The Bailey Theatre Society
To keep up-to-date on construction and other activities go to the Bailey Blog for news and photos.
In recent weeks a new roof has been installed over the lobby and the auditorium, with work on the roof over the stage waiting for the construction of a steel frame to support the new rigging system for the theatre.
Work will soon be finished on a new foundation. Using a small powered shovel, a digger and labourers with shovels our contractor has removed approximately 30,000 cubic feet of dirt to expand the storage space to the entire area under the auditorium.
With our building permit in hand, construction has started on beefing up the structural supports in the basement rehearsal hall, the bistro and the lobby. Framing will start soon on offices located under the bistro adjacent to the rehearsal hall.
The Bailey Theatre Society has contracted Robert Earley to develop policies for the operation and management of the theatre. Until office space becomes available in the spring, he is working from an office located at 4949-50 Street and can be reached at 780-672-5510 or at info@baileytheatre.com.
Even though the theatre is many months from opening it is gaining a great deal of attention. The Bailey office and website has received requests from Charlottetown to Vancouver to Yellowknife from performers and agents wanting to book the theatre.
The Bailey Theatre Society was formed in 1996 as a non-profit society with the intent to restore the Bailey Theatre and provide for its future re-use. Various fundraising campaigns were undertaken including the sale of seats and a benefit performance along with a live and silent auction.
Volunteers repainted the pressed metal walls and ceilings, some structural work was started and the sprinkler system was designed and materials ordered; however, work halted when the money ran out.
The scope of the work was considerably more extensive than was originally thought. The current cost estimate, including construction, fees, contingency and escalation is approximately $4,000,000. An additional $500,000 is being raised for an Endowment Fund to offset possible operating cost deficits for the first 10 years of operation.
The building sat dormant until 2006, when a major benefactor stepped forward with a gift of $1.75 Million and a further contribution of $750,000 to match any private donations from the community. Fundraising efforts are currently underway to raise these remaining matching funds. To attain the remaining capital required, the City of Camrose will contribute $500,000 and additional funding will be sought from the Province of Alberta.
The Bailey Society is active again, with a new Board of
Directors, who are preparing for the project to start
construction in 2008, in time to celebrate the
Bailey's 100th Anniversary. The
purpose of the society is to plan and organize the renovation of
the Bailey and to be responsible for its ongoing maintenance and
upkeep.
Contact us
Bailey Theatre
4949 50 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1P9
