Please Be Seated: PRPA Supports Latest Renewal Project at Lester Centre of the Arts

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 10, 2024

PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Audiences at the Lester Centre of the Arts will experience a greater level of comfort, through the efforts of the Prince Rupert Performing Arts Centre Society and the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund. This valuable partnership is ushering in a new era for the city’s key landmark for arts and culture with the installation of new seating throughout the theatre. The upgrades are the latest in a multi-phase modernization supported by PRPA, to enable the longevity of the facility.

The new seats replace the original theatre seating that had been in use since the Lester Centre of the Arts opened in 1987. The 694 seats were nearing the end of their lifespan and upgrades were necessary to ensure the theatre can continue to provide a safe, comfortable, and accessible space for local audiences for decades to come.

“In the 37-year history of the Lester Centre of the Arts, the Prince Rupert Port Authority has been one of its biggest supporters. We are extremely grateful for their tremendous contribution to our ‘Please Be Seated’ project, which continues their long tradition of supporting this beautiful community asset,” said Chris Armstrong, Lester Centre of the Arts General Manager.

“The Lester Centre of the Arts is an essential piece of civic infrastructure, and the Prince Rupert Port Authority is committed to investing in its future and extending its legacy as the community’s central hub for music, dance, theatre, cultural celebrations, and milestone events,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.

PRPA’s Community Investment Fund contributed $302,500 to the seating upgrade, which will enhance the experience for the 10,000 audience members who come through the facility annually. PRPA has now committed more than $1,000,000 to modernizing the Lester Centre of the Arts, through this and five other Community Investment Fund projects:

• Stage floor replacement: $148,160
• Stage lighting upgrade: $114,500
• Roof replacement phase I: $74,590
• Sound system upgrade: $103,000
• Roof replacement phase II: $317,540