Globe Theatre to host plays elsewhere during renovations

All the world’s a stage and the Globe Theatre will be using different venues for plays next season.

Major renovations are underway at the Prince Edward Building in downtown Regina, so when all remaining COVID restrictions lift on July 11, the theatre will look elsewhere for a stage to use.

“It’s all been gutted from the top floor down to the basement and then they start again. I think they’re very much on track. There are no big surprises,” artistic director Jennifer Brewin said.

Brewin said the hope is to have the grand opening of the newly renovated Globe Theatre sometime in December 2022.

Until then, the theatre is planning a full season with five shows at different locations, including the Conexus Arts Centre. The theatre had planned do to something similar in January of this year but ended up cancelling the entire 2020-21 season in the fall due to the ongoing pandemic.

There are few details on its next season, but Brewin hinted more information will be made public in September.

“We’re still a bit cautious, like the rest of the world, (and thinking) how to be safe and how to make sure we’re comfortable as we find out the efficacy of the vaccinations but we’re definitely optimistic,” said Brewin.

In the meantime, the Globe Theatre is hosting the Art Out Loud Festival in Victoria Park from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday.

There will be 30 different mini-performances, short works of art and audio events. That includes audio walking shows during which people can scan a QR code and listen to radio dramas and podcasts.

“It’s like an expo for theatre projects or like an art gallery,” said Brewin. “We’re trying to find a way to bring theatre back again and take our first steps back and also stay safe.”

Brewin said there will be phone charging stations. The festival is free to attend.