Three stages of funding from community and corporate support have helped the Chemainus Theatre endure the void from no stage performances since the start of COVID-19 in March of 2020 until now.

Appropriately named the Crisis Relief Fund, Bridge The Gap and most recently Return To Stage campaigns, the theatre is indeed ready for a staged return beginning with the Holiday Jubilation concert Dec. 8-23.

Dr. Don Hilton and Gregg Perry, together with Island Savings, Duncan Iron Works, and Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn, collectively pledged $85,000 toward a Return to Stage matched giving campaign.

B次元官网网址淭he campaign is so continual,B次元官网网址� said the theatreB次元官网网址檚 managing director Randy Huber. B次元官网网址淭hese two gents coming through with their support is the catalyst we need to re-energize and get back to programming.B次元官网网址�

The Perry and Hilton families are long-time advocates of the theatre and were central to the previous matched campaign.

Each dollar donated to the theatre for the Return To Stage will be matched up to $85,000. If fully matched, the funds will help the theatre get through the last of its extended intermissions and put it back on track to produce a full 2022 season.

B次元官网网址淩andy tells me $50,000 have come in since that campaign started,B次元官网网址� said Hilton. B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 hoping to equal that or surpass that. ItB次元官网网址檚 amazing what they were able to do with the competent staff here.B次元官网网址�

Perry has an extra special connection as the theatreB次元官网网址檚 inaugural artistic director from 1993-1995.

B次元官网网址淚 poured a lot into this when it was first starting,B次元官网网址� said Perry. B次元官网网址淭here was a lot of inertia to get it off the ground.

B次元官网网址淚 was there to talk about what IB次元官网网址檇 seen at Rosebud (Alberta) and what a wonderful thing it had become.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淚f it wasnB次元官网网址檛 for Gregg in those first few years the theatre wouldnB次元官网网址檛 have been here,B次元官网网址� praised Huber. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 no question about it.B次元官网网址�

Perry and Hilton are glad to do whatever they can to make sure it stages a big comeback from the COVID hiatus.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a pleasure to be able to do it,B次元官网网址� said Perry.

The corporate support is also vital, with the three main players in the lead roles.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e very pleased to assist the Chemainus Theatre with this matching donor campaign,B次元官网网址� noted Jason Farrugia, branch manager for Island Savings Credit Union in Chemainus.

B次元官网网址淭he theatre represents more than shows or goods, it represents community. We wish a fabulous season to the staff and patrons, as they have waited patiently over the last 18 months to be able to enjoy the theatre and the artistic expression it showcases.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淎s a community, we need to support one another, and in acknowledging that the Chemainus Theatre truly embodies the spirit of this community, we at the Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn feel privileged to support our friends in the opening of their 2022 season with heartfelt, optimistic enthusiasm,B次元官网网址� added general manager Wayne Lynch.

B次元官网网址淎s a long time supporter of the Chemainus Theatre, it is our pleasure to become involved in this very important matching campaign,B次元官网网址� offered Duncan Iron Works general manager Brent Dellebuur. B次元官网网址淲e have all been extremely patient in waiting for the day when we can return to live performances. This campaign will help carry the theatre until it can get back to welcoming audiences back to the venue we all love in 2022.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淲e are incredibly thankful for the generosity of this group and hope you will partner with them to re-ignite the stage so we can gather again for great stories and music,B次元官网网址� pointed out Huber. B次元官网网址淲ith your help, we are ready to build on our three-decade track record. What a wonderful, shared legacy.B次元官网网址�

Donations to the theatreB次元官网网址檚 campaign can be made