Numbers up at Carbonear’s Sheila Nageira Theatre
By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Usually, it’s the actors and musicians who get the plaudits at Carbonear’s Princess Sheila Nageira Theatre. Last week, it was some of the people behind the scenes who were given credit.
It came at the February 11th council meeting, when councillor Chris O’Grady shared an update and statistics about the theatre’s operations.
O’Grady is council’s representative on the theatre’s board.
“The financial position of the theatre continues to improve year over year,” said O’Grady.
While the theatre experienced difficulties during the pandemic, he said, there has been constant improvement since then, for which he credited the determination of theatre manager Suelynn Green and her assistant. He commended their perseverance in finding new performers, bookings, and funding.
“And thanks to the theatre board (members) themselves for their dedication, ensuring that the theatre grows and excels while keeping the expenses as low as possible,” said O’Grady.
When it comes to bookings, the theatre has seen an increase. In 2023 the theatre had 44 shows, and in 2024 it had 51. That’s an increase of about 15 percent. Attendance is also up. It was a little under 12,000 in 2023 but rose to about 13,000 in 2024.
The theatre’s community room, which can be rented for events, was rented 71 times last year, with approximately 4,000 people using it. “It’s a good addition to the town,” said O’Grady.
There has also already been an increase in numbers so far this year: sales in January 2025 were three times higher than in January 2024.
O’Grady also talked about some additions that have been or will be made to the theatre. A new chairlift has been installed, Wi-Fi access in the community room has been increased, and they will soon be installing sound-absorbing panels in the theatre. There are also plans to replace the theatre’s 25-year-old light dimmer module system, which is failing. The replacement will cost approximately $36,000, but the Town’s economic development and tourism officer, Kerri Abbott, helped obtain a grant from the Province which will cover approximately 90 percent of the cost. They hope to replace the dimmer over the next few months.
“Finally, there’s been lots of discussion over the years to introduce a summer theatre production,” said O’Grady.
The theatre recently issued a request for expressions of interest with a deadline of March 14. “The board is very excited about that, and hopefully we’ll get some good proposals,” said O’Grady. “It’s a great tourism boost for the theatre and kind of complements our downtown redevelopment project.”
Summer is the slowest time of year for the theatre, he added, so a summer program would make a great addition.