An end to the public school teachers' strike is good news for students, teachers and the Terry Fox Theatre schedule.
The theatre, located at Terry Fox secondary in Port Coquitlam, was able to stay open during the teachers' strike because it's both a community and school facility, similar to a daycare operating on school grounds but there were some cancellations, said general manager Mandara Lebovitz.
"It is exciting news," she said of the news that schools would likely be back in session next week.
Coquitlam school district took over operation of the theatre from a non-profit society about a year ago and with the changeover came a new mandate: getting students involved as much as possible, whether as an audience or to interact with performers through seminars and workshops.
Lebovitz said the aim is to encourage more involvement in the school's theatre program, noting that Fox secondary - despite its top-notch theatre - is better known for its strong athletics department.
"It's a sensitive time for us and we're just thankful we're able to be open with the blessing of the [Coquitlam Teachers' Association] and the district," said Lebovitz as the strike continued into the second week of September.
Community bookings, such as the Supernatural television show that was filming for about three weeks in August and September, went ahead as planned but two performances that were to involve students and teachers were cancelled.
One such concert by modern folk singer T. Nile had to be postponed (the rescheduled date is yet to be determined) because much of the audience was to be the Terry Fox students who were also set to take part in a workshop with the artist.
Also cancelled was the Blues Brothers concert, which was to be a fundraising event for the school's athletics department.
But with the BC Teachers' Federation and the provincial government reaching a tentative deal early Tuesday morning, the rest of the theatre's schedule looks ready to go ahead as planned, Lebovitz said.
That means Fox's theatre production for the 2014/'15 season can start scheduled rehearsals on Sept. 29. Rock the Fox rehearsals will also not have to be curtailed.
And Fox students will even get to look forward to more than just classes, books and homework next week.
Lebovitz hinted at some intriguing new offerings that are in the works, saying, "The theatre is working on offering before- and after-school programming for the students." But until everything is finalized the details are top secret.
Finding out what they are will be just one of the perks of getting students and teachers back to school.
