Live Theatre Takes A Turn

live theatre takes a 180 turn to re-open.

For the theatre industry where the crowds create the culture of the theatre, the options appear very limited when the people are not able to attend. The What’s On Digest took a deep look at the new playing field for both the Tidemark and the Sid Williams Theatre which have for years created spaces that invited people in to a full experience of sound, lighting and special effects amplified by the audience of our two communities. On the announcement of COVID-19 shut-downs, both theatres faced the enormous task of cancelling hundreds of performances, reimbursing 1000’s of transactions or issuing credits. After the initial work was done it was full swing to re-engage the public and figure out how. Jim Kent the managing and technical director of the Tidemark has a history of technical and production knowledge and with the staff they managed to hone in on the key change which was the delivery of performances. Jim, who is driven by solution finding, went down copious worm holes of technical solutions, they knew the technology was there, making them happen along with the steep learning curves was going to be challenging. Deborah Renz, managing director of the Sid Williams had a different approach by considering utilizing the theatre in different ways. Having a building that was built for 500 but could now only be used by 50 people was challenging, Deborah says. It became obvious that technology was going to fill the gaps. The theatres were collaborative in findings of technology and equipment however, both with similar commitments to be safe, they proceeded at different paces to achieve new structures and procedural outcomes. Turning to live streaming equipment meant it had to be better than a webcam on the kitchen table, there is no room for that in the theatre, Jim says. Eventually the right mix of screens, cameras and technology was found that could bring enhanced live

shows, not just good shows, it had to be sensational. Fortunately both theatres had access to (ICET) Island Coastal Economic Trust funding that enabled them to purchase the equipment needed to get to work. Together with some BC Art and Culture funding, the installing and learning began quickly. Jim at the Tidemark with the help of staff had the benefit of launching their Summer Film Camps, Jim says, July 6th the equipment arrived, July 7th the Cameras by July 11th we were recording. The theatre came alive with seventeen young students that participated in production lights, sound, scripting and acting, this all became part of the experiments and practice. The Sid Williams also benefited from bringing in older students to help with singing, performing and acting so live streaming skills could become seamless. There will now be three types of events, Hybrid, Live Streamed, Virtual. The plan to create a hybrid performance where the audience is half live, and the balance of the audience in watching by live streaming exceeds all expectations. Live theatre, Music, lectures and gatherings of any sort could all be managed with a hybrid model of delivery. Essentially this meant that the theatre could be more accessible beyond the ‘soldout’ limitations. Not just entertainers and performances could benefit, but now businesses, lectures and other streaming improvising could open the doors on a greater use of the theatres. Still in its early stages the key word is to be ‘nimble'. For both theatres the hybrid model starts with 40-50 people in the theatre for a set ticket price and the balance of the audience live streaming for shows that are approximately 90 minutes long. In house hygiene procedures with staff, volunteers and the community has been put in place and lots of cool funky signage to help you find your way. Safe and healthy is paramount for all of these solutions to work in keeping the theatres successful. Tickets available online, 2 pricing points for hybrid shows.

written by Cathy Kaardal

AUDIENCE PROCEDURES. 40 in-house audience • 90 minute shows No intermission • Concession & alcohol available through pre-sales 1220 Shoppers Row, Campbell River tidemarktheatre.com • (250) 287-7465

AUDIENCE PROCEDURES. 50 in-house audience • 90 minute shows No intermission • You can bring your own beverages (no alcohol.) (250) 338-2430 442 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay sidwilliamstheatre.com

Local Events

11:00am at The Crows Nest Artist Collective, 2550A Island Hwy South. 7783482769

CV SATURDAY SEP 26 ġ Chad Pab LIVE: Chad’s style mies thoughtful aspects of jazz, foot tapping acoustics of blue grass in an unusual combination of crafter guitar and banjo. Cornerstone Taphouse. 9pm-11pm. 208 5th St, Courtenay.

CR SUNDAY SEP 27 ġ BC and World Rivers Day: World Rivers Day, now the world’s largest river-related celebration and one that was inspired by this original BC event. ġ Abstract florals: Learn to create beautiful abstract floral paintings with Lisa Joan. Students will learn the basics of painting with acrylics and gain techniques in application and colour theo

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ry. 11:00am at The Crows Nest Artist Collective, 2550A Island Hwy South. 7783482769 ġ Haig-Brown Lecture: -Heartbeat of the River:

This up close and personal film takes the viewer into the realm of the salmon like no other, and gives a sense of the struggle, and victory, of the epic journey they face to complete their life’s mission. There will be a chance for questions afterward. 7:00pm at Tidemark Theatre, Hybrid

Showing - max 40 people audience and live streaming. 1220 Shoppers Row. (250) 287-7465

CV SUNDAY SEPT 27 ġ Sean Hogan: Singer songerwriter series. 5pm-8pm on the deck. At the Roy, 4000 S. Island Hwy. Royston. Reservations - 1.250.898.8768.

