Dreamcoat Fantasy Theatre scrambling to find new home

Dreamcoat Fantasy Theatre needs a new home. And quick.

The Near North District School Board has asked volunteers to clean out their storage area and find a new home.

For the last 17 years Dreamcoat has been operating out of West

Ferris Intermediate and Secondary School Auditorium.

“They asked us to leave,” said Dreamcoat interim executive director Michelina Beam. “We had an agreement, however the lease agreement came up for renewal during the last school accommodation and they didn’t have time to deal with it.”

Dreamcoat had invested $ 58,000 into the West Ferris auditorium after winning a grant from Aviva Community Fund.

Beam said the money was spent on enhancing the space at West Ferris with stage extensions, new curtains and lighting.

Volunteers are desperately seeking a place for kids to rehearse, as well, a place to store their props, costumes and other supplies like lumber.

Beam said volunteers were told the school needed the space in the school basement where their belongings are stored.

“They asked us for a deadline, they’re certainly pressuring us to get our stuff out. If we don’t give them a deadline I’m sure they will give us one.”

She said volunteers are working on finding suitable storage, however funds to pay for it are always a challenge.

“We have no funding stream except for participation fees, ticket sales and occasional donations. That’s why we shut down during COVID- 19, we had no revenue or government assistance.”

Near North District School Board didn’t answer The Nugget’s emails for comment.

When asked how many possessions they have, Beam said, “almost the size of a storage container or portable.”

Currently the not- for- profit organization has been in existence for 22 years.

More than 100 children attended an information session Wednesday evening at One Kids Place and organizers stressed the importance of finding a place for rehearsal.

Beam said they’ve had some conversations in the community about the need for space, but never issued a public plea.

“Nobody knew it was a thing. We knew we had to put the appeal out publicly. I’m confident we will find a place. I have to be able to get this program going for the kids,” she said.

One possible solution could be the auditorium in the former Widdifield Secondary School.

Beam said Dreamcoat board members have drafted a letter asking the NNDSB to use of the space, that has remained vacant for several years.

“They ( the NNDSB) still owns it. Why not offer it to us? It’s sitting there empty. We’re going to ask the question.”

Beam said she reached out to a few trustees, however is waiting to see the response from the board on whether they can use the vacant Widdifield school.

“We’re already a week behind. The dates of the show at the Capitol Centre are booked. But we need a place to practice. A school is perfect. There is an auditorium plus there are break out spaces.

For suggestions or to reach Beam email michelina. dreamcoat@ live. ca