Enjoying Diverse Arts Programming in Nova Scotia

News Release

Government of Canada provides funding for the Chester Playhouse Presentation Series

October 7, 2014 – Chester, Nova Scotia – Department of Canadian Heritage

The Chester Playhouse will provide audiences with year-round opportunities to enjoy the performing arts, thanks to financial support from the Government of Canada. Funding of $21,000 ($10,500 for each of the fiscal years 2015–2016 and 2016–2017) has been provided to the Chester Theatre Council Society through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund.

Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret’s), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

With this investment, the Chester Theatre Council Society will present the multidisciplinary Chester Playhouse Presentation Series. The series, which takes place throughout the year, will include a total of 40 musical, theatre, and comedy performances.

The series will showcase artists from three Canadian provinces: Nova Scotia, Ontario and British Columbia. Concerts at the Chester Playhouse will feature classical, folk, popular, jazz, new and world music.

Community outreach and audience development activities will also be offered, such as play reading workshops and after-school and summer theatre programs.

Quick Facts

The Chester Playhouse is owned and operated by the Chester Theatre Council Society (CTC). A registered society since 1984, the CTC is a charitable organization with a volunteer board of directors chosen from the members.
The mission of the CTC is to foster, promote, encourage and develop the performing arts and to maintain a community arts facility in Chester.
The expected annual attendance for the Chester Playhouse Presentation Series is about 5,000.

Quotes

“Our Government recognizes the importance of arts and culture in making our communities great places to live. As we approach Canada’s 150^th birthday in 2017, our thriving arts and culture sector will play a prominent and vibrant role in celebrations across the country.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“The Chester Playhouse provides residents and visitors with opportunities for artistic experiences that might not otherwise be available in this rural area. Our Government is pleased to support an organization that makes such a valuable contribution to the well-being of the community, as well as to the local economy.”

—Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret’s)

“Funding received from Canadian Heritage plays an important part in our programming choices, allowing for greater flexibility. It enables us to reach out beyond our Maritime borders and present a diversified program of unique music and theatre to our community. We very much appreciate the opportunity to showcase artists from other Canadian provinces and from around the world.”

— Erick Bickerdike, General Manager, Chester Theatre Council Society