BLYTH – Construction of an outdoor performance stage wasn’t even in the five-year plan before the COVID-19 pandemic stalled live theatre in indoor venues around the world, but construction finished just in time for the first preview of the 2021 season, the Blyth Festival’s Artistic Director, Gil Garratt, told attendees at a virtual social event for members of the Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron recently.
Over the summer, a total 48 performances of five one-person productions took place on the Blyth Festival Harvest Stage at the Blyth Fairgrounds. Six performances were cancelled due to inclement weather. Nearly 5,000 patrons safely took their seats in socially distanced clusters over the season.
Occupying roughly a five-acre natural amphitheatre at the northwest corner of the Blyth Fairgrounds and backing right onto the Goderich to Guelph rail trail, the wrap around open air theatre will be a permanent addition to the Blyth Festival seasons moving forward. Among plans for the future is the planting of shade trees.
“There are lots of really exciting things that can happen with this space,” Garratt told Chamber members. He said it could be used for musical performances or community celebrations like the Rutabaga Festival, Barn Dance Jamboree Weekend, the reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association and more.
Watch the video that documents the making of the Blyth Festival Harvest Stage here.
The Blyth Festival staff also outlined opportunities for Chamber members, including: production or performance sponsorship, advertising in the house program, or buying blocks of tickets in order to host a Theatre Night for staff or customers.
Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron hosts Business After 5s monthly. They are an opportunity for members to showcase their businesses and organizations, and for members to network.
Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron is the voice of business dedicated to the promotion of economic development and prosperity for the enrichment of the community. It is a member-driven organization, representing small and large businesses with training, leadership, advocacy and continual economic revitalization of the area. As active participants in committees, with other Chambers and BIAs as well as the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) we keep our members in touch with all levels of government from local to federal.
Visit us at www.huronchamber.ca
