Bluewater Summer Playhouse pays off rent arrears to Kincardine

Thanks to a successful membership drive, the Bluewater Summer Playhouse has raised the $15,000 it owes the Municipality of Kincardine in rent arrears, for use of the Kincardine Arts Centre in downtown Kincardine.

Last night (Oct. 18), Marilyn Clarke and Jennifer Webb were at the council meeting to present the cheque to the municipality and put the professional theatre back in the black.

Clarke told council that the Bluewater Summer Playhouse has been bringing live theatre to Kincardine for 24 years and is the only professional theatre in Bruce County.

"Over that time, we have shared thousands of performances with you, our loyal and supportive audiences," she said. "We attract audiences of more than 3,000 people per year. More than half come from out-of-town, and many come to shop and dine in Kincardine before attending our performances."

She said the theatre has employed more than 60 local students, helping them gain experience from theatre professionals, and earn money for school. Bluewater Playhouse has also operated a summer drama camp, annually inspiring up to 50 youth (aged six to 12).

"As a non-profit, arts organization, it is always a balancing act between budgets and affordable ticket prices," said Clarke. "This year, when we faced a crisis of paying back rent arrears, we turned to our supporters for help."

Back in the spring, Clarke and Webb came to council, requesting forgiveness of the $15,000 or a payment plan so they could continue with the 2017 season. In June, council agreed on a five-year payment plan, with the first monthly payment due Sept. 1

The theatre's board of directors then held a membership campaign, asking 150 people to donate $100 in order to address the rent arrears.

"Not only did we reach our target, but we surpassed it," said Clarke. "We were overwhelmed by people's generosity, and gratified to know that our theatre is important to our community. This was truly an affirmation that people appreciate and want live theatre in their community. Through their generous donations, people told us we were valued!"

Bluewater Summer Playhouse can now plan for its 25th season, she said, and apply for a community grant from the municipality which it was unable to do while it was in arrears.

"We have examined our budget and made some changes," said Clarke, "so that we can continue to offer high-quality professional theatre here in Kincardine. We have raised our ticket prices, will hold another membership drive, and our artistic director, Ralph Small, and our board of directors are searching out quality entertainment for our 25th season."

She said the first play of the 2018 season will be one that Small is directing, called "The Full Mounty," and will be hilarious. Leisa Way is returning with a country-themed show, and "Abbamania" is coming to the Bluewater stage.

"We hope to attract many newcomers to our theatre, as well as our loyal regular theatre patrons," said Clarke.

She thanked Jim Cook of Kincardine who assisted with the membership campaign, and Small who has gone above and beyond the duties of an artistic director to ensure the theatre can keep costs down while providing first-class entertainment.

For more information about the Bluewater Summer Playhouse, check the website at www.bluewatersummerplayhouse.com and like it on Facebook. If you have questions or wish to volunteer, call the office at 519-396-5722 or E-mail: boxoffice@bluewatersummerplayhouse.com. The 2018 season will be posted on the website once it has been finalized.

Mayor Anne Eadie thanked the theatre group for paying its rent arrears, and accepted the cheque on behalf of the municipality.



Marilyn Clarke (left) and Jennifer Webb (right) of the Bluewater Summer Playhouse present a cheque for $15,000 to Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie, to cover the professional theatre's rent arrears at the Kincardine Arts Centre, owned by the Municipality of Kincardine