Imagine a stage that has survived several name changes, renovations and relocations: one world war, a tornado, and a pandemic (COVID-19). Take a bow, Imperial Theatre. The Imperial Theatre is located in Sarnia, Ontario at 168 N. Christina Street. The theatre was originally built around 1919, and has a rich history for providing first-class live performances. Executive Director Brian Austin Jr. of the Imperial Theatre is an impassioned theatre lover. Austin’s role at the Imperial has been multifactorial, and even extends back to his high school days. I had the pleasure of interviewing Austin on the Imperial Theatre’s grand stage.
How did you become Executive Director of the Imperial Theatre?
I have a long history of performing in the arts, which started for me at age six. I played Tiny Tim in Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol. Throughout high school, I was involved with Theatre Sarnia in any plays I could be involved in, I consumed with enthusiasm. I enjoy performing, but I can influence more as a cultural leader. Facility management has been a good way for me to influence performers and provide them with all they need.
Was the original theatre built in 1919 or 1936?
Prior to the May 1953 tornado, the original Imperial Theatre (originally called The Capital) was a few doors down from the current location. It was an opera, cinema, and class-B vaudeville house. The original Imperial may have been built in 1919, but this one was built in 1936. The Capital was primarily a movie house; the Imperial Theatre is primarily a performing arts venue. We do show movies; however, the theatre is about celebrating live performances.
Why was the Capital Theatre remodelled into the Imperial Theatre?
When we purchased the Imperial from the City, we had a huge fundraising campaign. Imperial Oil helped with some financing, so we gave them naming rights. Originally, we were the Imperial Oil Centre for the Performing Arts. After around twenty years, we decided to shorten the name to the Imperial Theatre.
What role does Theatre Sarnia play in regard to the Imperial Theatre?
Theatre Sarnia owns and operates the Imperial Theatre, which is run by a board of directors, and I work for the board in operating the venue. Theatre Sarnia is one of the longest continually running theatre groups in Canada. We managed to produce theatre through World War II and through COVID–19, so we have been operating since 1927. During the pandemic, the summer of 2021, we did a few free performances outside. The theatre has endeavored to keep the city entertained during differing time periods.
What is Theatre Sarnia’s artistic vision?
Firstly, we want to nurture the artist and make sure they have good work that satisfies them artistically. Secondly, we want to make sure we are pleasing the patronage. We do between five and six shows a year—there are some dramas, musicals, and comedies. The structure of our organization is the board of directors, and four standing committees: finance, governance, production, and community engagement. Under production, there is a subcommittee. Their job is to read and rate plays. Overall, this entire theatre-structured vision is to entertain and put on great shows.
The Imperial Theatre has been mortgage-free since November 30, 2016. How does this allow the theatre autonomy?
It allows us to focus on capital projects— improving the member experience, the tenant experience, and improved production quality. We are able to take the money that was set aside for the mortgage and reinvest it for our product. With the plays over the last years, we have really seen an increase in production value, sets, effects, lighting, and sound. We are able to invest in everyone’s experience.
What is your personal vision for the theatre?
The theatre is at an exciting point; we have just finished 1.8 million dollars in renovations. The sound system is new, the outside structure has been reworked. We have new doors, carpets, seats, and roof.
Jason Waddle | Contributing Writer
