Select shows set to return following flood at Performing Arts Centre

The Banff Mountain Film Festival, which also acts as a fundraiser for Vernon Search and Rescue, is set to go ahead on Feb. 3 and 4.

The theatre will then close for the remainder of February for removal and reconstruction of the stage floor.

“These two events only use the front of the stage and can go ahead prior to full stage replacement,” executive director Jim Harding said.

“Audiences for Snowed In Comedy and the Banff Mountain Film Festival will not see any difference now that the front row carpet has been replaced and the mid-stage damage to the floor will be masked by drapery and not visible.”

Following the flooding, the centre worked with service providers, the Regional District of North Okanagan, insurers and consultants to assess the overall damage.

VDPAC is moving forward with replacement and repairs, particularly to the equipment necessary for dance and cirque performances.

“Having a smooth and level stage surface is essential for dancers to perform safely,” Artistic Director Erin Kennedy said.

“Dance is a huge part of what we do at VDPAC, from the world-class professional productions we present in our Spotlight dance series to local dance school recitals, festivals, and competitions. We need to take this time to replace our stage floor before this spring’s busy dance schedule.”

Replacements for the other damaged equipment are now on order and, pending supply and delivery timelines, the theatre expects to resume full operations in March.

As a result of the flooding event, several performances have been rescheduled, moved or cancelled.

Banff Mountain Film Festival – rescheduled to Feb. 3 and 4
Spotlight Theatre Series: BOOM X – postponed, future date to be announced
Okanagan Symphony Orchestra’s Round Dance – cancelled
Snowed In Comedy Tour – going ahead on Jan. 28
Spotlight Kids Series: Karima Essa’s Body Positive Bollywood Dance Show – moved to the Okanagan School of Ballet
Spotlight Dance Series: Ballet Jörgen’s Cinderella – rescheduled to March 25
Okanagan Symphony Orchestra’s Musical Giants – moved to Trinity United Church
NOCCA’s Mark Atkinson Trip plus Cam Wilson – moved to Trinity United Church
Tunes for Teeth fundraiser – postponed, future date to be announced

Ticket holders are urged to check in with the Ticket Seller box office or the Ticket Seller website for event updates, ticket availability and additional announcements.

“We want to thank everyone who has reached out with well-wishes these last few weeks; as well as those groups and resident companies who have also been impacted, and those who are supporting them, for all your patience and cooperation,” Harding said.

“Your support makes it clear how important the VDPAC is to our community. We still have lots of work to do, but we look forward to seeing you again in March for another exciting spring season.”

by Liam Verster

Select shows set to return following flood at Performing Arts Centre

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