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Love your Nelson movie theatre; win a singing telegram

As the Nelson Civic Theatre Society ramps up its membership drive, creative minds are hard at work.
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The push for memberships is on for the Nelson Civic Centre Society.

As the Nelson Civic Theatre Society ramps up its membership drive, creative minds are hard at work. You could even win a singing telegram.

“If you’re at the Nelson and District Community Complex during the month of August, check out the wrist band draw prize,” says membership committee member Josh Wapp.

This month’s prize is a singing telegram courtesy of theatre society featuring Josh Wapp in full usher uniform to deliver the winner’s notification. The prize is professional musician and actress Bessie Wapp in movie star costume, who will sing a song and play her accordion—ideal for birthday parties and anniversaries.

“It’s a fun way to promote our membership drive,” says Josh.

With more than 375 memberships sold to date and a grant in place to support the undertaking of a comprehensive feasibility study, the big screen is within reach according to Nelson Civic Theatre Society president Anne DeGrace.

“Memberships continue to sell steadily,” she explains. “We’re more than half way to our goal of 500. It’s a great vote of confidence.”

Memberships can be purchased for $25 (or $15 for students and seniors) at Baker Street Menswear and Otter Books, or at the theatre society’s booth around town, and online at civictheatre.ca.

Since Nelson city council’s July 15 resolution to allow the society time to conduct the study and business plan, the board and volunteers have been working hard to line up consultants and source funding. A $10,000 grant from the group Enterprising Non Profits “allows us to bring in industry experts, and to engage an independent body to review the study and business case,” says DeGrace.

While the background work of researching business and structural models and identifying funding sources for leasehold improvements continues, frontline volunteers are selling memberships and letting people know what’s happening with the project.

One of the frequently asked questions — how can I help? — can be difficult to answer as there is so much to be done. Anna Purcell has recently come on board to oversee volunteers.

“We still need some good people for the membership drive,” she says, “as well as professionals: a web designer would be great, a graphic designer, and a publicity maven.

“We also still need experts in all aspects of architectural and interior design, and builders and contractors to help problem-solve and provide estimates on renovations.”

Anyone wishing to help should contact volunteer@civictheatre.ca.

The plan is to re-open the theatre to show Hollywood, Canadian, international, and art-house films in a newly renovated space featuring up-to-date sound and projection equipment. The number of screens and other considerations will be decided subject to the study and business plan.