Community Rehearsal and Performance Space

An opportunity exists where we have a small industrial space approximately 1300 square feet which we would like to develop into a community rehearsal and performance space. The Matchbox Theatre Foundation operates the adjacent space, a fully supported blackbox theatre which seats 120 people. This area is not suitable for rehearsal or a performance space for smaller organizations in the community due to size and availability. The annex we are proposing would be an extension of the work we do with emerging artists and the youth in Red Deer. It would allow us to expand in this area and provide a space at reduced costs to schools and emerging artists of all disciplines. It would be used as a green room for such events as our upcoming "Spring Youth Festival" in April, youth theatre classes in the summer and art exhibits. A need for this type of space in Red Deer has been identified.

The space available for development is entirely open with a 22 foot ceiling and an overhead door for easy access of loading in. In order to develop this space we would need to paint all surface areas, level the existing concrete floor for portable wooden staging and install proper bathrooms, insuring all areas are wheelchair accessible. It would be desirable to place a door between the two spaces for easy flow to the main theatre in bad weather. A sprinkler and fire alarm system will be required by the city. A small lighting and sound system as well as tables and chairs would need to be purchased. The money received from the Aviva Community Fund will go entirely into making the space comfortable and affordable for many different groups by developing the space and supplementing the rent for the first year of operation. We would like to see it used on a continual basis.