With more than 100,000 people using the Port Theatre each year, a lot of people interact with the main curtain. It is the first and last thing guests see of many performances in the theatre. From dance recitals to choral concerts, rock bands to ballets and special events, thousands of performers are up close and personal with the main drape every year.

The Port Theatre’s main curtain is reaching the end of its operational lifespan, introducing potential safety hazards for performers and crew.

It’s time for a new curtain that meets modern fireproofing standards, improves safety, and makes for a better experience for all, whether on stage or in the audience.

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The Port Theatre Society is committed to the upkeep and stewardship of the Port Theatre and we take our responsibility seriously. In line with our mission to deliver exceptional performance experiences for artists and audiences and our vision to see Vancouver Island as a nationally significant hub for arts and culture, we are seeking support to help us replace the theatre’s main curtain.

This curtain, with the costs of materials, manufacturing, shipping, and installation all factored in, will cost our organization an estimated $110,000. Thanks to all our ticket buyers*, we have a robust Capital Development Fund to draw from and will additionally be applying for grants to help cover this cost. We are looking to raise the estimated remainder of $20,000.00 from our community.

*$3.00 from every ticket sold contributes to our Capital Development Fund, which exists to help us maintain the upkeep of our building and equipment.

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Made from heavyweight cotton velour, the 800-pound curtain has weighed itself down over the last 28 years, pulling and tearing the cotton backing and needing many repairs. Cotton also breaks down over time and as it begins to deteriorate, it poses a potential safety hazard should it suddenly rip and fall. The likelihood of this kind of event is currently low but replacing the curtain now minimizes any potential future risk.

Fireproofing standards have also changed in the last three decades, and a new curtain would adhere to all modern fireproofing standards. Theatre curtains are now made with IFR (inherently flame-retardant) materials, meaning the fabric doesn’t need to be re-treated with fireproofing chemicals throughout its life.

As with many material things, repairs can only go so far in extending the lifespan of our curtain. We have reached a point where it makes sense for many reasons to replace our beloved main drape. We are excited to usher in a new act for our theatre as part of our commitment to maintaining our region’s finest performing arts facility to the highest standard of modern theatres.