Parrott Foundation makes $100,000 naming rights contribution to the BVP lift

Tweed & Company Theatre is thrilled to announce a major contribution to the Bancroft Village Playhouse Lift Addition in the sum of $100,000 from The Parrott Foundation. A small room will be constructed on the South side of the building providing entry to the lift which will allow access to the lobby, auditorium and stage [...]

Article content Tweed & Company Theatre is thrilled to announce a major contribution to the Bancroft Village Playhouse Lift Addition in the sum of $100,000 from The Parrott Foundation. A small room will be constructed on the South side of the building providing entry to the lift which will allow access to the lobby, auditorium and stage levels. The Lift Atrium will be named in honour of The Parrot Foundation for the lifetime of the improvement.

It has been a mission of Tweed & Company Theatre to make accessibility a main priority at its venues and during performances. The Village Playhouse in Bancroft currently has limitations for patrons with mobility issues to move easily from the auditorium to the lobby, including where the updated accessible washrooms are located. While the building has an exterior ramp for patrons to enter the auditorium, they must exit the building and travel around the exterior to gain access to the lobby and washrooms.

The addition of the lift will allow both patrons and performers to move freely within the building without restrictions. Recommended Videos The total expenses of the project are estimated at $364,800. This $100,000 contribution from The Parrott Foundation, combined with a $125,000 contribution from the Enabling Accessibility Fund, along with funding from the Town of Bancroft, BMR Pro, the Private Sector, and fundraising efforts and other grants leaves a balance of approximately $66,000.

The deadline to raise all funds is set for September 1st of this year. While the final goal hasn’t been reached yet, the funds available will allow work to commence on the project, with an estimated completion date by the end of the calendar year. Fortunately, the construction of the project will take place through the week, allowing the Village Playhouse to remain open on weekends for the upcoming fall concert series and Musical performances.

The Village Playhouse is a 194 seat venue in the heart of downtown Bancroft, serving a geographic region spanning a 150km radius. Last year over 20,000 patrons passed through its doors to experience professional theatre, a live concert or to take in a movie. The space also hosts local community groups and private events as well as youth camps and classes.

The current barriers have prevented some members of the community from participating in arts and culture experiences that the venue has to offer. The Lift Addition will open the doors of the building to many first time patrons, and improve the experience of thousands of others at The Village Playhouse. Tweed & Company Theatre thanks the Parrott Foundation for making this dream become a reality.