ISSUE #13, DECEMBER 2007
Grand Theatre Building Improvement Newsletter
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This is a brief update on the Grand Theatre Building Improvement Project. These updates are issued on a monthly basis.
Construction Summary
Construction activities remain on budget. As of December 31, 2007 the City had spent approximately $11.6M. This is equivalent to 68% of the project's approved budget.
Construction activities that took place during December include installation of heating and plumbing lines, drywall and light fixtures throughout the facility. Epoxy floor covering in the main auditorium is completed. Ceiling sprinklers were installed in the Baby Grand and a permanent security system was installed and is operational. January works will include new roofing system, Princess Street concrete sidewalk replacement and installation of exterior and interior pavers.
Overall construction remained on schedule in December. Some tasks are behind the construction schedule and some are ahead. The theatre will be ready to host events in May 2008.
Operations
Work continues to ensure that the transition from the construction phase to the operations phase is seamless.
On December 12, 2007 the City of Kingston Community Development Services Group/Culture & Recreation Department sponsored a user group/presenter/producer information session at the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. The information session was well attended. All questions posed by the participants are being formally answered in writing and sent back to all participants as well as existing and potential users/clients of the newly renovated Grand Theatre early in 2008.
Included in the information package handed out to those in attendance at the session and all on the list was a proposed rate card for the newly renovated Theatre along with a formal announcement that the City of Kingston will receive expressed interest in booking the Grand Theatre later that week. Confirmations of bookings are being sent out in early 2008.
The 'Cultural Director' position, which will focus primarily on the operations, management and audience/market development of the Grand for the first several months, was posted in November and receipt of applications closed in mid December 2007. The City of Kingston was very pleased with the number and quality of applications received. Interviews for the position start in early 2008.
Staff have started the process of purchasing some 'operations' related equipment for the Grand Theatre as well as refurbishing existing equipment presently in storage 'off site' in preparations for the opening in May. Interest in, and activities for, the Grand in the coming first season are strong and diverse thus far. The Baby Grand and main Theatre has a number of tentative or holds on a number of dates.
Fundraising
The Grand Theatre Restoration Foundation is committed to delivering $3.35 million in support of this restoration project.
The Grand Again Campaign has developed an exciting line-up of shows and special events. With the Grand Theatre closed, they wanted to offer something that would normally be presented at the Theatre under its "Grand Theatre Presents" banner to give people a taste of what to expect when the Grand reopens. All shows are fundraising events with proceeds going to the Let's Make Her Grand Again Campaign.UPCOMING PERFORMANCE DETAILS:
Sex and the Second City
Days Inn, 33 Benson St. (Division Street at Highway 401).
February 10, 2008
Tickets: $39 or enjoy dinner at Aqua Terra Restaubistro at the Radisson Hotel and the show at
the Days Inn for just $60. Your ticket purchase supports the Grand Again fundraising campaign
for the Grand Theatre renewal project. Available from the Grand Theatre Box Office, City Hall
613-530-2050.
To donate to the Grand Theatre Restoration Foundation, please call 613-546-4465 ext. 1136 and a campaign representative will return your call as soon as possible. You can also e-mail: grandagain@cityofkingston.ca.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the Grand Theatre Building Improvement project please contact Speros Kanellos, Director, Growth & Initiatives at 613-546-4291 ext. 3133 or by email at skanellos@cityofkingston.ca.
