Project Title:

Tidemark Theatre Revitalization

Project Organization:

Tidemark Theatre Society

Project Investment:

  • Island Coastal Economic Trust: $153,000
  • Total Budget: $634,360

Project Highlight:

More than 21,000 people attend events at the Tidemark Theatre each year. 

For more than 20 years, the Tidemark Theatre has been the centre for arts, entertainment and culture for communities on northeast Vancouver Island, drawing captivating performers from around the world to its stage. The theatre also offers a variety of youth programs and community event facilitation. However, the aging venue needed new technology to attract and present quality performers, films and events. The venue also needed facility improvements to meet the needs of its increasingly diverse clientele and host other types of events, such as small conferences, training courses and other revenue generating activities not related to the arts.

A modernization program was undertaken to upgrade the theatre with new state-of-the-art equipment. The 65-year-old seats were replaced with new comfortable seating, a comprehensive lighting system was installed and an in-house projection system and screen were added. Front-of-the-house improvements included a renovated wait area, green room and automated ticketing system.

In addition to the usual theatre, music, dance and comedy roster, the venue hosts conventions, fundraising drives, and town hall meetings. The improved amenities have led to a series of new events at the Theatre, including a new partnership with the Film Festival Society, which fills the theatre to capacity 12 times annually. The refreshed Tidemark Theatre now offers guests a more inviting and aesthetically rich experience and provides the equipment entertainers require to create beautiful shows.

Island Coastal Economic Trust funded this project on 2017 through the Capital and Innovation program.