Residents and representatives from community groups gathered last Thursday for the unveiling of the Nanaimo Community Stage.
“I am just delighted. I had no idea it was in the works. It was like a Christmas present,” said Holly Bright, artistic director of Crimson Coast Dance Society on learning about the stage before the unveiling.
The older stage had been out of circulation for the past five years because it reached the end of its use. It also didn’t have a dance-friendly surface. The new stage has a rosco floor for dancers.
“It’s a fabulous floor,” said Bright, adding Crimson Coast Dance has already booked the stage for its Infringing Dance Festival being held this summer.
She said the stage makes her job as a producer easier when trying to attract entertainment to the city.
Jona Kristinsson, owner of Indie Entertainment and West Coast Vocal Academy, said having access to a large rental stage will mean that organizations can bring in larger acts.
“I think it is going to bring more festivals to Nanaimo,” she said. “I think this is a great thing.”
The stage was purchased for $57,000 through a partnership between the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association, the Young Professionals of Nanaimo and the Nanaimo 2014 B.C. Summer Games Legacy Committee. Money was also used from the former Nanaimo City Centre Association.
The DNBIA administers the stage on behalf of the city. The stage has trailer for transport and there is a contractor who sets up and dismantles the stage for community groups for a fee.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com