Devon Leclair News Today

Theatre companies have struggled to get audiences to return as government pandemic-relief programs are tapering off and inflation has pushed up the cost for supplies, rent and talent

As Canadian theatres struggle with snowballing economic woes in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns, performing arts associations in two of the country’s largest provinces are asking governments to boost their support.

Theatre companies have struggled to get audiences to return as government pandemic-relief programs are tapering off and inflation has pushed up the cost for supplies, rent and talent.

The 112-year-old Grand Theatre in downtown Calgary might have to close its doors after negotiations failed to reduce the rent or find a new business model.