Dear Friends of The Port Theatre,
We want to thank each of you for your ongoing trust and support over the last 20 years. We have hosted live events including plays, musicals, symphonies, rock concerts, choirs, graduations, dance events and our own nationally-acclaimed Spotlight Series. It is a tremendous privilege to be the stewards of your community theatre.
The City of Nanaimo and the Port Theatre Society are working closely together, actively monitoring and responding to the direction and recommendations being made by the Government of Canada and the BC Provincial Health Officer. Safety of our patrons, artists, volunteers and staff continues to be The Port Theatre’s number one priority.
The Port Theatre is a City-owned and co-managed facility. Playgrounds and indoor facilities, such as recreation centres, arenas and pools, as well as City-owned cultural facilities, remain closed pending re-opening guidelines being worked on right now between the Ministry of Health, WorkSafe BC and other professional organizations, including the BC Recreation and Parks Association.
Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has issued orders banning ‘large gatherings’ for the summer of 2020. Therefore, The Port Theatre will be closed for in-person public gatherings in May, June, July & August. Further direction is needed from health authorities before we can announce our reopening plans.
Even though The Port Theatre building is temporarily closed, arts and culture is alive in Nanaimo. Our administration and technical staff are working remotely to ensure patrons receive refunds; to reschedule shows; assist artists, community groups and promoters prepare for the future; manage theatre maintenance as well as prepare the facility for the reopening and return to a ‘new normal’ of operations.
The Ticket Centre is contacting patrons with tickets for June, July and August events. Many shows are rescheduling, but refunds are available to patrons who prefer that option. Questions can be directed to tickets@porttheatre.com.
We look forward to seeing you at the theatre again. Stay safe and healthy. Nanaimo is stronger together.
