A local theatre in the Comox Valley hopes to get a funding increase from local governments.
The Sid Williams Theatre is a 500-seat performing arts Centre that hosts a variety of performances including plays, musicals, and concerts.
General manager Deborah Renz says while operations are bouncing back since the pandemic, it is still uncertain in some areas when it comes to audience participation.
“Late last year to earlier this year we saw some good recovery, and as the economic uncertainty started to roll out, we also noticed that impact in audience participation,” said Renz.
“We have seen an increase in costs in just about every operating area. The labour market is challenging so attracting and up-staffing after COVID has seen a real cost to it. Everything that we purchase like bar supplies, office supplies, technology and electronics have also gone up, but an unanticipated but noticeable cost increase is security.”
Renz says costs are up between 5 and 8 percent after COVID. She also says for the funding formula they aim to support educational opportunities for youth, outreach opportunities, and discount rates for services to local non-profits and businesses.
They try to keep their earned revenue ratio over 60 percent, while looking for combined funding from local, provincial, and federal governments for the remaining 40 percent.
“We are asking for a modest increase from all of our local governments,” said Renz.
On Wednesday Penz, Richard Clarke, Dale Pateman presented their request in front of Comox council, where they plan on visiting the City of Courtenay, Village of Cumberland, and the Comox Valley Regional District in the hopes of an increase.
