PROVINCE PROVIDES FUNDING FOR MULTI-USER THEATRE CENTRE

As part of Saskatchewan's continuing collaboration with the Government of Canada on Francophone Affairs, the Government of Saskatchewan is providing $375,000 to La Troupe du Jour, Saskatoon's French speaking theatre company, for the creation of a Multi-user Theatre Production Centre.

"We're very pleased to contribute to a project that will have benefits not only for Francophone schools and communities, but will provide stability and opportunity for the growth of a dynamic and forward-looking theatre organization, as well as provide a place for other small-scale performing arts organizations in Saskatoon," Provincial Secretary Donna Harpauer said.

With provincial funding confirmed, La Troupe du Jour will be in a better position to secure the remaining funding from its public and private partners for this $2 million initiative.

"La Troupe du Jour is very pleased that the provincial government is participating in its dream to create a state-of- the-art Production Centre for the performing arts," La Troupe du Jour President Madeleine Dahlem said. "The Saskatchewan government support, in addition to support from the city and the Federal government, means that Saskatchewan's creative community, from playwrights and storytellers to technicians, directors and dancers, will have a place to work professionally at home, here in Saskatchewan.

The Multi-user Theatre Production Centre project involves the renovation and expansion of La Troupe du Jour's existing facility at 914 -20th Street West, in the Riversdale neighbourhood of Saskatoon. A rehearsal hall complete with theatre lighting and flooring, distinct spaces for set construction and costume design as well as administrative offices and storage for props, sets and costumes are part of the scope of the initiative.

There are also plans to add a library of French language theatre, and a school for theatrical training for youth, making the centre a full service facility for the study and creation of theatre. The project will create a new small-scale space, space that is currently lacking, for theatre and dance companies in Saskatoon. It will allow La Troupe du Jour to reach out to new clients in the city and across the province, to rent the stage, meeting rooms and workshops.

The Office of the Provincial Secretary works with government, organizations, and communities, to provide opportunities to celebrate and promote the diversity, character and achievements of our province and to engage diplomats and Consular Corps who visit Saskatchewan as part of government's strategy to strengthen and build regional, national and international relationships.

To learn more about the role of the Provincial Secretary, please visit www.ops.gov.sk.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jay Teneycke
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca