A campaign is underway to renovate a staple of southern Alberta history.
The ‘Save Our Seats’ initiative is a fundraiser for the historic Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod. President of the Empress Theatre Society, Denise Joel, says they are hoping to raise $250,000 to refurbish the venue’s seats, floor and washrooms.
“The ‘Save Our Seats’ [name] kind of [has] a little cheeky double meaning – saving the seats but also your own backside from sitting in those chairs,” Joel says with a laugh.
She notes the initiative has been in the works for over a decade.
The society got a head start on fundraising in 2012 with the ‘Adopt a Seat’ program. Community members can sponsor a seat for $500, which will see their name recognized on a plaque in the theatre. That initiative, combined with an event for the 2021 premiere of the film ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’, which features shots of the theatre, raised nearly $60,000.
Additionally, the society has received a Community Facility Enhancement Program grant from the provincial government worth $125,000 to help with the cause. The society works alongside the Town of Fort Macleod to share ownership duties of the Empress.
Joel says the support already seen to renovate the facility “just shows the importance of this iconic theatre”.
“We want to maintain it and keep it [serving as] a venue that people are happy to go to, and [is] comfortable to enjoy concerts and films, and plays for years to come,” she adds.
Joel says the Empress is not only a hub for Fort Macleod but is important for the entire southern Alberta region as a whole.
“It’s probably one of the oldest theatres in western Canada, quite honestly – I can’t say for certain but it’s definitely worth maintaining.”
The Empress is over a century old, first opening in 1912.
“We’re very proud of it, and I think it’s a source of pride for most people in southern Alberta, honestly,” Joel adds.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE
Joel says the theatre will be closed for at least six months for renovations, starting May 1.
During the renovation process, she explains that modified programming is planned to continue at Trinity United Church.
Joel notes the society is hoping to keep up with its community outreach and may hold outdoor summer events such as live performances in local parks.
HOW TO HELP
There are different ways the community can help with the ‘Save Our Seats’ campaign.
These include adopting a seat, making a one-time donation, and simply spreading the word by telling friends, family and neighbours about the initiative.
Donations to the cause can be made at the Empress Theatre website, in-person at the venue’s box office, or by mailing a cheque.
Anyone with questions can call the box office at (403) 553-4404 or reach out by email.
