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COVID-19News in CommunitySpotlight Series

Our Spring Spotlight Series

By January 25, 2021No Comments
The Port Theatre is proud to present our Spring Spotlight Series!

Nanaimo, BC, January 15, 2021

Live events are an important part of the cultural and economic fabric of Canada and our community. Like so many industries, the pandemic hit theatres hard as we were the first to shut down and will be one of the last to return to our full capacity of 800-seats. More than ever before, The Port Theatre Society needs financial help in order to keep operating and preparing for recovery. We’ve invested in excellent livestreaming technology and trained our staff in new ways because our industry is evolving. Showcasing important artistic work in a time of a pandemic, bringing some of the very best to our community and streaming it back out to the world, is inspiring and uplifting.

“When COVID-19 hit in March, the Port Theatre was shut down due to the public health order. Following the August public health order, the Port Theatre was able to reopen in October 2020 to in-person audiences of 50. Our first Spotlight show, Joelle Rabu & Nico Rhodes took place on October 17, 2020. In addition, we were able to pivot and launch our first livestream show to very satisfied patrons,” explains Bruce Halliday, General Manager / Director of Programming.

OUR NEW PROMISE

The Port Theatre experienced a second shutdown in November and December 2020. Due to the latest provincial health order, in-theatre audiences are not permitted at this time as Dr. Bonnie Henry extended the restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  The good news is the Port Theatre will be able to livestream every Spotlight show this spring! So much energy and effort goes into presenting a Spotlight season and COVID-19 has greatly impacted our patrons, artists, sponsors, and staff. As The Port Theatre Society continues to adapt, we are now offering LIVESTREAM performances with or without an in-theatre audience. During these uncertain times, you no longer have to wonder if shows will be postponed. We really want you to enjoy these fabulous shows! So please join us online to celebrate live performance.

Enjoy safely from the comfort of your home. 

“We highly recommend livestreaming performances from the Port Theatre. The quality of sound and video make the home experience the next best thing to being there in-person. We so appreciate the Port Theatre’s efforts to keep its audience connected and we will definitely purchase livestream tickets again.” —  Brad and Mila Skeeles

The Spotlight Series is the Port Theatre Society’s nationally-acclaimed presentation series that includes some of the most exciting touring artists available, every one of them showcasing artistic excellence and innovation. At the heart of the Spotlight Series is a passion to create access to diverse and authentic experiences for our audiences. Choose from a variety of exciting events. There’s truly something for everyone!

“I had my first experience with livestreaming and am so glad I chose to stream after the in-house tickets were gone. It’s not like watching television. It was easy to connect. As soon as the streaming began, I was afraid to blink in case I lost the feed! I felt like I was at the Port. I will always try for a theatre ticket first, but am grateful for the opportunity to stream as an option.” — Carolyn Parks

SINGLE LIVESTREAM TICKET: $12 (only one needed per household)

PLEASE NOTE: The performance will premiere live at the scheduled time. It won’t be recorded for future viewings. Learn more about livestreaming.

IN-THEATRE TICKETS: The Port Theatre is closed to the public at this time. In-theatre tickets will be released if provincial health orders allow. Once you purchase a livestream ticket, you’ll be the first notified if in-theatre tickets become available. You’ll then have the option to upgrade your tickets. (Adults $45 | Members $40)

TICKETS ON SALE NOW: Call 250-754-8550 or visit: www.porttheatre.com/spotlight

REFUND POLICY: We want to assure you that refunds are available for all cancelled and rescheduled events. Thank you for your patience as we handle a large volume of requests. If you have questions or concerns, please email tickets@porttheatre.com.

PROVINCIAL HEALTH ORDER: By order and direction of the Provincial Health Officer, all events and community-based gatherings are suspended. Therefore, the Port Theatre is currently closed for in-person events. This order is in effect until February 5, 2021 at midnight.

LOOKING FORWARD: Thank you for helping us fight COVID-19. Together, we’re making a difference. We look forward to seeing you at the theatre when it’s safe to gather again. In the meantime, we’re thrilled to offer livestreaming so you can watch shows from the comfort of your home. Visit our website to see what’s coming up!

The Port Theatre would like to acknowledge The Department of Canadian Heritage, The BC Touring Council, The BC Arts Council, The Province of British Columbia and The City of Nanaimo. Without their funding, the Spotlight Series would not be possible.