Arts Council of New Westminster A Vision for Theatre in New Westminster

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Questionnaire Summary

Introduction
While the audience was representative of the various groups involved in theatre, the number was too small for statistical analysis. So we rather include the actual comments, made anonymous.

Note: attendees did not complete all questionnaire fields. The actual questionnaires are available at the Arts Council for viewing.

Comments:  Aficionado and sometimes actor.  Performs in other cities.

Obstacles  are public interest, funding. 

Vision for Theatre in New West – Regional Professional Theatre Company.

Yes, PLEASE Strategic planning committee.

Comments:  Obstacle is having a middle size facility/theatre.  Vision for New West to become a mini Broadway. 

General Comment:  If we could all work together, we could do great things.

Yes:  Would serve on the strategic planning committee.

Obstacles: Political will, interest, attitude, commitment, other items always rank higher in terms of use of tax dollars.

Vision:  People using Douglas College, Vagabond Theatre, (Bernie Legge), Massey Theatre ++ “Burr”, maybe “Paramount” and who knows – Regular uses – programming.

General:  Has been an important component of the city’s arts + cultural community.

NO – strategic planning. BUT would be open to offering opinions, experience, expertise etc.

Obstacles: Profile unified plan, commitment and consistency from city council.

Vision:  For residents to be aware of the theatre possibilities in town.  For groups to work together on profile.

General Comments:  New West is unknown as a “:Theatre Centre” in lower mainland.  Seen as too far from downtown & across the bridge from Surrey.

PERHAPS:  strategic planning committee.

Facilities:  There is no mid-sized professional theatre. 

Obstacles:  Lack of a central focus for a professional theatre community.

Vision:  3 key elements, The Bernie Legge, The Massey and The Burr!

General Comments: To include the Massey and Douglas College’s stage in a count of theatre seats in New West is unfair. Neither is regularly available to mid-sized professional theatre companies.

Yes :  Strategic plan for Theatre.   Ask:  Tina Overbury, Overburyent@inbox.com

Yes :  Strategic plan for Theatre committee.

Obstacles: A centre known for Performing Arts.  It’s good that all are uniquely different – a smorgasborg.

Vision: Centre for performing arts & cultural on Columbia Street. Like it started out.  It had a unique theatre.

General Comments:  Tourism needs this Theatre especially on Columbia Street for development (of restaurants, Quay merchants, etc.)  Also, United Advertising for Tourism.

Yes: Strategic planning committee.

Obstacle:  Size, political will.

 Yes:  Strategic Planning committee.

Vision:  Those citizens would have the opportunity to gather for stimulating professional productions regularly and also participate in community theatre productions.

COMMENTS:  All performing arts are worthy of the vision above, i.e. Dance, music, performance art, new and old.

Yes:  Strategic planning committee.  Experts (experienced) from all cities.  I have suggestions!

Obstacles:  An adequate venue that is centrally located along with unity among the theatrical groups which currently appear splintered.

Vision:  Personally I see the restoration of the Burr as central to the revitalization of downtown New West and an opportunity to restore one of the last atmospheric theatres in Canada.

Yes: Strategic Plan.

Obstacles:  Facilities – rehearsal space – knowledgeable and committed city councillors.  Planning/management/vision.

Vision:   An improved and city – owned Massey (approx. 1200 seats)  Burr Theatre – mid sized e.g.: 450 – 500 seats such as Arts Club (Vanc) Gateway which could accommodate touring small groups.

Comments:  Vagabonds –“training” “club” facility  - 140 seats,  Douglas College – 300 – 400  Seats, Limited availability.

Obstacles:  Lack of proper venues.

Vision:  An art gallery theatre, art centre.

Obstacles: We have no wealthy corporate sponsors who will build an arts centre.

Vision:  Is to have an opera house and arts centre on available land in Queens Park.

Comments:   We own the land in Queens Park but we need money for a theatre and arts centre.  We do need to communicate by email with each other.

Obstacles:  A venue funding.

Vision:  Finish restoring and re-open the Burr.  Consider re-furbishing the Mc & Mc (Salvation Army) bldg. and using it for an arts Centre.

Obstacles:  Not aware of any real multi function performance theatres in New West.

Vision:  I would like to see an Arts Centre 7 Theatre in New West – such as Bby Arts Centre.

Comments:  We are experiencing a great deal of growth here & would like more suitable venue her.  I think will be needed in the near future.

Yes:

Obstacles:  Lack of civic support – it seems the audience is mostly there by perhaps a concerted effort to attend local productions would create more awareness.

Vision:  A multitude of choices of theatre; small productions, large productions, films and film festivals, all year round is what I would like to see.

Comments:  I appreciate these forums and meetings as it helps to clarify what is happening and what is hoped will happen.

Yes:

Obstacles:  Lack of publicity, big lack of arts coverage.  Almost all arts news is Vancouver arts news.

Vision:  More small studio spaces. That can be rented as rehearsal spaces.

Comments:  Columbia St. could be Gas Town with cooperation from Business Owners. But cooperation with Business owners is the key. 

Perhaps