CR MONDAY SEP 28 ġ Go By Bike Campbell River: Get ready to ride in our community- to shop, to coffee, to trails, to work, to school, to work out. Campbell River Department of Recreation, follow Facebook for updates.

CV SATURDAY OCT 03 ġ Lady K LIVE: At the Cornerstone Taphouse. 9pm-11pm. A unique DJ, producer and pole athlete based on Vancouver Island. She consistently delights crowds with her internationally-flavoured, syncopation-forward tribal house. LadyK occasionally adds sensual athleticism to her shows by pole dancing during her DJ sets, laying her claim to the title of “The World’s First

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Pole Dancing DJ.” 208 5th St. Courtenay. ġ Drawing – Lupine Pups – ONLINE: Upon registration, you will be emailed instructions on how to connect with the classroom. 10:00am at Lupine Art Studio, A - 442 Duncan Ave. 778-225- 0152 Sunday.

CR SUNDAY OCT 4 ġ Very Beginner Watercolour Workshop – ONLINE: Prior to the class, you will be emailed instructions on how to connect with the classroom. 09:00am at Lupine Art Studio, A - 442 Duncan Ave. 778 225 0152

CV TUESDAY OCT 06 ġ Acrylic Painting 2 – Texture, Movement and Jackson Pollock – ONLINE: Upon registration, you will be emailed instructions on how to connect with the classroom. 12:00am Lupine Art Studio, A - 442 Duncan Ave. 7782250152

CV WEDNESDAY OCT 07 ġ Drawing 2 – Drawing the Human Form – ONLINE: Upon registration, you will be emailed instructions on how to connect with the classroom. 06:00pm at Lupine Art Studio, A - 442 Duncan Ave. 7782250152

CV SATURDAY OCT 10 ġ Drawing – Lupine Pups – ONLINE: Upon registration, you will be emailed instructions on how to connect with the classroom. 10:00am at Lupine Art Studio, A - 442 Duncan Ave.. 7782250152

CV SUNDAY OCT 11

Script to Screen (Ages 13-17): In this class

... CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 Discovery Passage Tours: 20-minute flight along the Strait Of Georgia at $ 145 per person Desolation Sound Tours: 45-minute flight over the beautiful Desolation Sound at $295 per person Comox Glacier Tours: 45 minute flight over the Strathcona Park mountains at $ 295 per person

250-926-9292 49northhelicopters.com

Western Store & More

• Hats • Boots • Belts & Buckles • Native Souvenirs & Accessories • Mukluks & Moccasins • Canadian Souvenirs • Ball Caps • T-Shirts • Jewellery

“Pier Street” 920 Island Hwy Campbell River

250-286-3554

Local Events

students will bring their ideas to life on screen, from concept to creation. Script writing, story building & acting 02:30pm at Sitka Stage & Screen, A-479 4th Street. 250 871 4922.

CV TUESDAY OCT 13 ġ Acrylic Painting 2 – Texture, Movement and Jackson Pollock – ONLINE: Upon registration, you will be emailed instructions on how to connect with the classroom. 12:00am Lupine Art Studio, A - 442 Duncan Ave.. 7782250152

CR WEDNESDAY OCT 14 ġ Fab Fourever Rescheduled: Be transported back to the age of peace, love and flower power. The Fab Fourever – Canada’s Premiere Tribute To The Beatles 7:30pm at Tidemark Theatre, This is a Hybrid Show - max 40 people in the theatre, as well as live streaming. 1220 Shoppers ġ The Joe Cocker Experience: The Joe Cocker Experience” was an idea that came together after hearing Dan sing on stage one night a few years ago. His voice and mannerisms are so much like Joe Cocker’s, it’ll make your head spin. Tidemark Theatre, 1220 Shoppers Row. Hybrid Show.

CV MONDAY OCT 19

ġ Open Stage: We’re back with our popular Open Stage - hosted by Chad Pab and Taze Kozak of The Wits. Bring your tap shoes, your hula hoops, your poetry, your songs, or your jokes. 7:30pm at Cornerstone Café & Taphouse, 208 5th Street. (250) 871-8988 All events after October 20th are still in the process of evolving with a COVID-19 friendly plan. They appear on our website daily.

SATURDAY OCT 31 HALLOWEEN

I have heard some great ideas around new ways to do HALLOWEEN. The What’s On Digest is giving away $250 cash to the best idea voted by the people. Send your ideas to info@whatsondigest.com. Stay safe, happy and healthy!

All Inclusive Staycation All Inclusive Staycation at

2 nights accommodation. Breakfast each morning for 2. Three course dinner for two on both evenings. A bottle of wine and assortment of crackers and cheese delivered to your room upon arrival. $225.00/person $225.00/person Jacuzzi Suites available for an additional $50/person

This offer is only available through direct booking. Call 250-286-1131 to reserve today