From presenting concert series and stand-alone performances to hosting the world premiere of a major Hollywood movie, the Empress Theatre emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever.
The Empress Theatre Society held its annual general meeting Oct. 25 in the Green Room.
“The Empress was gradually able to open for movies, events, and a limited winter concert series for the 2021-’22 season,” president Denise Joel noted in her report. “We have been grateful that our patrons have felt comfortable to return and enjoy the theatre once again.”
The society heard reports on the past year’s activities and elected a new board of directors during the annual general meeting.
Joel in her president’s report noted the society’s board and the committees have continued to work hard, adding the strategic plan was recently updated.
“We are focused on developing sustainable sources of funding, effective governance, maintaining volunteer resources, and providing a rich variety of programming,” Joel added.
Joel thanked director Margaret Ann Bianco for her dedication to maintaining operations of the theatre.
“She is the conductor of the staff, volunteers and contracted services that keep the theatre experience in tune,” Joel noted.
In her director’s report, Bianco noted the Empress received $134,200 in grant funding in 2021-’22.
Bianco praised the Empress Theatre’s patrons, Town of Fort Macleod and other supporters for their ongoing help.
Bianco also noted the Empress said farewell to long-time technical director Kris Goodfellow, who is now in medical school in Regina.
The theatre also said farewell to staff members Bradley Harris, River Sillito and Jane O’Connor. New staff is being trained.
The financial report showed the Empress had revenue totalling $320,734, which was up from the 2021 total of $254,319.
Expenses in 2022 totalled $305,583, leaving an excess of revenue over expenses of $15,151.
At the meeting reports were filed by the Empress Theatre Society’s fund development, governance, human resources, finance, and building committees.
Programming director John Wort Hannam also filed a report.
Centre Stage Series performances were given by The McDades, Celiegh Cardinal and the Ennis Sisters.
The Empress also hosted stand-alone concerts featuring Tim Hus, Connie Kaldor, Johnny Summers, Peter and the Wolves, Russell deCarle and the Duelling Piano Kings.
In partnership with F.P. Walshe school, the Empress presented the Grade 9 drama class production of The Velveteen Rabbit.
Wort Hannam noted the IKONS — The Kiss Experience show attracted a younger audience, many of whom were in the theatre for the first time.
Based on that success, Wort Hannam is attempting to book more tribute shows, including Stompin’ Tom Connors, Don McLean, ACDC and Elvis.
Another programming highlight was the sold-out world premiere of Ghostbusters Afterlife, which was filmed in part in Fort Macleod.
Wort Hannam’s plans include hosting another Get Lit festival and starting a songwriters’ festival, as well as hosting two concerts by big ticket performers such as George Canyon.
The following executive is in place: president, Denise Joel; secretary, Pam Young; treasurer Andrew Walmsley; and directors Stasha Donahue, Chelsey Brown, Ryan Vanderploeg and Jan Walker.
