The front of the Capitol Centre will be lit up in red Tuesday from 7-9 pm.

It’s part of the Light Up Live/Day of Visibility event shining a light on an industry in Canada that remains dark since the pandemic began.

Executive Director Katina Connolly says performing arts centres like the Capitol Centre were among the first facilities to shut down and will be the last to reopen.

“This is an opportunity for us to bring awareness to the fact that our $100 billion industry is still dark and there are a lot of individuals that are impacted by the shutdown,” she says.

The movement is calling on governments to recognize the industry has been devastated by the effects of COVID-19.

Connolly says they’ve been impacted by government restrictions still in place.

“We certainly understand the need for those. Adapting to a virtual environment has been an interesting and creative learning curve and there have been some opportunities for us to take advantage out there but it’s not quite what the live entertainment industry is all about,” she says.

They’re requesting continued financial support for live event workers and companies throughout the supply chain. If it’s raining, the inside of the theatre will be lit up.

Some Capitol Centre staff will be on hand from 7 pm until 9 pm outside of the building and will broadcast via Facebook live to allow for online viewing.

Online supporters will also be provided opportunities to share awareness via the Capitol Centre’s social media channels.

People who happen to be out driving that evening are welcome to honk their support as they drive by the lit up building on Main Street.

“This is a weather-dependent event, so if by chance it’s raining we will instead light up the inside of the theatre and share it online through Facebook live.” said Dan Misturada, Director of Programming and Events. “It’s important that people be aware of what’s happening in the theatre industry because we are in a dark position right across the country!”

More information about the #lightuplive national event can be found at https://lightuplive.ca/

(Photo previously submitted)

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