TNB Cancellation

Theatre New Brunswick’s Board of Governors recently announced that the last two productions of the 2001-2002 season, The Glass Menagerie and For The Pleasure of Seeing Her Again will not be produced as planned, due to financial concerns. The company was forecasting a considerable operating deficit if these two productions were mounted. Although Theatre New Brunswick had experienced a 30 percent increase in attendance as compared to last year, this was not enough to significantly offset the risk of producing the final two shows. In June of 2000, the theatre company sold its major asset, The Playhouse, to the City of Fredericton as a cost-cutting measure. The sale helped pay off a large accumulated debt, but the loss of this asset makes future deficit financing impossible. It is important to note that this cancellation does not signal the end of Theatre New Brunswick, but rather that the company recognizes the changing environment in which it operates. Making the decision to end the season early allows the company a better chance of ensuring its long-term future, by continuing to operate within its financial means.

George Belliveau, UPEI

Newsletter / Bulletin 26.1