Professional Programming at Centennial Theatre will be Discontinued as of 2016-17 Season

Sherbrooke, April 18, 2015 –

Bishop’s University regrets to announce that it must discontinue the professional programming in Centennial Theatre as of 2016-17.

This decision, made by Bishop’s University’s Executive Committee, results from the University’s serious financial situation and its efforts to balance its budget.  Unfortunately, the University is forced to discontinue the professional programming as of 2016-17 season because the University is not able to secure $150,000 of external funding to support this programming. The Board of Governors supports this decision.

Dr. Miles Turnbull, Vice-Principal Academic, says: ‘‘The University had talks with external partners earlier this year, but none were in a position to offer additional funding to ensure that the professional programming could continue. Nevertheless we appreciate the special funding which was provided last year by our external partners – la Ville de Sherbrooke, le Ministère de la Culture et des Communications and le Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec – to allow us time to try to find a solution for a viable future.’’

“It is with great regret that we have taken this decision,” said Dr. Turnbull.“Centennial Theatre has been an important cultural venue in Sherbrooke.  It has consistently presented outstanding dancers, musicians and singers.  We know that this will be a significant loss for our region, but the University cannot afford to continue to subsidize this programming.”

The staff of Centennial Theatre has been informed of this decision and at least for the short term, permanent employees will retain their jobs. Centennial Theatre will continue to present student performances and will remain open for rental as in the past. In fact, the University anticipates that rental income will increase because of greater availability of the space for groups such as community organizations and schools.

‘‘We wish to express our great respect and appreciation for the excellent work and tireless efforts of Luce Couture, Artistic Director of Centennial Theatre, and her whole team,’’ says Dr. Turnbull. ‘‘Luce is an outstanding professional who has dedicated more than 30 years of her professional life to Bishop’s, Centennial Theatre and the arts in Quebec, across Canada and around the world.’’

Read the press release in English or French.