Bert Church LIVE Theatre has announced a return to live performances this year, with an eclectic mix of homegrown talent, award-winning superstars, iconic tributes, and more on its stage this 2021-22 season.
The venue's return – dubbed, Let’s Get LIVE!” – will kick off with performances from Mac Daddy, a Fleetwood Mac tribute act, on Sept. 25 along with a show from rising star and local country music artist Brandon Lorenzo on Oct. 2. The season will conclude with child-friendly performances of Seussical the Musical, in collaboration with local theatre group Nose Creek Players, from May 26 to 29.
According to Kirstie Gallant, front of house/box office manager, Bert Church LIVE Theatre is eager to offer acts that will suit patrons of all ages, and to provide a more local option for Airdronians who would otherwise travel to Calgary or elsewhere for their live entertainment.
“We feel we’ve been able to curate a season that will really appeal to people from all ages, from three years old all the way up to 93 years old,” she said. “Our city is so close to Calgary and by helping to grow the offerings here, we’re able to give our residents entertainment options right in their own backyard.”
She added one benefit is that Bert Church LIVE Theatre does not charge for parking as many Calgary entertainment venues do, and it is only a short drive or walk from home for Airdrie residents.
While the venue’s live performances were halted in 2020-21 due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, Gallant said the theatre adjacent to Bert Church High School will make sure to follow all provincially mandated public health measure when welcoming guests, including enhanced cleaning protocols.
“We keep an eye on the ever-changing COVID-19 environment and we will always consider other enhanced measures as we keep an eye on the situation,” she said. “If changes to protocols are implemented, we do notify all ticket holders.”
She added Bert Church LIVE Theatre welcomes patrons to wear masks, physically distance, and hand-sanitize as is comfortable for them, or to remain at home in the event of any illness.
Gallant said the public's response to the theatre’s opening has been mixed.
“I think every person has their own feeling about re-entering the world as we move through and out of this pandemic,” she said. “We’re finding that our patrons are willing to engage with us at the level to which they are comfortable.
“That might not be right now for some people, but we are here when patrons are ready to revisit us and we will welcome them with open arms when they want to come back.”
She added she is hopeful the theatre will be able to move forward with its new season safely, as staff work together to ensure every team member and guest is comfortable in the 377-seat venue.
Part of this effort includes a brand-new ticketing site, from which guests can purchase their tickets without going through an external out-of-province provider and call centre. The new interface will allow guests to be serviced by Bert Church LIVE Theatre staff.
“We’re really proud of it – we’re able to connect with patrons on a deeper level as we walk them through their ticket-buying process,” she said. “By being able to have the program run by our staff, if people want recommendations for dinner beforehand or for a drink afterwards, we are able to talk about those types of things to help shape the experience.”
Those interested in viewing the full line-up for Bert Church Theatre’s 2021-22 season are encouraged to visit bclt.ca
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