ATP isn't Calgary's only theatre company struggling in downturn
Others aren't appealing directly to the public for help, but say corporate sponsorships are down
Alberta Theatre Projects, which went public with an appeal to help its deteriorating bottom line, isn't the only Calgary theatre company that's suffering during the current downturn.
On Thursday, ATP launched a campaign to help it weather the economic storm, hoping to raise $200,000 in donations.
The theatre company, which specializes instaging newCanadian theatre productions,said its corporate sponsorships are down 77 per cent.
Rentals and niches
Bellamy said the downturn in oil and gas has impacted corporate sponsorship to his company too, but renting their space at the bottom of the Calgary Towerhelps.
"We try to encourage use of it by other arts groups, so that we can give them affordable space that helps us gain more revenue," he said.
Across the hall at Vertigo Theatre, the company hasalso seen a drop off in corporate support, but fortunatelypeople are still buying tickets.
"Because we have a very specific genre of theatre, mystery theatre, we have a very large loyal patronage," said Rose Brow, the executive director of Vertigo.
Bums in seats
She said reaching out for funding support isn't off the table, but would likely be for a specific project rather than for operations.
Both Vertigo and Lunchbox agree that ATP'spain is felt across Calgary's theatre scene, but Bellamy saidthe key for helping the show to go onis simple, in word if not deed.
"Basically, it's people coming," he said.
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