Some of the greatest theatrical productions in history take place in a courtroom. Think of A Few Good Men or To Kill a Mockingbird. Now the Saint John Theatre Company brings that drama to life in a real historic courthouse right in the city core.

The curtain is officially up on the public phase of the Courthouse Stage capital campaign. The Saint John Theatre Company plans to transform the 200 year old Sydney Street courthouse into a brand new performing arts space.

Image supplied by the Saint John Theatre Company via Your Saint John

More Than Just Real Estate

Executive director Stephen Tobias says the project goes beyond preserving a piece of Saint John history.

“To say that we are saving a 200 year old piece of historic real estate is amazing, and yes, we are,” Tobias said.

He makes an important distinction when describing the project to the public.

“We are not in the business of developing real estate,” Tobias said. “We are in the business of developing programs.”

Tobias views the new building as a tool to execute their business plan. He calls the courthouse stage the perfect tool for the job.

“At the end of the day, the courthouse stage is about executing a vision,” he said. “And vision evolves over time.”

Funding the Future of Live Theatre

The public phase of the fundraising campaign aims to raise 10 million dollars. Board member Jeff McAloon says this money will help build a space where creativity thrives and careers launch.

“With your support, we can build a space where creativity thrives, careers are launched and where our community gathers to celebrate the power of live theatre,” McAloon said.

The project already has significant financial backing. McAloon confirmed the group secured 20 million dollars from various sources. This includes funding from the federal government and the City of Saint John.

You can read more about the campaign launch on Your Saint John.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Courthouse Stage campaign?

It is a capital campaign by the Saint John Theatre Company to transform the historic Sydney Street courthouse into a new performing arts space.

How much money is the public campaign trying to raise?

The public phase of the fundraising campaign has a goal of 10 million dollars.

Has the project secured other funding?

Yes. The project already secured 20 million dollars from sources including the federal government and the City of Saint John.

Who is leading the project?

The Saint John Theatre Company is leading the project under the guidance of executive director Stephen Tobias and the board of directors.