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that', damn tNod," said Manama. Dance is tmditiortally Walt to sell he said, but the city will offer a dance progum because "I know there’s an audience out' them It's a matter of making them aware dwhnt in available, Also well-attended was the dance series. said Monteith. The National Ballet of Canada Concert Group had 80 per cent turnout, while the Toronto Dance Theatre had 46 per cent and the National Tap Dance 50 per cent. /T.or the f1mt year ofa series. I think Ironically, MacNeil was the best at- tended performance of the year, with the 72_1_-eeat theatre many sold out. As well, extra shows were added - such as Lana Lust: the Bitch Stops Here and Rita MacNeil - as performers became available. (lljiiiCEElBlllllllllllt WATERLOO CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY my 3, 1m _ PAGE tr The city budgetted $135,000 for the first year of the program, compared to $280,000 made available in 198T88 by the university. Monteith had only six weeks to pull together a program, which the city called "Dazzling Debut," It consisted of 21 events brought together into six series - theatre, dance, classical music, musical variety, children’s theat- re and special events. "In the fmt year, the number one priority was to get a season happening at the Humanities Theatre," said Mom teith. In his last year working for the university, M days were available for programming, This year the university made 35 days available to the city. Monteith was hired by the city in April 1988 after University of Waterloo de. cided to cancel the Humanities Theatre cultural programming. Monteith was acting manager of the theatre at the time of the university decision. tt'0seiiG good first year for the Humanities Theatre, according to Rob erg Monteith, the city's manager of Inn Kimby Chrgnsclp Staff City finds success with its arts debut "When you bring on stair, when council commits to tstatrpotsitiotu, that is a very good indication of support." That political commitment was not always there. The city’s parks and recreation master plan study (of Janu- ary 1988) spoke of the need for more facilities, " did the futures committee of Chronicle 'Stan It’s the total culture and recreation package that counts. For Kathy Durst, Waterloo', commie. sinner of mention and culture, being given the tools to deliver a quality recreation and culture program for residents is vital. And Durst believes the current city council has a commitment to culture and recreation. Action reflects commitment to recreation at ttumaitities Mitre-Eben I we; Then there is the matter of inautrmient publicity. Monteith was often so busty just coping with day-today atfaira and IookingotUr performers that he was difficult for media people to contact. "I will not deny that there were problems," he said. "It was the first you, I was in a position when, I was a one-man show. We buckled under and did the best I could do. I was doing everything that tyr people were doing "Dazzling Debut" did not run without some problems, both major and minor. Some shows were very poorly attended, such " Lana Lust, which had 26 per cent turnout despite excellent reviews. 'We may at times be competing for entertainment dollars. But it’s apples and oranges. And we're at a much different price level, too." Keeping the price of entertainment low, and there. fore accessible to Waterloo citizens, is a priority, said Monteith. Mdnteith appeals to a different mar- keting niche, such as less well-known theftre groups and smaller events. The size of Humanities Theatre is difficult for a programmer, he said. Kitehener's Centre in the Square, which seats approximately 2,000 is more ap propriate for groups with high national profiles. As well, more populist enter- tainment such as wrestling or rock groups can be shown there. 'Tve found over the years it’s difrteult to get people to (attend) dance. But once you get them to one dance event, they find it's hm and come back." Part of Monteith’s job is to “educate" the public to arts and culture, whether through the Humanities Theatre or other city-sponsored events, or even through the school system. Another part of his job is to work with established groups, such as the Potter's Workshop and senior citizens groups, to help them get more exposure. tu.t.t.ifdufatiryr them. McCormick arena site", the proposed trail system has been rapidly scaled As well, the indoor city-owned pool is as distant in 1989 as it ever has been. Waterloo is unique in this part of Ontario for not having a municipal indoor swimming pool. Durst rhymes off the projects the city While the city currently has plans to build a ee.ond large log pad at the Albert That there is a need out there for facilities and programming no longer is debated by municipal politicians. Yet, the schedule for bringing facilities on stream tends to be pushed further back as councillors debate each budget. volunteer citizens who reported to Mun. cil in November 1987. who to ma . of culture Robe?! ”5mm. A" V _ V kiibiGiidGiriG' In Waterloo mm» city to him I mm for math this your. Prt!t.t't!imt W "I th.? thet!' WWW!!! when Im- m, That problem is expected to be resol- ved with the hiring this year of Gary Morton, the program assistant for cul. ture. Much of his responsibility will revolve Hound publicity and public relation. as well as working with other cultural organisations in the city. As well, the culture budget has been DUpgrading of a park and washrooms on Lexington Road, at a cost of$110,000. DPark and Trail development. DDevelopment of a sports park some- where in the city. While Laurel Creek Conservation Area has been one site frequently mentioned, area residents have already voiced opposition and vowed to right the location. DA $15,006 aha-ma facility approved it?. thivearl budget, ClAn addition to the Holy Rosary School gymnasium which will be avail. able fotyy.sAh1pryraPrning. URenovations to the Adult Recreation Centre and the K-W RCAF Wing 404 Adult Rotary Centre - both centres for seniors. is Inyhing ahead with: DA feam'Bility stud§Jrrthe proposed raised to approximately $194,000 for 1989. Monteith is turning his attention more to multicultural programming, Looking five your: down the road, Monteith would like to see the city's residents view cultural activities as something less than a luxury. “It's an" important part of quality of life." "We're responding how. As the my grows there will always be a need for more services, Growth creates the need, and we respond to that need as best and fast as we can.“ Meanwhile, the proposed central were: ation facility (which would include an indoor swimming pool; is on hold, pend. ing the outcome of negotiations with Canbar. This facility, intended for the Uptown area, may end up far from the preferred location. The city has ap proached University of Waterloo to discuss locating there Durst believgs the city ls "moving to fill the gaps m service" while bean "mindful of the tax burden. Waldemar Neufeld art gallery, currently proposed for the old Carnegie Library on Albert Street. Um”