Théatre Lac-brome
appeal to the Franco-community, the grant was awarded largely in support of the perpetuation and support of the English-speaking community who originally settled in the area and continues to have a strong foothold here.
Member of Parliament Denis Paradis, who was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony, jovially recounted his colleagues’ envy about him representing the most beautiful region in Canada. “It’s true,” he said adding, “and the people of Brome Lake are the nicest people with such big hearts.” Paradis is a strong supporter of the arts in this region. He says that there are more artists per capita in Brome-missisquoi than anywhere else in Canada. That’s why he knows that cultural infrastructure is essential to presenting the work of artists. He clearly shared the excitement of the crowd about the upgrades of a cultural space.
Héléne Jalbert, president of the Théatre Lac-brome board of directors, was giddy with excitement. She wants this upgrade and the lineup of performances to become an important drawing card that will help boost local economy and to be a lasting component that will serve to sustain and unify the community.
Since 1987 Théatre Lac-brome is a performance space that features a wide variety of professional shows such as plays, musical performances and comedy shows, and book launches. Alex Paterson, longtime patron of Brome Lake Theatre, was actively instrumental in finding a way to erect the building that houses the theatre behind the Knowlton Pub. Reminiscing about the roller-coaster times that the nonprofit organization has endured to keep performing Arts Alive at Brome Lake, he marvelled at this most recent success in transforming the theatre to an upscale centre in the heart of Knowlton that can now seat more than 150 people in new comfy seats while offering a sophisticated glassed-in modernist atrium as a reception area. Moreover, Paterson was impressed by the determination and perseverance of those who have never given up the fight to keep the theatre alive.
As Pynes says, the extension is functional in so many ways. It is perfect for receptions, and small concerts, especially with the grand piano (donated by the CARKE Foundation) located in that room. “And now there is a dressing room for actors as well as a place for an office.” The ceiling-to-floor sliding doors allow guests to spill out to a permanently covered patio during summer months. And there is plenty of space to park. He is thrilled about the installation of wall hangers for art exhibitions.
There are members of the TBL community who want to make sure that the theatre that is tucked away from the mainstream traffic be made more visible. Jalbert and Pynes see that the facility can now offer the space out for conferences and receptions as well as art exhibitions. It will continue to support English theatre while including events that will appeal to both linguistic communities year round. Many in the TBL community are hoping that the theatre will support and showcase local talent as well. Pynes assured that he will make the effort to accommodate everyone as long as there would be no conflict with already scheduled events by the theatre.