Powell River is a remote community that is striving to change its image from a pulp mill town to a cultural centre with an international reputation for excellence. Home of the Powell River Academy of Music, the community is gaining recognition as a center for the arts. To build upon this momentum, a series of renovations and upgrades to James Hall – the Academy of Music performance venue – are being undertaken to increase and improve the capacity to provide cultural events including concerts, international choir festivals, choir touring programs and music instruction. Some key upgrades to the stage lighting system and the performance preparation space are essential to attracting the international-calibre performances the community is known for.
To provide the professional lighting experience expected by performers and audiences, theatre lights and a scrim board were installed for use during Musical Theatre, Drama and Concert Series performances. To keep the backstage flow efficient and effective during rehearsals and performances, a green room was installed providing the required space for performers to prepare.
Replacing the theatre lights with modern equipment and the creation of a green room has increased the Powell River Academy of Music’s capacity to attract and host events at James Hall. World class performances, inspired students and impressed theatre guests contribute to the vibrancy of Powell River’s cultural mosaic and economic development. The facility has been a key component in Powell River’s ability to attract new residents, families and visitors to the area, effectively slowing and reversing the demographic changes occurring in other rural and remote communities in BC.
This project was completed in May 2016.
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in 2016 through the Capital and Innovation program.
We work in reciprocal relationships with coastal communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak̓wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
