Camrose Energy is excited to recognize The Bailey Theatre as the newest member of our Community Partner Program.
The program, which has been part of Camrose Energy since we opened, allows customers to direct their portion of 10% of our annual profits to support selected non-profit organizations. We believe strongly in giving back to our community, and The Bailey Theatre was an excellent fit for the program.
We know how the pandemic has affected the entire economy – and the Bailey Theatre was hit particularly hard. We needed to step up and bring the Bailey Theatre on as a Feature Community Partner; donations directed to the Bailey from the Community Partner Program will go toward operating expenses until this challenging period has passed.
Piece of Living Camrose History
The theatre survived the Spanish Flu Pandemic, two World Wars and countless boom and bust cycles – and we’re confident that with ongoing community support they’ll survive Covid-19, too.
The iconic Art Deco theatre, which held its first performance on February 23, 1911, remains the oldest operating theatre in Western Canada. Throughout its 110-year history, the theatre has become more than just a place to experience live theatre, music and movies – it’s where memories are made.
We are so lucky to have this cultural anchor in our community; the theatre holds a special place in my heart, it’s where Russel and I had our first date 30 years ago. The Bailey is where memories can continue to be made, and we’re honoured to be a supporter of that tradition.
New Camrose Energy customers can help by selecting The Bailey Theatre as their Community Partner when choosing Camrose Energy as their energy retailer.
While the theatre did go through a period of disrepair in the 1990s, the Bailey Theatre Society and its volunteers have worked tirelessly to not only fund the rejuvenation of the building, but they also had the foresight to bring the facility into the 21st Century. State of the art lighting, sound engineering and other modern enhancements, combined with historically accurate restoration efforts, has preserved the uniqueness of its vaudevillian roots. Stepping through the doors of the Bailey is like stepping back in time.
Focusing on Reducing Costs
Barb Stroh, President of the Bailey Theatre Society, said finding ways of reducing costs has been an ongoing exercise even before the effects of Covid-19 – but now it’s become an even bigger focus.
Each month, the Bailey Theatre still needs to generate enough revenues to cover the cost of gas, electricity, water and insurance – regardless if events are held or not – and utilities alone can run as much as $8,000 a month.
Colleen Nelson, Bailey Theatre Society Secretary, said the partnership with Camrose Energy has come at the right time, and the Society appreciates how community-minded we are to return a portion of our profits back to organizations that really need the support.
Although the Society continues to apply for grants wherever possible, most grant dollars cannot be used for operational expenses – so the Camrose Energy partnership has come at a pivotal time.
“We are really happy to have some funds coming in to sustain our operation when our income source is very unpredictable – and it couldn’t be more unpredictable than right now,” she said.
Colleen added that last March the Bailey Theatre Society looked at the historical operational costs without staff or events and the Society became very aware of just how many service charges there were that they still needed to pay.
As for the mortgage, Colleen said the board was presented with a matching donation opportunity where if they were able to fund-raise $20,000 for the mortgage, a donor would match their efforts – it was another offer they couldn’t refuse and it was achieved through hard work and tremendous community support.
In the meantime they’ve been grateful for provincial and federal grants, and funding from the Battle River Community Foundation to cover some funding requirements. However, like so many venues in Camrose and across the province, the impacts of Covid-19 and isolation/lockdown protocols have forced the Society to find creative fundraising avenues just to cover operational costs.
Remaining Positive
“The Society has taken on the attitude of ‘what can we do?’ rather than say ‘oh, poor me’ – we’ve had to be creative with the opportunities that have presented themselves,” Colleen said, adding that the Theatre has hosted the downtown farmer’s market every Wednesday throughout the winter, and the recent relaxation of restrictions on in-person dining has allowed the Bailey Bistro to open four days a week.
Although not all venues and patrons will be at the same place safety-wise when it comes to hosting and attending in-person, live performances and events, the Society is investigating opportunities and new ways of delivering the performing arts to their patrons.
“In the six weeks we were open last fall, our eyes were opened to the technical opportunities that are available to us,” Colleen noted, pointing out that live streaming public performances is certainly a possibility.
Barb echoed the opportunity to host virtual events, or a combination of both, to broaden the Bailey Theatre audience which has the potential to include viewers from not only around the corner but around the world.
“We held a virtual concert last May and it drew viewers from New Zealand and other points around the globe,” she said.
Optimistic for the Future
Once restrictions are lifted, it is hoped the Bailey Theatre will become the venue of choice for smaller celebrations, family observances and other gatherings which had to be postponed or severely downsized due to Covid-19 protocols, Barb suggested.
Patron engagement is also giving the Society excellent feedback for future opportunities like movie nights and customized events; but the success of public and private events will be dependant on the public’s perception of attending events in a safe environment.
“Our bread and butter revenue comes from performances,” Barb said, noting that they may be hosting more virtual events until the reality of a “new safe” can be realized.
“We’re delighted and it’s a breath of fresh air people when people like Denise come to us with an offer we couldn’t refuse,” Barb said. “We are thrilled with her offer and it’s an example of people stepping up… it’s very generous at a time when it’s needed so much.”
