The new performing arts centre at Revelstoke Secondary school was in the spotlight today as a capacity crowd of delighted students, community members, and distinguished guests welcomed the inaugural performers to the stage.

Education Minister George Abbott was on hand to celebrate the opening of the 275-seat, state-of-the-art theatre built as part of the new $39.9-million Revelstoke Secondary school. The new facility features a full backstage with two dressing rooms, makeup areas, and washrooms. It also contains a control booth with full light and audio ensembles, an orchestra pit that can be covered to extend the stage for lectures and presentations, and a series of student-safe catwalks to allow for different lighting configurations.

A 10-member performing arts centre advisory committee, made up of local arts council members, school district representatives, and local officials, will establish a theatre management plan and help co-ordinate community events.

The theatre will support the city's passionate arts scene and is a major component of Revelstoke Secondary's Neighbourhood Learning Centre. With the completion of Revelstoke Elementary on the same site this fall, the two schools will deliver a variety of community-focused services including youth support spaces, mental health services, substance prevention programs, a gymnastics centre and an early learning and childhood development centre.

For those who were unable to attend tonight's event, the theatre will host an open house tomorrow, June 7, from 4 to 8 p.m., where visitors can watch additional performances.

Quotes:

George Abbott, Minister of Education -

"Revelstoke boasts a thriving arts scene and this theatre will provide performers with a stage to share their talents."

"This theatre and the other innovative programs offered through the new Neighbourhood Learning Centre remind us that schools can be much more than just places for students to learn. The new Revelstoke Secondary will be the heart of this community, connecting and supporting families for years to come."

Alan Chell, chair, Revelstoke board of education -

"We really wanted to build a facility that would offer benefits to both the students and community of Revelstoke, and I think we accomplished that. I look forward to seeing the variety of local and visiting performers that will take centre-stage here."

Anne Cooper, Revelstoke superintendent -

"Seeing the 275 seats filled with excited people from our community justifies all the long hours that were put in to making this project a reality. This is going to be a legacy that our city can enjoy for a long time, and I'm honoured to have been a part of it."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has committed $55.3 million for capital projects in the Revelstoke school district, including the consolidation and replacement of two elementary schools and the new Revelstoke Secondary school.
• Since 2001, the Province has spent more than $2.1 billion to complete 93 new and replacement schools, 150 additions, 27 renovations and 22 site acquisitions throughout British Columbia.
• Our government is currently working to upgrade, replace and build a total of 60 schools throughout B.C. over the next four years. The total cost of these projects is approximately $1.5 billion.

Learn More:

To see how the Neighbourhood Learning Centre at Revelstoke Secondary is benefiting students and community members, visit these links on the Province of B.C.'s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skyyeqyemtw&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j24fkEdGhc&feature=plcp

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963