VIDEO: Monarch Theatre adds backstage upgrades and audience accessibility in summer renovation

The project has upgraded the downtown landmark to better preserve the building’s history, all ahead of its reopening during Downtown Days on Aug. 22.

Project manager and Monarch 1911 Society treasurer Brian Robinson said this year’s work focused on improving the experience for both audiences and performers while ensuring the more than century-old building remains viable for years to come.

“So this summer’s renovation schedule was more about a better experience when you come to the theatre,” Robinson said.

While work had begun before the building closed for renovations, Robinson said crews have now finished the project, adding new lighting to the stage, safety features and other upgrades.

“Before we closed down, we had started the stage, and we had it roughed in and partially done, but in this renovation, we’ve finished it off, finished all the features, added all the lighting, all the safety, everything that was required,” Robinson said.

The work also addressed structural concerns above the stage.

Crews removed the screen and curtains before constructing a new wall separating the stage from the rear of the building, allowing workers to reinforce a ceiling that had begun to sag.

“We built a wall that separates the stage from the back area of the building, and that gave us the opportunity to shore up and support the ceiling, which was starting to fail,” Robinson said.

“We were able to actually preserve the building a little better and make it a little more structurally sound.”

The new wall also creates space for future backstage amenities, including a green room and washroom.

“For the performers, it gives you a place to either enter from when you’re starting your performance or go back to and do quick changes,” Robinson said.

Another addition is a motorized curtain that lowers from the ceiling to protect the movie screen during live performances.

“It was never part of the theatre before, and it’s going to drop downwards from the ceiling and cover and protect the screen during live performance,” Robinson said.

“It’s a nice feature. It’s going to make us a lot more programmable as a theatre.”

Audience improvements were also a priority, with wheelchair accessible seating areas in the front of the theatre.

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(Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)

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“We built an area for our guests that are in wheelchairs or mobility issues,” Robinson said.

“We leveled the floor for a section and gave them an area where they can sit comfortably flat on the floor.”

Robinson said the theatre had previously improvised accommodations for those guests but wanted to create a permanent solution.

“We promised, we said, ‘We’re going to make something better for you,’ and we did, we’re really happy, and we want to make the experience for everyone good,” Robinson said.

A new sound booth has also been built inside the auditorium, allowing operators to control audio and projection from within the theatre rather than the projection room.

The renovations also uncovered another piece of the Monarch’s history.

Behind the stage, the only remaining section of the original theatre, built in 1911, has been preserved, including the original silver projection screen mounted on the wall.

Robinson said the space will eventually serve as both a green room and an interpretive area showcasing the building’s evolution through renovations in 1935 and 1941.

“It’s a really important room because it helps define the timeline and the different changes that this building has gone through,” Robinson said.

Although construction has wrapped up, Robinson said crews still have cleaning to complete before reopening the theatre.

The Monarch will welcome the public back on Aug. 22 as part of Downtown Days, with an afternoon showing of Pixar’s Cars for families, followed by an evening screening of American Graffiti.

by Jett Schwaier

VIDEO: Monarch Theatre adds backstage upgrades and audience accessibility in summer renovation

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