Cracked roof truss closed Sagebrush Theatre for months

Photo: Glacier Media

After months of repair, Kamloops' Sagebrush Theatre will reopen Thursday.

In February, staff found a cracked roof truss during a routine technical inspection. The discovery prompted an immediate closure of the facility.

Theatre staff announced Monday that repairs will conclude this week, just in time for Western Canada Theatre's season-opener Dracula: The Bloody Truth. 

"The Sagebrush Theatre is very much back in business, and our 2019-20 season will be our busiest yet," says WCT's managing director Evan Klassen in a news release. "Our clients, patrons, staff and volunteers are all thrilled to be back in our home venue...Thank you to all the contractors, engineers, tradespeople and school district staff, for getting the venue back up and running."

To repair the facility, crews had to place two new steel columns adjacent to the inside theatre walls. 

"These columns, paired with an additional two tucked behind the proscenium, are connected above the theatre to a steel system that supports the existing and repaired beams," reads the release.

Audience members will notice a number of improved amenities at the theatre. They include new seating in the lobby, a hearing assistance system, expanded concession offerings, compostable eco-friendly beverage cups and a new water station to refill your water bottle. 

Klassen notes over the course of the season, crews will be working on additional capital improvements: new carpeting throughout the theatre, new handrails for the aisles, improvements to the washrooms and jump seats for the accessible seating areas.