New Stage Opens at Tom Rooney Playhouse

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Harbour Theatre Society will be debuting more than just live entertainment at this weekend’s 20^th Annual Udder Theatre Festival thanks to another community investment from the Port of Prince Rupert.

The Tom Rooney Playhouse has a new main stage, an important upgrade needed to ensure that Prince Rupert’s “home of live theatre” can continue to delight residents of all ages in productions throughout the year. The stage replacement project was spearheaded by the Harbour Theatre Society, and they received $8,500 from the Port’s Community Investment Fund, representing the 65th community project supported by the Fund.

“The Rooney” is a 100-seat theatre in downtown Prince Rupert, whose aging stage had been donated by School District #52 about 20 years ago but had deteriorated to the point that it was negatively impacting the quality of performances. The total cost of the replacement was $18,000 and was complemented by a volunteer effort to dismantle and recycle the existing platform.

The stage was completed in time for Udderfest, a popular annual summer festival being hosted by the Harbour Theatre Society in Prince Rupert from August 8-12, 2018.

“The Community Investment Fund is an invaluable tool for the Port to give back to the community by supporting legacy projects. The Rooney Playhouse is an integral part of the local arts scene, and contributes to the health, vibrancy and prosperity of our entire community. We’re extremely happy to be part of ensuring it stays that way for years to come,” said Irene Mills, the Community Relations Coordinator for the Port of Prince Rupert. “Thank you to the volunteers of the Harbour Theatre Society for letting us participate—we’re looking forward to seeing it come alive during Udderfest 2018!”

“The Rooney Playhouse is a special place for us, and this investment is vital to continuing our programming and providing opportunities back to our community. We’re grateful for the Port’s partnership in this project, and we are thrilled with their recognition of how important the arts are to the fabric of Prince Rupert,” said Treena Decker, President of Harbour Theatre Society.