Rising Tide Theatre

Given the remarkable contribution Trinity has made to the preservation of our cultural heritage, an arts centre for Rising Tide Theatre in the community followed a natural evo­lution. The $1 million theatre and arts centre is a 550m² facility constructed in traditional heavy timber on the beach site just below the historic Lester-Garland Premises. The project included a cribwork wharf in the tradition of former fishing rooms on the property and features a wood shingle roof, traditional clapboard with authentic trims and hand-crafted, double hung wood windows and storm doors. The building features a large hall and performance area capable of seating up to 250 people. A slate finished lobby inside the main entrance allows for ticket purchase and coat check functions and offers immedi­ate access to public washrooms. Upper galleries and mezzanine areas provide production space, properties storage, green rooms and washrooms for actors and staff, as well as costume making, maintenance and a business office linked to the upper path on the site with a wood deck bridge.

Sheppard Case were committed to the traditional form of the building as a result of strict local and provincial regulations dealing with waterfront construction and restoration in Trinity. Despite an emphasis on the preservation and promotion of traditional building methodologies through design and specification, the building is a showpiece of multi-media technology for both the visual and performing arts.

CLIENT: Rising Tide Theatre

SERVICES: Architect

BUDGET: $1 million

SIZE: 550 m²

LOCATION: Trinity, Newfoundland

STATUS: Completed 2000