THUNDER BAY – Strict restrictions on indoor gathering limits mean Magnus Theatre will not reopen anytime soon.
Thom Currie, the theatre’s artistic director, on Wednesday confirmed that the 250-seat facility will remain closed until more than 50 people are allowed inside the building at one time, saying it’s just not financially viable.
With physical distancing in place, Currie estimated they’d only be allowed to have about 39 patrons at any given show.
“I think it’s fantastic the province is starting to open up, moving to Stage 3. But for us, a 50-person cap inside the auditorium is still kind of low because it doesn’t really cover our expenses and it makes it kind of difficult,” Currie said.
It’s the unknown that’s the hardest part.
Currie said he’s got a full season ready to roll out, but with the uncertainty hanging in the air, he’s reluctant to release it because when all is said and done, it’ll probably not look the same, depending when capacities expand.
“Right now, we’re looking into a void, and that’s happening across the country,” he said. “This is why a lot of theatres in Saskatchewan – and things are relatively open in Saskatchewan – they’re still saying they’re not going to open until September 2021.
“They don’t have the certainty that they can be completely safe within the auditorium and that their patrons can feel safe. Theatres are not just about watching a story. A lot of people have said, ‘Why aren’t you doing stuff online. Why aren’t you doing stuff for broadcast?’ Theatre is about gathering in a room and whole bunch of people experiencing the same thing. It’s a singular experience.”
The province, in announcing the move to Stage 3, is allowing most businesses to reopen, including playhouses, gyms and indoor dining at restaurants.
But Premier Doug Ford did not give specifics about when larger crowds would be allowed, also ruling out big concerts and crowds at sporting events for the time being.
It may force Currie and his staff to get creative, think outside the box and even return to the theatre’s roots.
Currie said he’s consulted with the city a number of times on the possibility of holding outdoor plays, possibly in nearby Waverley Park, at least until the snow falls.
“It’s a possibility. We’re looking at everything right now. We’re looking at maybe going out and renting a giant venue and getting a small crowd in there. Magnus Theatre holds 250 people. Right now, socially distanced that takes us to about 39. That doesn’t make our own venue viable, but that doesn’t mean we can’t go somewhere else.”
