Government of Canada Supports Chester Theatre Council Society

CHESTER, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 20, 2011) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret's), today announced funding for the Chester Theatre Council Society, which operates the Chester Playhouse.

This funding will enable the Chester Playhouse to present a variety of cultural events throughout 2011 and 2012, with a special focus on theatre for young audiences. The Playhouse will stage a diverse series of performances, featuring classical and popular music concerts, film presentations, community productions and a professional, summer theatre festival.

The programming of the Playhouse, which operates in the small seaside community of Chester, has grown significantly over the years to include approximately 100 performances every year and about 8000 visitors annually. In 2011, the Chester Playhouse celebrates 25 years of live theatre.

"Our Government is pleased to support the Chester Playhouse as it continues to present live theatre and other artistic experiences to the residents and visitors of Nova Scotia's South Shore," said Minister Moore. "The Playhouse is an important contributor to the cultural and economic vitality of the community and region."

"The Chester Playhouse has been a significant part of the region's cultural community for 25 years, delighting audiences yearly with impressive performances," said Mr. Keddy. "Staff, volunteers, and performers are to be congratulated on artistic presentations that draw a wide variety of people."

"The funding that the Chester Playhouse receives from the Government of Canada will be used to expand our presentations and provide for artists from outside of our region to perform in our community," said Erick Bickerdike, General Manager. "We very much appreciate the opportunity to showcase artists from around the world, and this grant revenue gives us some flexibility in our programming."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $17,000 for 2011 and 2012 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.