Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) is $2.6 million closer to building the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre

The Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre will effectively double the availability of performing arts 'nights'.

Ottawa, ON, March 24, 2006: The $10+ million Making it Greater Capital Campaign to build the new Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre received a $2.6 million boost today when the Provincial Liberal government announced that GCTC would be one of the three Ottawa arts groups receiving much needed capital funding.

"We are ecstatic! I can't begin to tell you how important this announcement is for GCTC and for the entire Ottawa theatre community," explains GCTC's new Artistic Director Lise Ann Johnson. "On the basis of our strong support from the private sector and from the City of Ottawa, GCTC has been moving forward with plans for the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre and we're pleased to report that our construction is already above ground level. This project will transform the community by providing desperately needed space for both GCTC and other performing arts groups. The province of Ontario's support is a crucial step towards making the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre a beautiful reality."

This gift from the Province of Ontario, along with the $2.6 million received from the Greenberg Family in honor of the late Irving Greenberg, the $1.3 million commitment from the City of Ottawa, and the generous support of members of the community, brings the amount raised for this project to $6.6 million.

"My family is absolutely thrilled at this announcement by the Province of Ontario. This is another landmark step in making the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre a reality. My family and all of Ottawa look forward to the day that the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre is open and holding its first performance," explains Dan Greenberg, son of leadership donor Shirley Greenberg.

Construction at 1233 Wellington Street started in September 2005 and has already reached ground level and with the design phase developed by Griffiths Ranking Cook, Architects almost complete, the new Centre is slated to open in the fall of 2007. The Centre will be larger than GCTC's current space and according to a report released by the City of Ottawa staff in June 2004, the Centre will effectively double the availability of performing arts 'nights'. The Centre will house a Mainstage Theatre with 270 seats (up from 230) and will also feature a multipurpose studio space with 90+ seats. With a spacious two-floor lobby, more leg room in the theatre, a significant increase to the production areas, and a lobby café, GCTC's new home will be embraced by both artists and patrons.

The GCTC has partnered with Windmill Developments Group Limited to build this 73,000 square foot mixed-use residential/commercial Centre. Windmill Developments will develop the site and The Currents condominium and GCTC will operate the not-for-profit theatre and surrounding arts space in the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre. The development aims to integrate Canada's greenest residential high-rise with a not-for-profit, public, cultural venue. A distinctly green development program has been initiated to include innovations in water, air, energy and waste management together with the use of smart building technologies. Combining state of the art "green" technology and the very best in Canadian talent, the Centre will be a source of pride for the whole community.

On March 20th, GCTC was proud to launch its 32nd Season and the first season programmed by new Artistic Director Lise Ann Johnson who joined GCTC in November 2005. With a new facility, new artistic leadership and new vibrant artistic programming, this is the most exciting time in GCTC's history and an important stage in Ottawa's cultural development.

To support the campaign and become involved in this important community project please contact Leslie Turcotte, GCTC Development Director at 236-5192.

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