Globe Theatre on track to have curtain raised by end of 2024

It’s been more than three years since the Globe Theatre’s Scarth Street location has been open and progress is continuing on renovations to the building.

A public campaign kicked off Friday to help raise money for the added costs of the project.

According to Globe Theatre executive director Jaime Boldt, the project is now more than $10 million over budget because of inflation.

“(We’ve had) supply chain issues, labour shortages, and all of that kind of stuff in addition to some finds in our old heritage building that has made our cost of the building a little bit more,” she said.

Boldt said the purpose of the project is to let the community be aware of the project.

“This is happening, the project is still here and we just need a little help to get across the finish line,” she said.

Help is what the theatre is getting; an anonymous donor has decided to match donations up to $500,000.

“Every dollar spent by our community is stretched a little bit further,” Boldt said.

So far, just under $7 million has been raised in fundraising efforts. Boldt is reminding the community that every little bit counts.

“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be a part of something really special for Regina, for our downtown (and) for our arts community, and so it’s important to our city and we are so grateful to date for all of the support we’ve had,” she said.

The Globe Theatre is part of a revitalization of Regina’s downtown. Boldt said staff are proud to be a part of the project.

“Previously the Globe brought in over 60,000 people into the downtown and we’re looking forward to having over 100,000 people coming back into our downtown,” she said.

Boldt pointed out she understands the value of the Globe Theatre in Regina’s downtown and to small businesses.

Even though the Globe is under renovation, it is still offering shows at the Conexus Arts Centre and smaller venues.

“What we’re hearing right now is that those people that are coming out to those shows are enjoying them, but they’re looking forward to when we get back into our space,” she said.

People have also told Boldt that some are waiting until the Globe Theatre reopens.

She said construction is on track to have a Christmas 2024 show, which would open the 2024-25 season in the new theatre.