New sights and sounds at Dalhousie Arts Centre

The sound of music in the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium is now better than ever thanks in part to the federal government. The auditorium, part of the Dalhousie Arts Centre, has new state-of-the art sound and lighting systems, and on Thursday, May 17, the local Member of Parliament took a first-hand look as part of a tour of local infrastructure investments. 

“I grew up around the corner and the Cohn stage and purple seats were like a second living room,” said Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax — and a former karaoke champ — after trying out the new system by belting out a version of Glen Campbell’s pop-country classic “Rhinestone Cowboy.” 

“Since childhood I’ve watched the symphony, Canadian Brass and other shows, but being up here with these fabulous new systems really has the adrenaline pumping,” said Fillmore.

Last November, Fillmore, also parliamentary secretary to the minister of democratic institutions, announced $391,211 in funding on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. Dalhousie matched the funding through a $1.50 fee charged on tickets to performances.

Much needed modernization

The funding was used to replace the sound system and speaker system and to install energy efficient LED lighting with many more features than the previous setup. The funding also paid for an upgraded electronic exterior marquee.

“In the past, our sound system was underpowered for what many shows today need," says Colin Richardson, the Art Centre’s technical coordinator. "So along with the cost of the venue, travelling performers would have to arrive earlier, rent and install custom lights and sound systems, and then tear it all down when they were finished.

"The new systems makes it easier and more cost-efficient for performers and may attract acts that wouldn’t consider us before.”

The systems will also benefit Dalhousie events, including convocation, regular partners like Symphony Nova Scotia, and those from the community who use the facility for graduations, dance shows and recitals. 

“Community groups make up more than half the bookings here at the Cohn, and the new facilities will give them the opportunity to perform using state-of-the-art equipment,” says Heather Sutherland, Dal’s assistant vice-president, ancillary services. “Many successful Canadian artists have had their start on this stage, and we are so happy to provide a world-class setting.”   

A big improvement

Shirley Third-Genus is the executive director of the Arts Centre and has worked in venues across North America.

“The upgrade is a big improvement over our older system. Patrons and clients alike will be impressed by the versatility and quality of our new sound and lights,” she said. “From community events to symphony and rock, the new system will cover the needs of everyone. We are extremely happy with our choices and look forward to audiences and users returning to showcase the upgrades.”  

In-house technicians who have worked in the theatre for decades installed the equipment. Blair Dykeman (lights), Ian Fraser (sound) and MJ MacLeod (stage carpenter) were on hand to explain the new system to Fillmore during the tour, and even let him take control. 

“I am honoured to be part of giving this gift — it is a gift for Dalhousie, a gift to our students, and a gift to the community," said Fillmore after the tour concluded. "Anyone who comes to a show will be blown away."

The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium is one of Atlantic Canada's premier venues for the performing arts. The funding is provided by the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada dedicated $168.2 million to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund over two years. This was followed by an additional $300 million for the fund over 10 years in this year's budget.