Officials explain partnership between Sudbury's STC, YES Theatre
The partnership between the Sudbury Theatre Centre and YES Theatre has many people wondering what it means for arts in the city -- and why it was put in place without consulting the arts community first.
On Wednesday, officials said getting artists on stage and patrons back in the seats -- while maintaining both the STC and YES mandates -- is the vision for the new partnership.
Officials said it’s the coming together of both community and professional theatre. John Dow, co-chair of the STC board of governors, said YES has come a long way.
“The surprise to everybody is that they are becoming a very professional theatre company themselves," Dow said.
"The talent they have for grant writing, the talent they have for the organization skills -- and we have a physical asset. And with respect to the arts community, if we have too many companies, it might work against Sudbury. So we said here’s a natural partnership”
The STC has seen audiences drop from 30,000 patrons annually in the previous decade to now only seeing 3,500 people a year. YES Theatre, on the other hand, remained successful despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We produced in partnership with the Sudbury Theatre Centre 'Bed and Breakfast,' which saw over a thousand people (when) no other production was happening across the country," said Scott Denniston, STC and YES Theatre general manager.
"Then, of course, with the Grotto series we saw over 3,500 people attend, you know, in the month of September. So it's been really positive growth and we just hope to share some of that with the Sudbury Theatre Centre and get this theatre going again.”
Still, many people wonder why there was no community consultation before the partnership was unveiled.
“We have to get to a certain level -- a certain place -- and bring it forward," said Dow.
"As a board, that’s your responsibility. When you get to the point where you now know your concept, you have your vision, you can then take it out and present it to the community. And that’s exactly what we did.”
A community town hall is scheduled for late next month. Organizers said it's an opportunity for members of the artistic community to voice opinions and contribute to the future vision of the two groups.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.

Climate goals may be at odds with G7 response to fallout from Russian invasion
G7 leaders opened their summit Sunday with a discussion about shaping the global economy at a time when conflict and unrest are driving up prices and access to key goods around the world.
Russia strikes Kyiv as troops consolidate gains in the east
Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital early Sunday, striking at least two residential buildings, the mayor of Kyiv said, as elsewhere Russian troops fought to consolidate their gains in the country's east.
Live updates: G7 nations seek to counter Chinese influence
The latest on the G7 summit: The Group of Seven leading democratic economies has formally launched at its annual summit a global infastructure and investment partnership aimed at pushing back China's influence in the developing world.
U.S. Ambassador Cohen on inflation, the convoy protests, abortion rights and gun control
David Cohen has been the United States' Ambassador to Canada since November 2021, and in the time since, both Canada and the United States have experienced a series of shared challenges. In an interview at his official residence in Ottawa, Cohen opens up about the state of the relationship.
Norway mourns victims of Oslo shooting with memorial service
Norway's prime minister and members of the royal family joined mourners at a memorial service Sunday at Oslo Cathedral for the victims of a shooting attack as the capital held its annual LGBTQ Pride festival.
As Senate-confirmed justices end Roe, how will voters react?
Republicans are heading into a November midterm election that is poised to swiftly become a referendum on the court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, as voters decide which party should control Congress
People with COVID-19 can infect and sicken cats and dogs by cuddling them: study
Cat and dog owners who cuddle their pets when infected with COVID-19 could end up making the animals sick with the virus, according to a Canadian study.
Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.