The theatre component of the CUPlex, the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts, is slated to be substantially completed in April, though the building itself should be finished by the end of February.
The building's largest feature is, of course, its theatre. The theatre will have 385 seats, of which five will be barrier-free, and look over a xxx square foot stage capable of accommodating up to six sets. The theatre will be built to incorporate the latest in acoustics technology, with a cushioned wood floor and double layered, insulated drywall. Outside of theatre in the foyer is a small bar, manager's office, box office and a coat check.
Backstage, the theatre complex will have three dressing rooms and a green room in addition to a designated piano room and a workshop room to design sets in. Each of the dressing rooms will be amply equipped with lighting and mirrors, and have a bathroom with a shower. Also backstage will be a fully equipped kitchen, which could potentially be used by a catering company.
But the theatre complex features more than just the theatre. To the east of the theatre stage itself is a large rehearsal room, designed with the same acoustics and sound system as the theatre itself. The rehearsal room can be used as a smaller theatre, for smaller concerts, or for groups who cannot afford the rental price of the theatre itself. Like the stage at the theatre, the rehearsal area will have a cushioned wood floor.
The Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts will be operated "at arm's-length" from the City, as per a recommendation from a September city council memo. Though the makeup of the board has not yet been publicly announced, it was recommended that it be made up of nine members - two from City Council, two from City administration (one from Parks, Recreation and Culture and one form Finance), and five from a cross section of backgrounds including one with a legal background, one with a finance background, one with human resource experience, one with a media marketing background and one with a volunteer co-ordination background.
It is expected city council will announce the members of the board shortly. The theatre will be run by a general manager, who has not yet been hired. Advertising for the general manager's position closed Nov. 22 and interviews for the position got under way soon afterwards.
The City will own the theatre and provide structural, HBAC and building maintenance services.
As for the cost of the theatre component, revised estimates in late May 2011 budgeted the theatre cost at $13,290,094.97 (GST excluded), plus an estimated $800,000 for the fit-up budget.
A total of $40,000 has been set aside for assisting with theatre start up costs. As well, an operating grant of $219,000 was included in the 2012 operations budget to offset the performing arts theatre operational costs.
