Dream of a community theatre in Penticton not dead, society says

PENTICTON – The dream of a community theatre is not dead, in spite of the loss of use of the Penmar Theatre building, society members say.

Plans to redevelop the former theatre building on Martin Street into a community theatre were dashed by Encore Vineyard's announcement they had purchased the building last week.

The society’s vision of a community theatre was not limited to a single address though, Penmar Community Arts Society President Kerri Milton says in a release sent out today, May 4.

“It has been and will continue to be a passion project of the community. While part of the goal was to restore the old Penmar, the vision was to fulfill a need in our community for a mid-size commercial space,” she says, adding the only change the loss of use of the building means to the society is a change in the street address.

“The society has been actively pursuing other opportunities for a location and we will continue to do so,” she says.

A special general meeting is taking place Saturday, May 7, at the Penticton Art Gallery Tea Room. Members and supporters of the Penmar Community Arts Society are invited to hear the board of directors present a summary of finances and options for moving forward.

Member will have the opportunity to vote on critical items which will ultimately decide the future of the society, and there will be a call out for members who are interested in joining the board of directors.

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