Today is World Theatre Day and Theatre North West's artistic producer Samantha MacDonald asks everyone to "take a moment to appreciate the impact of theatre in your community, and in your life or lives of loved ones.".
World Theatre Day represents hope that theatre in Canada may grow and prosper both here and around the world.
In Canada, World Theatre Day celebrations will be subdued by the loss of the Vancouver Playhouse, which closed its doors March 9 in the midst of its 49th season.
More than 200 artists a year were employed at the Playhouse and 15 staff - the loss in contract fees (money going into the BC economy) is an estimated $2.9 million a year. In defiance of this loss, Canadian theatres coast to coast are taking the opportunity on World Theatre Day to express solidarity in theatre arts.
Theatre North West is the only professional theatre in northern B.C. and serves the surrounding area. Each season, TNW employs more than 50 people, including local artists.
Theatre North West's budget is more than $850,000 and creates a welcome diversity within our local economy.
Virtually all of the overheard is incurred locally and more than 89 per cent of the budget is spent locally.
