HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-15-021 - Registry Theatre Update Staff Report
KjT(HF,-Ni., CA0 Office www.kitchener ca
REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: September 21, 2015
SUBMITTED BY: Rod Regier, Executive Director, Economic Dev., 519-741-2200 x 7506
PREPARED BY: Silvia DiDonato, Manager, Arts/Culture, 519-741-2200 x 7392
WARD (S) INVOLVED: ALL
DATE OF REPORT: August 20, 2015
REPORT NO.: CAO-15-021
SUBJECT: REGISTRY THEATRE UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION:
That staff be directed to explore the feasibility of the key aspects of the Registry Theatre
`Strategic Refresh' 2015-2018 process being undertaken by J.M. Drama, as outlined in
Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-15-021.
REPORT:
The Registry Theatre is operated by J.M. Drama Alumni pursuant to a management
agreement and a lease with the City of Kitchener (October 5, 2000). The management
agreement and lease are up for renewal (November 30, 2015) — at the option of J.M. Drama —
for a further 3 years with one further 3 year option remaining.
J.M. Drama has consistently maintained a high standard of stewardship for an important
heritage building owned by the City of Kitchener and known as The Registry Theatre. The
mandate is to be affordable and accessible, maintaining a low operational cost structure. The
Registry Theatre is booked approximately 280 days per year where demand far exceeds
capacity.
Founded in 1983, J.M. Drama is a not-for-profit group that encourages and supports the
development of the performing arts in Kitchener and beyond. The contribution of the
organization has greatly added to the vitality of Kitchener and the surrounding region. The
Registry Theatre was originally the Waterloo County Registry Office, constructed in 1938-39 by
Dunker Construction and served as the Waterloo County Registry Office from 1939 until the
summer of 1977. In 1991, the City of Kitchener designated 122 Frederick Street under Part IV
of the Ontario Heritage Act meaning alterations to certain architectural features must be
approved by City Council. The heritage designation was made on the grounds that the
property was both of historic and architectural significance and served as an important
landmark within the City of Kitchener. The Registry Theatre building is one of very few
***This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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remaining Art Deco buildings in Kitchener. It exemplifies the style as seen in the ornamental
patterns just above the front entrance doors and numerous interior features that are preserved.
J.M. Drama is a recognized leader in the region and the province of Ontario. They provide a
well-managed facility that maximizes high-quality performing arts opportunities while
supporting community organizations that contribute to the development of the performing arts
sector. The J.M. Drama / Registry Theatre mission is to provide quality performance
experiences and affordable space to enable the success of emerging artists. J.M. Drama plans
to engage in strategic planning process including stakeholder consultation to review key
aspects such as governance, operations, and succession planning. Staff could work with J.M.
drama to explore the feasibility of results of the upcoming strategic planning process. J.M.
Drama proposes to renew the management agreement and lease between the City of
Kitchener and J.M. Drama.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Quality of Life: The Registry Theatre activities align with the Kitchener Strategic Plan in the
commitment to a community that "invests in...amenities such as...theatres." It also
acknowledges art and culture as an economic driver and central to a healthy community. It
contributes to community vitality by offering a performing arts facility that brings audiences
recognized high-calibre talent while affordably serving the local performing arts community.
Development: Creative people live in creative communities, and the Registry Theatre supports
the performing arts community in a way that directly stimulates local economic impact and
cultural vitality.
Kitchener Economic Development Strategy: Performing arts inspire, provide meaningful ways
to bring people together, contribute to well-being, and help develop an innovative creative
economy. The Kitchener Economic Development Strategy also outlines cultural vitality as a
significant factor for innovation in a diverse creative local economy.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Through a management agreement J.M. Drama covers the operating expenses and utilities for
the Registry Theatre building but is not charged rent. It is unknown at this time what, if any,
financial implications will result due to J.M. Drama's strategic planning process in 2016.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the
council / committee meeting.
At the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee meeting of July 21, 2015, the committee carried a
motion unanimously: "That J.M. Drama's Strategic Refresh for the Registry Theatre be
supported."
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer, CAO
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