The Capitol Centre in North Bay had a bad year in 2017, bleeding red ink and recording a deficit of $161,000.
That's on an annual budget of $1.7 million, and a huge change from 2016, when it showed a slight surplus of $1,268.
The non-profit organization blames unpopular shows, the U.S. exchange rate and staff turnover for the loss, including the departure of executive director Dee Adrian.
See: Dee Adrian retires
Katina Connolly, director of business operations, said big shows didn't make up for losses on less popular events.
“2017 has been a very challenging year for the Capitol Centre, showing a deficit of $161,000 before transfers," said Connelly in a news release.
"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."
Connelly says the staff is now "working diligently" to make sure this year is a different story.
The Capitol Centre has a history of financial difficulties.
See: Capitol Centre facing budget challenges
And: Ticket sales down but Capitol Centre records slight surplus
And: Capitol Centre reorganizing after tough year
Micheal Roth, President of the Board of Directors called 2017 "an exciting and eventful year," calling the venue a central hub for the 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 Capitol Centre, a city-owned facility was built in 1928 and was restored and renovated in 1986. Its board has the mandate to provide diverse programming in both performing and visual arts for the community.
During 2017, 38,656 tickets were sold, generating revenue of $1,176,156, an increase of around 3,300 tickets over last year. About 42 per cent were sold online.
By the numbers, 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
“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.
The Board of Directors is comprised of: Micheal Roth, President; Blake Beam, Past President; Kelly Stewart, 1st VP; Robert Palangio, 2nd VP; and Directors Sylvia Antinozzi, David Wolfe, David Barker, Jordan Wood, Andrew Lawson, Amber McCarthy, Laurie Moore, Councillor Mike Anthony and Mayor Al McDonald.
