The stage at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre has been repaired and the theatre is ready to resume shows (photo courtesy of the VDPACS)

By Liam Verster

flood repairs

Performing Arts Centre returns to full operations with comedy show

Mar 8, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Repairs are complete and the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre is ready to fully reopen.

The organizing society (VDPACS) says the stage has been repaired, new lights have been hung and the theatre is nearly ready to resume shows.

“The restoration has truly been a herculean effort,” executive director Jim Harding said.

“Other theatres that have experienced similar damage have taken six months to a year to reopen. The speed with which we are back up and running is a testament to the hard work of our staff and contractors.”

The theatre has been closed for over two months after a flood in December damaged the stage floor.

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The stage has been reconstructed, and final touch-up painting and the reinstallation of theatrical equipment is underway.

The stage at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre has been repaired and the theatre is ready to resume shows (photo courtesy of the VDPACS)

“The VDPAC acknowledges the work of the entire staff, and our building maintenance and technical staff especially, for a truly stellar team effort to address all the unimaginable concerns that come with such a potentially catastrophic event,” Harding said.

“I also wish to thank our service-providers, restoration services, insurers, suppliers, contractors and our partners at the RDNO for stepping-up so quickly to help us get to re-opening as soon as possible.”

Plans are now set to welcome patrons back in time for the comedy show I Am Woman, Hear Me Laff! this Saturday, March 11.

“We couldn’t have picked a better show to reopen with,” Harding remarked.

“After all the work since the ‘December Deluge,’ our staff who have worked so hard deserve a good ‘LAFF!’”

Following the comedy show, the theatre will be able to begin it’s spring season of performances.

• March 18 and 19 – The North Okanagan Children’s Festival
• March 20 – North Okanagan Community Concert Association presents Valencia Baryton Project performing works of Hadyn
• March 25 – Ballet Jörgen’s Cinderella
• April 2 – Okanagan Symphony Orchestra’s Orchestral Rock Odyssey

The full schedule of upcoming events can be found at the Ticket Seller website.

“We are so excited to welcome everyone back to the theatre,” artistic director Erin Kennedy said.

“Putting on performances is truly a labour of love for us. We’re thrilled to be able to share the joy of live events again.”