SYDNEY, N.S. — A Sydney theatre is showing it doesn’t have any stage fright by offering two plays for free.
Last week, the Highland Arts Theatre became one of the only companies in Canada to resume live performances with a pair of productions: Daniel MacIvor’s “House” and the two-person, off-Broadway musical, “John & Jen.”
Both shows will run alternating nights under extremely limited conditions until Aug. 30 for a total of 32 performances. Audiences are separated by a six-foot bubble when they book seats, turning what is regularly a 400-seat venue to a capacity of 50. Masks are mandatory and there will rigorous disinfecting between performances.
The idea to offer free shows is a result of the theatre’s “Radical Access” fundraising campaign. The goal is to become the first professional community-funded theatre in Canada by soliciting monthly donations with the promise of providing free access to all 12 mainstage productions.
Artistic and executive director Wesley J. Colford said so far they have reached 83 per cent of their goal.
“By offering our two August shows for free, we’re giving people a chance to see how easy this new model is and hopefully convince them to join up for monthly donations,” Colford said, adding that donors will receive charitable receipts for all donations, which are tax deductible.
“This is the new normal. This is the best it’s going to be for a long time. We can either roll over and die or we can transform into something extraordinary. We chose the latter.”
As part of the campaign, the Highland Arts Theatre has pledged to offer a video-stream of each production for free via their Facebook and YouTube channels.
“House” will be streamed Aug. 25 at 8 p.m., while “John & Jen” will air Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.
Tickets for “House” and “John & Jen” are available to book free of charge at the Highland Arts Theatre website, or by calling the box office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
