Project Description
Toronto, Ontario, 1997
Janis Barlow and Rebecca Cann were hired by the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council in 1997 to review management and facility operations and provide recommendations for the Alexander Street Theatre in Toronto. Located in the downtown core, the facility has two performing spaces, a mainstage of 240 seats and a cabaret space of 100. It is the oldest alternative theatre venue in the city, is currently owned by the City of Toronto and is managed by Buddies in Bad Times Theatre Co.
Facility infrastructure issues had to be addressed within the context of the study. Governance and management structure, operating costs, funding and community use and needs were all issues that impacted on the management of the facility.
With associates Rebecca Cann and Jennifer Walker, J. Barlow undertook an extensive survey of performing arts users and key performing arts facilities in Toronto that were comparable to the Alexander Street Theatre. The analysis of this research provided the Alexander Street Theatre’s operating company with a new and informed perspective on their facility and its operations while providing the Arts Councils with contextual and statistical information with which future policies and programs can be implemented.