The Port Theatre's signature series is being taken out of the spotlight at the end of the 2012-2013 season.
General Manager Bruce Halliday has confirmed that following a stellar line up of performances between now and the end of April, the Spotlight Series will be suspended.
"The board of directors and myself feel that this is a prudent move from an artistic and business perspective at this time," Halliday said.
Due to changes within the industry, the Port Theatre board is developing a new business plan that will aim to address both artistic and financial needs for the future, Halliday said.
"Some of the direction is still being clarified," he said.
He added that the Port Theatre Society will still continue to present shows in the foreseeable future.
The Spotlight Series is a series of shows presented by the Port Theatre Society, varying from Canadian music to dance, and live theatre. It is funded partly by the Department of Canadian Heritage. As such, they offer a wealth of artistic diversity - culturally, geographically and ethnically.
"The whole mandate of the series is to focus on shows that would not come to Nanaimo if we were not presenting," Halliday said. "We hire the artist, we guarantee the artist fee, and all the associated costs, and we then sell tickets to offset costs."
The Spotlight Series season is still in full swing, with the next event, the Classical Coffee Concert Series with pianist Sarah Hagen taking place Feb. 5. Following that, on Feb. 9, will be Gravity of Centre, a fusion of contemporary dance and hip hop, by RubberbanDance Group.
Patrons can check out the full line up and purchase tickets at http://www.porttheatre.com/events/spotlight