Some of the great theatrical productions in history have been courtroom dramas.
A Few Good Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, 12 Angry Men.
The Saint John Theatre Company’s next great production involves an historic courthouse in the city’s core.
The curtain was raised on the public phase of SJTC’s Courthouse Stage capital campaign recently.
SJTC executive director Stephen Tobias said transforming the Sydney Street courthouse into a new performing arts space is more than just preserving a piece of Saint John’s history.
“To say that we’re saving a 200-year-old piece of historic real estate is amazing, and yes, we are,” Tobias said.
But he added that as the project was described to people, he would make an important distinction.
“We’re not in the business of developing real estate,” Tobias said. “We’re in the business of developing programs.”
Tobias said a building for the theatre company is a tool to execute a business plan, and the courthouse stage is a perfect tool.
“At the end of the day, the courthouse stage is about executing a vision,” he said. “And vision evolves over time.”
SJTC board member Jeff McAloon said the goal of the public phase of fundraising is $10 million.
“With your support, we can build a space where creativity thrives, careers are launched and where our community gathers to celebrate the power of live theatre,” he said.
McAloon said $20 million has already been secured from various sources, including the federal government and the City of Saint John.
