While we’ll certainly collectively applaud after the dropping of this final curtain, it will be marked with much sadness.
The Bard to Broadway Theatre Society (see full story, Page A1), having provided Parksville Qualicum Beach a variety of top-quality shows for more than two decades, has made the difficult choice to cease operations.
B2B is one of many organizations hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They have tried admirably to make a go of things, but it simply didn’t work, and for that, we’re all the poorer.
President Maggie Bugg stated the society has tried for several years to secure enough qualified personnel but the current situation made it virtually impossible.
We can’t overstate the importance of the arts to any community. Here in PQB, we have an absolutely vibrant arts scene, so this decision genuinely hits close to come.
Bugg noted “it has been a privilege and a joy to provide live local summer entertainment to the Parksville Qualicum Beach region, along with vibrant educational programs for children and youth.”
Decades of massive contribution won’t soon be forgotten.
READ MORE: Pandemic-related issues mean final curtain drops for Bard to Broadway Theatre Society
Over two decade
s, B2B has produced more than 70 mainstage productions, in three different locations, involving its administrative team, and hundreds of actors, directors, stage managers, designers, technicians, artisans, musicians, assistant stage managers and backstage crew members.
Importantly, Bugg noted many B2B alumni have gone on to further training or professional careers in the performing arts.
It’s so crucial for our own residents with hopes and dreams to have avenues to start out as they aim to achieve those goals.
Bugg and the society were quick to thank their many supporters and volunteers.
“To all, B2B extends our boundless gratitude for 21 seasons of indelible memories,” said Bugg.
Wonderful sentiment, to be sure.
But in reality, it’s all of us who should be thanking them for the two decades of creating those memories.
Here’s hoping that as we continue to navigate along the difficult and ever-changing path that is the current pandemic, we find more relief and a return to normalcy.
A normalcy that includes a reinvigorating PQB arts scene and more avenues and opportunities for the many exceptionally talented people involved in the community.
One curtain may have dropped but we can all hope another rises… and soon.
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Thanks, B2B. Bravo.