October 12, 2024
The Lester Centre of the Arts is officially inviting the public back to thetheatre where they can enjoy brand new seats.
It is the culmination of the “Please Be Seated” project, whose intent was to replace 694 seats that had been regular fixtures in the theatre since 1987. The new seats, featuring amethyst upholstery and cherry wood backs & arm rests, have already been used for a few events throughout September. The theatre was closed during the summer months while construction was in progress.
The total project cost was over $600,000, which included the acquisition and installation of the new seats, the removal of the old ones, a new paint job on the floor, and cleaning the carpets on the stairs. To help fund this project, funds were received from:
· The Prince Rupert Port Authority ($302,500)
· The BC Arts Council ($167,500)
· HeritageCanada ($85,000)
· Local individuals and organizations ($38,400)
“The support we received for this project was phenomenal, and we’re grateful to the community for helping us to keep the facility in a state-of-the-art condition,” said Crystal Lorette, president of the Board of Directors for the Lester Centre. “This facility really belongs to the community, and with the new seats, we’ll be able to continue serving the people of Prince Rupert and surrounding area for generations to come.”
These comments were echoed by the Prince Rupert Port Authority, which announced their funding for the project earlier this week. “The Lester Centre of the Arts is an essential piece of civic infrastructure, and the Prince Rupert Port Authority is committed to investing in its future and extending its legacy as the community’s central hub for music, dance, theatre, cultural celebrations, and milestone events,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO of the Port Authority, in a news release.
The new seating also features some removable sections: one is at the top of thelower bowl, to allow for more wheelchair access; the other is in the front row,to allow for more floor space for dancing.
It’s predicted the seats will be well-used in their first season of existence, with a high school musical this Christmas, a community musical in the spring, and many event and concert bookings that have already been made. For a full season schedule, see www.lestercentre.ca/box-office
