King’s Theatre Receives Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency Upgrades
July 7, 2015 – Annapolis Royal – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Located in the heart of downtown Annapolis Royal, King's Theatre has showcased local talent and entertained residents and tourists for the better part of a century.
In order to ensure this historical landmark’s long-term sustainability, the Government of Canada is investing $117,069, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), while the Government of Nova Scotia is contributing $50,000. Utilizing this support, King’s Theatre will implement infrastructure upgrades and new marketing initiatives to enhance the theatre’s capacity to attract and retain tourists for longer stays.
Infrastructure upgrades include the installation of energy-efficient heat pumps, windows, and stage floor resurfacing. Improvements to the stage area and to the building's exterior will also add to the overall “King’s Theatre experience.” In addition to new stage lighting and signage, the work will include construction of a new waterfront deck that will link King's Theatre with the town wharf, boardwalk and King's Plaza.
Two years ago, the Town of Annapolis Royal received Government of Canada support through ACOA to upgrade the adjoining dock and make it more accessible to yachts, pleasure boats and the emergency Zodiac.
The final component of the King’s Theatre project will focus on new marketing initiatives in the United States and Canada. Funding is allocated for the redevelopment of the Theatre’s website, which will become friendlier to mobile users and include a new online payment and ticketing system.
Quick Facts:
- The theatre operates year-round and hosts approximately 150 events that attract 12,000 patrons annually.
- The King’s Theatre is part of a rich 400-year history of performing arts in Annapolis Royal. With the production of The Theatre of Neptune by Marc Lescarbot in 1606, Annapolis Royal became home to North America's first stage.
- King’s Theatre puts some $70,000 directly into the hands of performing artists every year.
Unique annual events include King’s Shorts: Festival of 10-Minute Plays, which this year attracted 72 scripts from around the world; and FoDAR, a festival of live contemporary dance.
- In 2014, Stuart MacLean’s Vinyl Café presented 2 sold-out shows at King’s Theatre. One of the shows was recorded and broadcast on his CBC radio show, where Stuart gave a wonderful tribute to Annapolis Royal and the surrounding area in his introductory remarks.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to invest in infrastructure and marketing to strengthen the King’s Theatre Society’s capacity to support the performing arts in the Town of Annapolis Royal. This project will conserve Nova Scotian heritage, draw tourism to the region and create meaningful cultural benefits for the community at large.”
- Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“In this town of less than 500 people, we are so lucky to have this Theatre. It is truly a cultural hub. The community, who volunteer their time as well as money, is the Theatre’s lifeblood. This series of upgrades, which will unfold over the next 18 months, was developed in response to needs expressed by the community. We are incredibly grateful for the support of ACOA, the Province, the Town, the King’s Theatre Foundation, and the Theatre's patrons. It's a 94-year old building, so it takes a lot to keep it going.”
- Janet Larkman, Chair, King’s Theatre Society
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Paul Moore
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-3470 / 902-222-3360 (cell)
Email: Paul.Moore@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Geoff Keymer
General Manager
The King’s Theatre Society
(902) 532-7704 (office)
Email: gm@kingstheatre.ca
