Someone once said, ‘If you want something done, give it to someone ignorant of the impossibilities.’ I’ve been chairman 19 years, and I never dreamed we’d be able to do all these wonderful things,” Henry said. He says the place doesn’t exist solely to make money – its soul is built on the enthusiasm, ded- ication and the love of those who come to the theatre and those who volunteer. “You get bums in seats, and people who come can see and know that those people up there truly enjoy being on-stage,” he said. As of right now, Henry says there is still room for renovations and remodelling in the building. “We need an elevator and we need a T-Coil system to help the hearing impaired. Our audience is older, and we want to do renovations for both the mainstage and upper performance centre.
has planned and overseen all our renova- tions. He has designs and there are plans in place to expand northward, when money is available. “We will add that elevator, we want storage for costumes, and there will be construc- tion of a space for building flats and storing props. There won’t be extra seating capacity, but this will allow us to fix issues we have with crowding,” he said. “This space will be more accessible, the elevator will help a great deal, the washroom upstairs will be redesigned and accessible, the kitchen will be remodelled, and there will be more room for everyone in general.” Henry remembers fondly his time on the main stage, and what it meant to him. “I started acting in 1989 with a big part–having never acted before in my life. I was petrified, but when I walked onto the stage, I realized I loved it,” he said. He’s since mostly given up acting, as his memory can’t keep up with his enthusiasm, but he still has a deep passion for the craft and an enduring love for his actors and everyone behind-the-scenes. “I know we couldn’t do this without our volunteers. Our actors, set-makers, board and everyone else behind the scenes are so amazing. Everyone just works hand-in- glove. There is no room for prima donnas here,” he said. “If something needs to be done, we do it. The chairman cleans toilets, and no task is too small for any of us to do. We have had such good fortune that so many people are of that same mind and are so tremendous. It really is a community here.”
employees. People just love this theatre,” he said.
“We never over-promise or under-deliver.“
We are cash-based and don’t borrow money. When we have the money, we build. If we don’t, we stay how we are,” Henry goes on to say. CentreStage runs year-round and only go dark for two weeks between productions to prep and take three weeks off at Christmas. “I am just amazed at the things we’ve managed to accomplish.“
We never have productions simultaneous, but the two spaces are always used,” he said.
He’s met with Brian McKibbin, an architect who
65
64
JUNE 2019 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • JUNE 2019
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter