MOOSE JAW — The newly rebranded Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture celebrated 20 years with a commemorative gala featuring live entertainment by Jeffrey Straker, a speech by executive director Sarah Simison, and a viewing of brand designer Jared Robinson’s newest commercial film on the evening of Nov. 30.
The free-to-attend event included music, stories, and of course — cake.
The Centre for Arts and Culture now shares what was formerly the Famous Players Capitol Theatre, which was originally founded in 1916.
“The former Capitol Theatre was a hub of activity for entertainment and social life,” Simison said during her presentation.
First opened as a movie theatre, it introduced talking pictures in 1929, further cementing its role as a social hub. After Famous Players sold the building in 1982, it became a three-screen cinema until 2001 — though it no longer supported the performing arts.
In 2003, the building underwent extensive renovations and reopened as part of the Mae Wilson Theatre. This transformation reintroduced live performances and revitalized the space as a cultural landmark. Simison credited local visionary Gary Hyland and philanthropist Larry Wilson for their pivotal roles in this process.
Two decades in, the centre was once again highlighted with a viewing of the latest commercial produced locally by director Jeremy Ratzlaff and Jared Robinson with Nebulus Entertainment.
Robinson also wrote the commercial’s score — despite a few playful remarks by Simison that it could very well have been Straker who aced a few piano tunes including “Better Than What We Found” and “Take Me to the Touchwoods” in the lobby moments earlier.
“This has been in the works for a long time,” Robinson shared. “This is just such an amazing theatre (and) I’m so happy that I could play a role in putting some ideas together, but really, it came about as a larger conversation (with the board)… and this is the end product.”
Robinson said the rebranding highlights the centre’s focus on the arts while honouring its cultural roots. The textured word “culture” in the logo reflects its foundational role, whit the Art Deco design ties to the building’s history and Moose Jaw’s “Notorious” theme.
“We’ve got a really great board of directors here… everyone’s really committed,” he said. “This is my third term here, and I’ve never been more excited about where we’re going.”
Robinson also gave a nod to the many tenants who share the venue. These include the Saskatchewan Festival of Words, Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association (WACA), River Street Potters, Moose Jaw Community Players, and visual artist Greg Allen.
“One of the things that I first started to say when I joined the board was, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a revolving door of artists and people that were coming here to experience art?’ And I feel like we’ve never been closer to that vision,” he added.
“It’s going to get better and better from here. We’re developing other spaces in the building and yeah, the sky’s the limit.”
Simison concluded with a message of thanks and appreciation for the centre’s staff, including business manager Wanda Reid, front of house manager Janice Bowley, and ticketing and admin assistant Rachel Grace.
She also mentioned production manager Eric LaFrance — who has worked with the centre for 20 years — board members, and volunteers, whom she said have contributed around 3,500 hours each year.
“It’s so great to see you all here tonight, and I really, from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for coming to celebrate with us this evening,” Simison concluded.
To learn more, visit ‘Moose Jaw Cultural Centre, home of the Mae Wilson Theatre’ on Facebook or visit the revamped MooseJawCulture.ca website. The new commercial can be viewed on the centre’s YouTube channel.
The Moose Jaw Centre for Arts & Culture is located at 217 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-4700 or by email at [email protected].
To learn more about Nebulus Entertainment visit ‘Nebulus Entertainment’ on Facebook.