A few hours after the artists performing at the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award left the Southam Hall stage, construction workers began work on a project that will dramatically improve the NAC’s performance halls and production facilities.
Much of the NAC’s production equipment is out-of-date, and/or dates back to 1969 when the NAC was first created.
Thanks to the $114.9 million Production Renewal Project, which is generously funded by the Government of Canada, the NAC is making many upgrades. The most noteworthy will our beautiful new Orchestra Shell in Southam Hall that will dramatically improve acoustics and refresh its appearance.
During the month of June, lighting and audio-visual equipment in Southam Hall and the Babs Asper Theatre was demolished and installation of new electrical and mechanical systems is well underway. The original orchestra shell was taken apart, while assembly of the new shell began at the very back of the stage.
The work taking place this summer will bring the NAC back up to international standards for artistic expectations, safety and patron experience. It will have a profound effect on the quality of the experience for our audience and for our artists, all in time for our fiftieth anniversary season.
