It’s full steam ahead for organizers and volunteers at the Norgan Theatre according to Norgan Theatre Board representative Bob McEachern and Minto recreation director David Stonely.
The pair updated council last week on operations at the municipally-owned theatre in Palmerston.
McEachern told councillors it was the board’s intent to provide council with a three-month review on theatre operations.
He provided an overview of current operations and its management plan.
One of those plans was to make use of volunteers for positions formerly requiring paid staff.
However, he added that the intent was to create an events venue – not just operate a movie theatre.
As a result he was pleased to be able to state there have been three events at the theatre and “Elvis will be in the building” on March 22.
To date, McEachern said theatre operations have netted roughly $30,000. $9,000 of that amount will be used to pay down the debt required for the renovations required to reopen the theatre.
He called it part of the five-step plan to turn the theatre into an events venue.
The next steps, which will require municipal assistance, include the purchases of a data projector, satellite dish and internet provision to make the Norgan an event venue.
“We’ve always talked about more video / visual types of uses.”
He also believed it would also work well with plans to provide access to those who might not normally have access.
McEachern said the movie weekends have been the primary focus thus far, and roughly 50 volunteers have come forward to help out.
These volunteers are organized into various teams to work on weekends – including two volunteer projectionists.
“It’s working out quite well,” McEachern said.
The other area surrounds bookings.
He noted that Glen Hall volunteered to run a website for the Norgan. The site has had over 12,000 hits since the launch.
McEachern said what is interesting is that the hits are from within a 45-50 mile radius of Palmerston.
The theatre is also being advertised with the help of local business.
Fears Bibs and Cribs has been extremely supportive through ads placed in The Community News in Drayton
Overall McEachern is pleased with attendance as well, in spite of “a bit of weather which has not been fair to us.”
However, he said if there happens to be a blizzard, residents are unlikely to be taking advantage of any local recreation facility.
McEachern noted the rule of thumb is that it takes three to four years for a business to make a profit.
“We can’t afford to wait that long.”
He then said the board is still learning, but learning will make the business better.
Stonely pointed out that the Norgan would not be where it is without the efforts of McEachern and the many volunteers.
Financially, the theatre is ahead of schedule, since original plans expected the theatre to only net $20,000 to $25,000 by 2008.
He anticipates that during the slower summer season, board members will regroup to look at a strategy for the future.
Stonely also believes the resurgence of the theatre has done a great deal to build community spirit.
He believes “the sense of ownership” is the reason why the venture is successful.
Like McEachern, Stonely too outlined the need for the data projector.
“I believe it will create a lot more opportunity for usage.”
He then pointed to the parks and recreation committee recommendation that the town purchase a two-year lease to own data projector at a cost of $760 per month. Council later agreed to that arrangement.
McEachern said that the data projector will project whatever is on a computer screen onto a theatre size screen. It means the theatre could project powerpoint presentations, audio visual presentations and DVD/CD formats.
Stonely sees it as an opportunity to expand the Norgan’s potential and would solve the need for projectionists if the theatre could access first run DVD of relatively recent movies.
“Royalties would still be paid for the showings – but it would be more user friendly.”
