January 31, 2005

Fundraiser launched for Sudbury theatre renovations

SUDBURY, Ont.

A special showing of Forever Plaid helped launch a campaign to raise $550,000 to pay for much-needed renovations and equipment upgrades so the Sudbury Theatre Centre can continue to present high-quality productions.

Business leaders, who were invited to the event last Tuesday night, were urged to contribute to the campaign, said Stephen McCulloch, president of Cambrian Ford and chairman of The Show Must Go On Capital Campaign.

“Basically everything inside the building is over 20 years old and has to be replaced,” said McCulloch, adding that $200,000 has already been raised, most of it coming from the federal government and local donors.

About $280,000 was borrowed to pay for recent roof repairs and heating and cooling system replacements, and the campaign will help pay off that debt, while financing new lighting, electrical and sound systems, said McCulloch.

The theatre is vital to the city’s cultural landscape, said McCulloch.

“It is an institution that needs to be fought for and I want to fight for its future. This money will bring it up to a state-of-the-art facility and will allow the STC to bring in bigger and better productions.”

The theatre, founded in 1971, has staged hundreds of theatrical productions.

It features a 287-seat auditorium, office, rehearsal and storage space, a greenroom and licensed lounge.

It offers acting instruction for youth and is a popular field trip destination for students.

The Canadian Press

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