Aurora needs a new theatre

September 18, 2013 · 0 Comments

(Re: Indecision Town, September 2, 2013)

I moved to Aurora in June, 1989.
It seems that the majority of items which Council could not decide still exist. The worst, by far is Yonge and Wellington.
However, we really do need a proper theatre. The Aurora Factory Theatre is intimate, out of the way & very under used.
I subscribe to Roy Thomson Hall in the city and avoid winter concerts. I also subscribe to our local theatres and attend about 20 shows per year, most of them in Richmond Hill and Markham.
Markham, Richmond Hill and Newmarket have terrific theatres. It is sad that the Newmarket Theatre is not run the same way that Richmond Hill and Markham are run.
The theatres are used not only professionally but by amateurs and students as well.
The theatre in Richmond Hill takes up an entire block on Yonge St in the “Old Town.” It is not only a beautiful facility, it is a “money maker” for the Town and provides entertainment year round.
The evening free concerts in the outside square (weather permitting) are always jammed packed plus give our young Canadian talent exposure.
I know that Markham and Richmond Hill theatres are profit centres also. We have a terrific library on Yonge. Why not a theatre? Tear down the old (many fire traps) and put us in the entertainment business. I know that many outside sponsors would contribute, and whatever “seed” money from the Reserve Fund would be repaid.
Possibly even some promoters would even build it.
Those politicians on our current Council or past councils do not even entertain a semblance of understanding here.
Our Mayor, who is supposed to be a successful business person does not even want to pursue this, he says the town has too many projects happening now—poppycock!
However, I understand the new facilities at SAC will have a terrific theatre, but then it belongs to the private school and can our folks not attending that school use it? SAC says “yes”, but who knows. Why depend on the private school?
Then again, deaf ears for sure.

Earle Lepofsky
Aurora