Centrepointe Theatre in Ottawa has shows that reflect you – your world, your community, and your every stage of life. Whether you’re five or 95, there’s something for you at Centrepointe Theatre.
Centrepointe Theatre is alive with artistically and culturally diverse entertainment. You’ll be engaged and inspired by local, national and international performing artists who keep the stage aglow almost every night (or day) of the week.
Nestled in the heart of the City of Ottawa, this 966 seat world-class facility is a community treasure. Home to top-notch community producers and supported by an award-winning volunteer company, Centrepointe Theatre is a vibrant and vital community resource. This is your theatre.
Centrepointe Theatre History
Centrepointe Theatre’s grand opening took place on May 3, 1988, starring “local boy” and internationally renowned entertainer, impressionist Rich Little. Since then the theatre has hosted an extensive list of truly great artists performing to sold-out houses, including Sir Peter Ustinov, Christopher Plummer, Liona Boyd, Sarah McLachlan, Bruce Cockburn, Blue Rodeo, the Barenaked Ladies, Kids in the Hall, the Rankins, Leahy, Lyle Lovett, the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Harlem Gospel Choir and a great many others.
Nestled in the heart of the City of Ottawa, this 966 world-class facility is a community treasure. Our mandate is to encourage the development of the performing arts by providing facilities and services, and to entertain and enlighten audiences by presenting Canadian and international artists and attractions. Theatre events are provided by by three types of presenters: Front and Centre presentations (curated and presented by the theatre), commercial presenters and local producers. Centrepointe is home to several area performing arts companies, including Orpheus Musical Theatre Society, the Savoy Society of Ottawa, GOYA, Suzart Productions, and Les Petits Ballets.
The multiple award-winning Centrepointe Theatre Volunteer Company operates in partnership with professional theatre staff and links the theatre and its artists to the community. Over 200 dedicated individuals contribute their energy and creativity to make the theatre and its shows more accessible and affordable, by donating time and skills to stage, house and creative resources crews. Since 1988, CTVC volunteers have donated services worth over $1.5 million and are among Centrepointe Theatre’s most valued assets.
Centrepointe Theatre is owned and operated by the City of Ottawa. Theatre staff also manage The Chambers in Ben Franklin Place, and the Orléans Theatre.
Stage Crew
The Stage Crew's mandate is to provide technical support in the areas of sound, lighting and staging for non-commercial users of Centrepointe Theatre. The Stage Crew consists of a chief, the alternate chief, principal volunteers (experienced volunteers who have demonstrated an advanced degree of competence in an area) and members.
A new Stage Crew volunteer doesn't need previous experience in theatre. Volunteers are provided with the training they require to work efficiently, competently and safely. Safety is of prime consideration when working on stage and is emphasized in all training sessions.
All new volunteers are required to participate in a series of basic training sessions. The first, Intro and Evacuation, is a requirement before joining the crew. This qualifies the new volunteer to work as a stagehand. The other basic courses cover Staging Principles, Introduction to Lighting and Introduction to Audio. Volunteers are encouraged to complete these courses as soon as possible after the introductory session. As one gains experience with the crew, he or she may wish to gain more specialized knowledge by participating in training sessions on advanced audio and lighting, followspot, rigging operation and stage management.
The basic crew commitment is eight hours per month. However, the amount of time a volunteer actually works in a month is dependent on his or her interest and the shows, training and activities scheduled in a month.
Crew members are provided with appropriate refreshments (food and beverages) should they work a shift that extends over normal meal periods.
After meeting training standards, volunteers will initially work as assistants (lighting, audio, flys, etc.) or stagehands. Progression to operators or lead hands is dependent on the volunteer experience and level of training.
Creative Resources Crew
The Creative Resources crew provides Catering to our visiting performers and guests in a professional manner that enhances the image of Centrepointe Theatre within the performing arts industry and throughout Canada. This involves working with staff to plan the menus, shopping for the ingredients, preparing the meals and serving them to the artists.
As well, they assist with Marketing by maintaining links between the theatre and the public; helping to promote theatre activities to the public and assisting with communications and outreach activities at our Family Fare and Stellar Attractions series. They also help to coordinate special events such as the Holiday Bazaar and ArtsFair.
Tags: Centrepointe, Ottawa, Theatre