RuBarb Productions Inc. appeals for help from community following eviction notice
RuBarb Productions Inc., Moose Jaw’s professional theatre company is appealing to the community for help, following a decision by the Cultural Center to terminate its tenancy contract with the theatre group.
The Cultural Center has been home to RuBarb Productions for a year, after they reportedly signed a five-year lease agreement that will allow them to operate solely out of the Cultural Center. However, that agreement came to an abrupt end when the Cultural Center gave notice that they do not wish to continue its tenant-landlord relationship and RuBarb is to vacate the building by June 30.
At a press conference on June 15th, RuBarb said they are now appealing to the community to “step up” to help in retaining their tenancy, at least until the end of the busy theatre season. RuBarb Production will host its highly anticipated summer festivals starting in July.
Glenn Hagel, past chair of RuBarb Productions who led the press conference, provided the details of what reportedly transpired between the two organizations. He is adamant that the decision by the Cultural Center has put RuBarb in an unusual predicament, as the theatre company will have to take-on high costs to relocate and this will also disrupt the flow of preparations for the theatre season. “Over a year ago, the manager of the Moose Jaw Cultural Center, a facility owned by the City, approached RuBarb about the possibility of locating our school and box office at the Cultural Center. A 5-year lease agreement starting July 1, 2017 was signed. While moving in, a City Council representative and Board Chair of the Cultural Centre gave RuBarb notice of contract termination, explaining at the time that the notice was a condition that the lease agreement required when either party wished to renegotiate the lease. They assured RuBarb that there was no intent to terminate the lease but to negotiate it,” noted the theatre company at the press conference. Hagel said the theatre company was, however, shocked by the decision to terminate RuBarb’s tenancy after a May 2018 meeting. According to RuBarb, they are unaware of what may have led to the Cultural Center’s decision and the details have not been made very clear. “RuBarb was surprised by the notice,” Hagel expressed. He said RuBarb hopes the two parties can reach an amicable arrangement that will be mutually beneficial to the two organizations. This is where, he says, the community can play a role in helping the two organizations to collaborate, pending the busy theatre season. He explained that if the community intervenes, the Cultural Center may reverse their decision or give the theatre company some leeway that will allow them to remain as tenants throughout the upcoming busy theatre season in July and August. “What I know is that these organizations can collaborate in the best interest of the community and in the best interest of the kids who have been learning and growing and we can continue to make that happen. At the very least, what I wish is that we are able to stay and use our box office. We are coming up on our busiest theatre season and this is the place where rehearsals take place and our drama camps for children.” He argued that the community’s intervention is vital at this juncture. “I’m optimistic that if the people of Moose Jaw contact their mayor and councillors and ask them to help the two organizations collaborate, we can move forward with a great partnership. This is a facility that belongs to us all.”
Hagel also cited economic concerns and difficulties that the decision will have on RuBarb. He says the company invested over $10,000 when they moved in a year ago to install lighting and the necessary tools to do their work. He says it will cost RuBarb up to $25,000 to relocate. “This has put RuBarb in a precarious position and we are appealing to the people of Moose Jaw and area to help at this critical time. We want persons to do three main things: call the Mayor and City Councillors and ask that they facilitate both organizations to collaborate with each other because this is a city-owned facility and the people’s voice can make a difference; contribute to RuBarb’s “Go Fund Me” campaign to cover costs related to moving and purchase tickets to our summer theatre festival.”
See page A2 for comments by the Cultural Center and the City of Moose Jaw.