Performers from the New Theatre of Ottawa used to change out of their costumes between a bar and a cement room that looked like a construction site.
“After the show, we’d change and we’d quickly scoot through the tunnel and we’d arrive in the pub,” says John Koensgen, the group’s artistic director.
Chris Bedford, artistic director of Evolution Theatre, used to rehearse in people’s basements, community centres, below pubs and even outside.
“There were a couple of days where we didn’t have a rehearsal space at all so we just found a quiet park and worked, which sounds great, but it’s not exactly conducive to work,” he says.
But thanks to a recently expanded Ottawa Arts Court Foundation residency program, these groups, along with Creations in Vivo, won’t be vagrants much longer.
The residency program gives the three theatre groups guaranteed performance space in Arts Court, at 2 Daly Ave.
“We thought, we have the space available, why not open it up to new groups?” says Linda Balduzzi, executive director of the foundation.
Because the Ottawa theatre community is so small, one of the biggest challenges is finding a home.
“There are so many limited opportunities in the city, in the downtown core, to find performance space at a reasonable price,” says Koensgen. “The economics of doing theatre is difficult at best, so it’s always good to have something a little more feasible.”
The residency program offers the theatre groups space at a reduced rate, and mentorship from Arts Court staff.
There is no monetary support involved.
“So what this gives them, primarily, is the ability and security of knowing that their venue is solidified for their season,” says Balduzzi.
The three transient theatre troops will move into their new home in September, but they’re already excited.
The first thing that came to mind when Bedford heard the news was, “Ah sweet, we have a home.”
That base will also be a benefit to audiences, he added.
“When you have a home venue, people start to know you in association with your home.”
He’s also honoured that his theatre company can associate itself with the reputable Arts Court.
“It sounds kind of silly but it really means a lot when you have that label next to you, that you’re the resident company. It adds a little more importance to what you do.”
The New Theatre of Ottawa already has plans as to what it will do once it moves in.
The company has committed to do two projects a year at Arts Court, which have already been brought to fruition, as well as a short festival of plays.
The first play will hit the stage in November, only two months after New Theatre’s residency begins.