If Bill and Judy Russell have it their way the Prince George Playhouse will be busier than it's ever been. Enchainement Productions is now the new management company for the city-owned facility, which was formerly run by the city and then put to tender earlier this year. Enchainement Productions Inc. won the bid.
To keep the business of running a successful venue in the family, Bill and Judy will hand the reigns off to son Matt, who grew up in the business and his new bride Anna, who has been educated in theatre management.
The production company will develop relationships with community groups that might consider using the playhouse in the future.
"Bill has been teaching us all the ropes and has been instrumental in getting the front lobby redecorated," said Judy. "We all have a role to play but he's worked very, very hard."
Matt and Anna, who were living in Vancouver until recently, moved to Prince George to take on the challenge of making the Playhouse a vibrant part of the community.
"We want community groups and members of the community to hold more events here that are not necessarily theatrical in nature," said Matt. "There's a possibility of doing karaoke birthday parties, weddings, memorials and fundraisers. We have had a couple of weddings and a memorial at the Playhouse and the space works really well for those types of events."
The space gets used for weekend events, but it's mostly empty during the week, Matt added.
"We'd like to fill it up that way because it is under utilized and since we're not going to have a performing arts centre for a while we would like to make the most of the Playhouse right now," Matt said.
When people hold weddings at the playhouse they use the stage for the ceremony and guests sit in the rows of chairs that audience members use to watch a show.
"Last week there was a wedding held at the Playhouse and they blocked off part of the theatre itself so when they looked out at the guests it didn't look empty," said Anna. "They decorated the lobby in a beautiful fall theme for the reception."
The new renovations to the lobby are neutral tones to compliment any decorations people wish to use.
"A successful playhouse should be used on a regular basis and I want people to feel at home here," said Matt. "I think people might think it was a cold, sterile environment before and we'd like to make sure that community groups know this place is warm, inviting and very affordable and it can be used for any event."
Upcoming events include the film premiere of local filmmaker Kennedy Goodkey's award winning movie The Beast of Bottomless Lake Oct. 21. Watch the film and participate in the question and answer period with Goodkey.
Pavlo, Greek god of guitar, brings his band to the Playhouse Oct. 25. Composing in a unique style that can best be described as Mediterranean, Pavlo combines elements of flamenco, classical and latin music accentuated by the presence of the Greek Bouzouki. Juno-nominated Pavlo tours the world with his show and has sold over a half a million records in Canada.
And for the little ones Treehouse TV's BIG & Small - Happy Together! will be presented Monday, Nov. 21 at 4:30 p.m. Jump into the duo's wacky world as they discover the true meaning of friendship through hilarious comedy, interactive song and lively dance.
For more information about these events call 250-563-8401.
