June 22, 2006
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Starting this summer, Festival Antigonish will offer a new
venue for alternative and fringe theatre. The new
performance space, to be called Stage 2, will enable
Festival Antigonish to mount original productions as well
as present the best touring fringe companies.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is
investing $42,195 in Stage 2.
"Our Government is pleased to invest in expanding the
capacity and increasing the reach of Festival Antigonish,"
said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Minister of ACOA. "Since the festival is an
anchor for tourism in the region, it makes good business
sense to build on that success."
The new 60-seat venue at Somers Hall, St. Frances Xavier
University, includes a stage floor, tiered seating,
moveable screens, new lighting and sound equipment, and a
café. The studio facility is designed to be completely
removable to an alternative site should the need arise.
"Stage 2 is a perfect complement to our well-established
main-stage series and the family series," said Ed Thomason,
Artistic Director, Festival Antigonish. "Stage 2
productions will bring more young people into the theatre,
and more local performers, writers, and artists into the
spotlight. The new venue will also broaden the scope of
what we offer to both visitors and our own community."
Festival Antigonish Stage 2 opens July 15. The line-up for
the new summer season will be announced by Festival
Antigonish on Friday, June 23. FOR BROADCAST USE:
Starting this summer, Festival Antigonish will offer a new
venue for alternative and fringe theatre, thanks to an
investment of over $42,000 by ACOA. The new Stage 2
performance space will enable Festival Antigonish to mount
original productions, showcase local talent, and present
the best touring fringe companies. The announcement was
made today by the Honourable Peter Mackay, Minister of
Foreign Affairs and Minister of ACOA.
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For more information contact:
David Harrigan
Media Relations Officer
ACOA (Nova Scotia)
(902) 426-4238
Ed Thomason, Artistic Producer
Festival Antigonish
(902) 867-39
