Financing announced for theatre festival

Offering a compelling mix of performances to attract visitors from all over, the provincial government says the Stephenville Theatre Festival serves as a valuable contributor to the economy of the Bay St. George area.

The festival's nearly 30-year legacy of theatre continues with an investment of $25,000 under the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and a term loan of $33,000 from the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Fund of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. It's the latest in a rash of pre-election donations the province has made in recent weeks.

The theatre festival has been operating in Stephenville since 1979 to produce works of theatre in the classical and contemporary styles, with special emphasis on musical theatre. The financing will support the festival's 2007 season, which runs for eight weeks, an increase of three weeks from the 2006 season.

"I just had the great pleasure of being in Stephenville to attend a performance and meet the cast of Heave Away, which celebrates traditional and contemporary Newfoundland and Labrador music and stories," said Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "Witnessing this great performance was a tremendously entertaining and moving experience. With an extended season of outstanding theatre, the 2007 season is looking to be a great success for the festival."

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, agrees.

"...In addition to promoting the culture of our province, (the festival) is as well an economic generator for the region."

Joan Burke, legislature member for the District of St. George's-Stephenville East, said the Stephenville Theatre Festival is a source of great pride and entertainment for the community.

"I am very pleased to be part of a government that recognizes and supports the festival's contribution to both our culture and economy."

Hedderson said through the cultural plan, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture, the Provincial Government champions the promotion of culture throughout the province.

He said their financial support of the Theatre Stephenville Festival is recognition of the profound and lasting influence it has had on culture throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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