The EA Rawlinson Centre is hoping for a bright start to 2021. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Getting back in the art of things

Hope and the Future: arts and entertainment provide link to normalcy

Dec 23, 2020 | 12:00 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic makes 2020 a year many may prefer to forget but there is hope for the future. We’ve decided to make that the focus of our series of end-of-year stories.

The Arts and Entertainment industry at times this past year, was completely shut down. No concerts, no comedy acts, and no theatre either. The world was not being entertained as it should.

As we head into the new year the EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts will continue to follow all Saskatchewan Health Authority guidelines, but is also hoping to have a successful season of entertainment, as they provide a hope to normalcy for Prince Albert residents.

In an interview with paNOW, marketing and events coordinator for the Rawlinson, Cara Stelmaschuk said the entertainment industry offers an escape from day-to-day life.

“The arts are what people turn to, it’s turning your mind off as you pay attention to something else, and it is also a little taste of normalcy,” Stelmaschuk said. “Try to imagine getting through the last eight months without watching a new show on Netflix, or without reading a book, it would be awful.”

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Local artist Wade Fehr played a Halloween special for fans on Oct. 22. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

Looking forward to the new year, Stelmaschuk gave a few sneak peaks as to what P.A. residents can expect for upcoming shows at the Rawlinson.

“We’ll always have close to home talent with everything going on right now,” Stelmaschuk said. “That is definitely not limiting, the local talent is really varied, there are genres for everybody.”

The first show to look forward to in 2021 will be a comedy night. Following the comedy show P.A. residents can look forward to country music, folk concerts, and a rock show as well. Stelmaschuk added Spark Theatre is planning a play for March. Seats will be limited to 30 patrons per show. A livestream will be available for every show for the upcoming season.

“As we progress there will be events happening. If it is just a livestream, then it’s just a livestream,” Stelmaschuk said. “We want performers to be able to share their talents, and we want people to be able to access entertainment in a safe manner.”

Once the weather warms up again the Rawlinson will plan on hosting outdoor, parking lot ‘drive-in’ style shows and concerts for those who would like to venture out and have some fun in the sun.

Jack Semple (left), Heidi Munro, Chris Henderon, and Scott Patrick performed at the Rawlinson on Oct. 24. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

Stelmaschuk added getting involved in the arts and entertainment industry – even as a livestream – can be a great way to add a little party to your social bubble.

“It’s kind of a cool thing that we can be a part of someone’s home celebration,” Stelmaschuk said. “People have to redefine what it is to celebrate a live entertainment event. I can’t think of anything more worth while to celebrate than your arts community, because in times like this people turn to art.”

She also explained she hopes in the new year people can recognize what local arts and entertainment can mean to a community once it is taken away.

“The real hope is that people really appreciate now what facilities like this offer the community,” Stelmaschuk said. “Our hope is that people continue to keep us in mind, and they see this as a place that sparks creativity. We call it the gathering place for the performing arts, and we hope that people continue to gather.”

Head to www.earc.ca to stay informed on the Rawlinson’s spring schedule.

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Dawson.thompson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8