In anticipation of the opening of a new performance space, The Other Guise Theatre Company (based in Ladysmith), is excited to share some sneak peeks at their renovation plans.
Matthew Payne, the Artistic and Executive Director for The Other Guise Theatre Company, in collaboration with Fold Architecture are the minds behind the design preview release for the 716 Johnson Street building.
The design shows a space filled with warmth, inspiration, connection, and a true positive addition to the night life in Victoria.
Related: Vancouver Island theatre company purchases downtown Victoria building
The Other Guise is set to become the first performing arts company in Victoria to own their own space downtown and will allow a sleek and curated space for artists to perform and thrive, as well as a place for the public to catch local talent and unwind.
According to a media release, not only will it be a performing arts hub aiming to provide performance and rehearsal space, it will also house office spaces for artists and arts organizations in Victoria.
These initial design releases are meant to engage the public and open up a larger dialogue with the community regarding what the building should offer.
So, over the next coming months, artists, arts organizations, and members of the community will be invited to participate in a series of activities that will hone in on what the city needs in a shared creative arts space.
The Other Guise will incorporate a black box theatre for all sorts of entertainment events, a cabaret/cafe space with wine bar vibes, and a top floor of dance studios (the current and continued home of Raino Dance despite new ownership) and rehearsal studios.
They’re even converting the alleyway into a patio space for outdoor seating, drinks, and socializing!
It will feature comedy, live music, and poetry.
In the meantime, 716 Johnson Street is currently leased by Raino Dance and Club Loading, who will remain tenants for the foreseeable future as funding and permitting is secured to renovate the building.
The current cost to renovate the space is estimated to be $1.5 to $2 million, which will be secured through funding from at all government levels, as well as sponsors and individual donors.
“We have the opportunity, through the development of this space, to shift the local performance ecology to better position artists and arts organizations,” said Payne.
“We’re grateful for the ongoing support of funders at all levels of government, including the city, the province, and federal, but we’re going to need the support of the public in the form of individual donations to complete the project.”
To help drive fundraising, The Other Guise are participating in GivingTuesday, coming November 28th—a global giving movement that has been driven by individuals, charities, businesses, and communities across Canada and in countries around the world.
To donate visit their website or contribute directly through the GivingTuesday website.
As described, the first $1,000 donated on GivingTuesday will receive matching funds to support the development of 716 Johnson Street.
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