The Capitol Centre opened its doors for its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 to report on its business including the financial picture from 2017. Those in attendance heard of its challenges and the level of activity throughout the theatre and gallery.
Micheal Roth, President of the Board of Directors commented on how the year went. “2017 was an exciting and eventful year. The Capitol Centre was, as always, North Bay’s central hub for visual and performing arts. We strive to be an organization that is open and welcoming to all people of all backgrounds from this great city and beyond. We take great pains to attempt to ensure we have something for everyone, whether that is a concert, a play, a dance recital, an exhibition or a Sunday Movie.”
The Centre, a not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to provide diverse programming in both performing and visual arts for the community, reported a deficit of $161,000 based on a $1.7 million dollar budget.
“2017 has been a very challenging year for the Capitol Centre, showing a deficit of $161,000 before transfers. When programming we anticipate that some shows will be more financially successful than others and hope that they balance out come year end. Unfortunately, this year did not balance out. It is a tough time economically and there are many different places for patrons to spend their discretionary income. The US exchange rate as well as some staff turnover also had an impact and contributed to our 2017 deficit. We are working diligently to ensure 2018 tells a different story and have an exciting 18-19 season planned to bring in our loyal patrons and new audiences – stay tuned.We can’t say enough good things about everyone who has contributed.” says Katina Connonlly, Director of Business Operations.
During 2017, 38,656 tickets were sold, generating revenue of $1,176,156, an increase of around 3,300 tickets with 42% sold online. There were 27 Capitol Centre presents performance days; 47 commercial rental days; 34 North Bay Symphony Performances and/or rehearsal days; 13 plus Gallery exhibits in Galleries I & II plus workshops for adults; 47 community rental days; including Dreamcoat, TOROS and Les Compagnons for Le Carnaval and other not for profit events; 32 Sunday Cinema shows as well as 12 free Saturday matinees to address our mandate of ensuring there is something for everyone.
“The highest selling day in the Box Office last year was April 1/17 when the local dance studio Dance Expressions went on sale with their recital and sales totalled a whopping $21,318, surpassing 2016 by $3,000,” says Connolly.