Other theatre companies out there, too

To the Editor:

This letter is in response to Fred Sgambati's column, "Can Two Planks do it again?" in the July 1, 2008 edition of The Kings County Advertiser.

First of all, congratulations to Two Planks and a Passion for what promises to be a great season.

However, I would also like to draw your attention to another theatre in the area that also has great shows. I am referring to CentreStage Theatre, the Little Theatre with the Big Heart, in downtown Kentville, the theatre that often gets overlooked in terms of media attention.

CentreStage Theatre is currently celebrating its 25th season. During these 25 years, CentreStage Theatre has been completely self-sustaining. It has never received government funding, it has never run into financial difficulty and it has never had a paid employee. It exists because of the support of its volunteers and patrons and the quality of shows it produces.

CentreStage Theatre is a vital part of the Valley. Each year CentreStage brings in over 10,000 people through its door. Approximately 80 per cent of patrons come from the Annapolis Valley, with the other 20 per cent coming from the South Shore, Halifax and across Canada.

The economic impact for 2006 alone was $722,501. This impact is contributed to such purchases as food, gas and lodging all in Kings County.

So although it is great to point out professional theatres in the area, let us not forget about the smaller theatres such as CentreStage; they may be small, but they are mightier. They are worthy of our media's attention.

For more information, visit www.centrestagetheatre.ca or phone 678-3502. CentreStage is located at 61 River Street, Kentville, near the police station.

Laura Churchill Duke