theatre should close like any other business. Everybody is playing, others do the paying.

Posted by: Chester on October 5 2010 9:58 PM

So who is the BC Arts Council supporting? Why is the TNW Bingo License cancelled?
Why is the TNW no longer entitled to gaming proceeds?
Gee, even subsidized entertainment has been effected by the HST.

So, who is getting all of this money now? BC Government, that's who. They are grabbing it back from wherever they can. Whose money is it anyway? Not theirs.