A Long Awaited Update

It's been a long hot summer, and while you haven't heard from us, we haven't been idle!

First the good news! Acting camps for kids went ahead as usual this summer, with final performances taking place in the green room at the Clarke Theatre. The final shows can be seen on our YouTube channel now!

Second, the frustrating news. We have been trying to find some way to stay at the theatre we built. But the city is unwavering, and the landlord unresponsive. We can't continue to pay rent for a building we aren't allowed to use, so the board has made the decision that it is time to move out. To everyone who offered to donate money and time and help us fundraise for repairs, we thank you. But without permission from the building owner, we can't take out building permits, and consequently can't do any repairs.
As of the end of August, the city has stated that we aren't allowed occupancy any more. So we are beginning the process of moving out.

What do we need from you? Well, if anyone has storage space that is very cheap or free, we need a clean, dry place to store all the infrastructure we have invested in over the last 30 years. Seats, lights, big set pieces all need to be stored.
We also need a rehearsal space. We have made inquiries at various places and are waiting to hear back, but again, if someone has a space, let us know. If we can possibly combine storage and rehearsal space, that would be even better.
And of course we need performance space. Mission is sorely lacking in infrastructure, and with the closing of our theatre we have lost the one space that was properly set up for live theatre. It will be very difficult and prohibitively expensive to safely do live performances in the rooms and halls that the city staff and council have suggested, but we have no choice but to try.
So this season our shows will likely be single weekends, or move from venue to venue. So when we announce a show, please put it in your calendar, buy tickets, and make sure you come out to see us. Your support is desperately needed if we are to continue.
We will also be selling off a lot of our props and costumes. If you have loaned or given something to the theatre that you would like to have back, contact us at openingnitetheatre@hotmail.com. If there is something at the theatre you would like to purchase, contact us! And watch for sale dates to be announced!

In the meantime, please continue to petition city council and staff for some movement towards adequate, affordable, accessible arts spaces in Mission. With a booming population it is ludicrous that we are losing community spaces rather than gaining them. Opening Nite Theatre was a beautiful community-built hub, and our dream is to have the infrastructure that would make it possible to do even more shows, more classes, and to help grow the arts community in Mission. There are so many wonderful, creative artists in this city, and they all deserve to be nurtured. The positive economic impact of a vibrant arts scene is significant, and so far the city seems to be ignoring the entire sector. Let's not let them ignore it any more!