Michael Bublé launches personal video in support of the Arts Club's re-opening
The singer-songwriter recalls his early days on the Vancouver theatre’s stages
Michael Bublé.
MICHAEL BUBLE HAS launched a personal video to encourage people to support the Arts Club as it prepares to re-open its doors.
The not-for-profit company’s fundraising campaign is running until July 31.
Before reaching an international stardom, the Burnaby native performed at the Arts Club’s Granville Island Stage and the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. In 1998, Bublé starred in Dean Regan’s musical Swing!, the theatre’s inaugural production at the revitalized Stanley.
“Just know this: that without places like the Arts Club, there wouldn’t be close to as many opportunities for Canadian artists to learn and work and grow,” Bublé says in the video
The singer’s plea comes after 15 months of suspended operations for the Arts Club, which, has had to cancel 24 productions and laid off or cancelled contracts for more than 660 artists and staff, according to a release. The company has lost more than $13 million in ticket revenue.
Although the Arts Club produced one-person shows last fall at its Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre and offered digital streaming, all three of its venues remain dark in light of public-health restrictions.
“We are very grateful that Michael is amplifying our message during this difficult time—a time when we’ve felt so buoyed by the support of our community,” Arts Club artistic director Ashlie Corcoran said in the release. “We look forward to welcoming theatre lovers in person and flourishing again.”
The Longhedge Foundation has pledged $100,000 to match all gifts made to the Arts Club between now and July 31. All proceeds from the campaign will support the re-opening of the Arts Club’s three venues.
Tax-deductible donations can be made online at the Arts Club.
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