It doesn’t get more Canadian than an igloo. Especially a giant igloo.
In what seems to be a Canadian first, Victoria’s Kaleidoscope Theatre has purchased an inflatable, igloo-shaped theatre.
The portable, outdoor theatre — 15.2 metres wide and 7.3 metres high — will make its debut at Kaleidoscope’s Family Theatre Festival on May 1.
“It’s a Canadian iconic image,” said David Ferguson, Kaleidoscope’s general manager. “It’s the biggest [igloo theatre] they make.”
The manufacturer, M2B Inflatable of Sofia, Bulgaria, has said this is the first igloo theatre it has sold to Canada, according to Ferguson. The company’s igloo theatres are used in Europe, including one inflated near the Eiffel Tower in Paris. M2B Inflatable also makes inflatable chairs, couches, bouncy castles, airships, paint-ball obstacles and golf bags.
Telus has already donated $50,000 toward the theatre’s purchase, and the B.C. Arts Council has provided a $12,000 grant.
The total price tag —including a stage, a metal light truss, tech/table and concession area — will be between $150,000 and $180,000.
Ferguson said Kaleidoscope will apply for other federal and provincial grants, as well as launching a public fundraising campaign. The company has made a $20,000 down payment on the theatre, now being custom made.
The theatre — constructed from PVC tarpaulin — can hold an audience of 145. It is inflated by two air-blowers. When deflated, the theatre is about the size of a small car and can be transported by flatbed truck.
Ferguson said the portable theatre will cut costs for Greater Victoria schools to attend Kaleidoscope’s plays, which are aimed at young people. The igloo theatre will be transported to school grounds, eliminating the need to transport audiences by bus. The company will also tour B.C. with it.
Kaleidoscope will generate extra income by renting the theatre to companies staging dance, concerts, theatre and art shows.
Ferguson said his dance company, Suddenly Dance Theatre, is interested in using the theatre for its annual Romp! festival.
He got the idea of acquiring the igloo when Suddenly Dance Theatre staged Ferguson’s dance-play Kiki. The show requires that a dancer sit on a giant chair. Ferguson purchased an oversized inflatable chair from a U.S. company which, in turn, got him interested in inflatable products in general.
When he first pitched the notion of an igloo theatre to Kaleidoscope’s board, they were taken aback — although they soon warmed to the idea.
“I think it was overwhelming at first, because it was an out-of-the-box idea,” Ferguson said.
The theatre will be branded with an “Igloo Theatre” logo.
Telus has not asked that its logo be placed on the theatre. However, the communications company’s contribution will be acknowledged in programs and in other ways, Ferguson said.
“They will be thanked forever, in regards to the igloo,” he said.
