The 2011 summer theatre season will kick-off soon at the Drayton Festival Theatre and staff are preparing for the arrival of professional artists, all of whom will need a place to stay during their engagement at the theatre.
“We are very excited about the upcoming season,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.
“The season begins with a Drayton Entertainment original, Dance Legends, followed by four other must-see productions. And we’ll have over 100 contracted artists who need accommodation this year, including performers, musicians, directors, stage managers, and production crew.”
Yvonne Schieck, facility manager at the Drayton Festival Theatre, added, “We rely on the community’s support to maintain the calibre of productions that our patrons have come to expect.
“Our accommodation partners generously open their homes and cottages to our actors and creative staff, and everyone loves coming to this area. It’s a wonderful experience for the home owner, as well as the artist.”
Schieck said the average accommodation rate is between $70 and $100 per week, with certain amenities that must be included, such as kitchen and washroom facilities. Most productions run for three weeks, plus an additional two weeks of rehearsals.
“Some of our partners will open their homes to several actors for the entire season, while others choose to accommodate an artist for just one five-week period,” says Schieck.
“We are very flexible and have many different options available for billeting arrangements. It’s a great way to bring in some extra money if you have an empty room in your home, a private apartment, basement suite or a cottage that is available for a period during the season.”
Proximity to the theatre is important, but some performers have access to vehicles, meaning they could be housed further away, in neighbouring communities.
“Even though summer is a distant thought for most of us, we begin planning early so our artists can make their housing arrangements now,” said Schieck.
For more information, or to add a name to the list for available housing, call Schieck at 519-638-5511 ext. 233 or email yvonne@draytonentertainment.com.
