Our Journey to Three Screens

The Civic Theatre, housed in the historic Civic Centre, tells a story of innovation and transformation that spans over more than 8 decades. In 1935, the Centre was outfitted with our auditorium, featuring the most modern theatrical and celluloid film technology of the time. Since then, reflecting the emergence of global technologies, it has undergone a number of physical transformations that have led us to the pivotal moment we find ourselves now. We’re ready to embark on the next step of our journey with our major capital fundraising campaign to build two more screening spaces within The Civic Theatre. Take a look at some of the big shifts the building has gone through to get here:

April 1935:

In the midst of the depression, Nelson’s forefathers had a courageous vision for a multifaceted facility, including skating and curling rinks, an auditorium, and a recreation hall. Construction begins for the Civic Centre, touted as “BC’s major building project of 1935.”

April 1936:

The grand opening of the new auditorium, housed with 954 seats.

1938:

Famous Players signs a lease to take over the theatre and operates it until the 1970s. Following Famous Player’s management, it was leased by a number of private operators. For more than 70 years, The Civic Theatre hosted film screenings, touring shows, community theatre, live music, and much more!

September 2010:

Nelson Cinemax takes over the lease with extensive upgrades planned and closes the theatre for renovation. The original seats are removed and the lobby is gutted. Replacement seats from an old Cinemax were ordered and placed inside the building.

January 2011:

Unable to secure financing, the project renovation stalls, the lease is breached, and The Civic Theatre doors remain closed.

March – April 2012:

The City of Nelson is accepting proposals for use of the space. A group of local people propose the space become racquetball courts. Cindy Sherry issues a rallying call and 65 people attend a meeting to save the theatre! City Council extends the deadline for proposals until May 31.

May 2012 to February 2013:

We collect over 4200 signatures to save our theatre. NCTS is officially born and our Board of Directors is elected! We reach 1000 members and present our proposal to City Council. NCTS receives unanimous support from City Council and are handed the keys! Volunteers scrub the theatre from top to bottom.

February 2013:

The Civic Theatre re-opens! James Bond’s Skyfall is presented on the cleaned up 35mm projector.

June 2013:

Thanks to a generous contribution from Columbia Basin Trust, The Civic Theatre goes digital with 7.1 surround sound! Star Trek kicks off a summer of regular weekly blockbusters and we hire our first concession staff, ticket staff, and cleaning crew!

April 2014

Community fundraising and a generous grant from Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust make a concession renovation possible!

June 2017:

Our new retractable screen is unveiled to a group of supporters at our Donor Appreciation Party. The retractable screen increases the theatres ability to accommodate live performances and presentations.

July 2017:

With generous funding from BC Arts Council, we are able to upgrade our lighting system to better accommodate live performances.

February 2018:

Thanks to support from Columbia Basin Trust, we upgraded our sound system to better support digital projection and the varied sound that comes with live events.

Present:

We are now ready to embark on the next, and biggest step in this building’s journey – our transformation from a single to a three-screen venue!

Our Community

Why Three Screens?