Upgrades fuel thriving arts scene in Trail and Cranbrook
At the Bailey Theatre in Trail, a technician fine-tunes the lighting while performers warm up in the wings. In Cranbrook’s Key City Theatre, the house lights dim as a hush falls over a sold-out crowd. But the magic of live performance begins long before the curtain rises — made possible by years of planning, partnership and investment behind the scenes.
Since 2017, both theatres have undergone major transformations. From structural repairs to pandemic-era pivots, their evolution reflects a sustained effort to keep the arts vibrant and accessible.
Modernizing with Purpose
These venues are more than performance spaces; they’re cultural anchors that bring people together, support local jobs and attract visitors. They host everything from touring musicians and film screenings to school plays and community festivals. To remain viable, both the Bailey and Key City theatres have had to confront aging infrastructure and rising operational costs.
At Key City Theatre, critical roof reinforcement and electrical, HVAC, backstage and dressing room upgrades were undertaken, while modern sound and lighting systems enhanced both artistic versatility and venue rentals. A lobby renovation added a small performance stage, enabling intimate events like cabarets and acoustic sets, boosting programming by 25 per cent. As of fall 2025, a new passenger elevator will also be complete, improving accessibility.
“The $4.5 million in capital projects completed since 2017 means the building now has a projected lifespan of another 30 plus years,” says Galen Olstead, Executive Director, Key City Theatre. “In the 2024-2025 season, we presented over 35 events, hosted over 150, and sold more than 32,000 tickets, with strong momentum in youth engagement, Indigenous programming, and inclusive community outreach.”
In Trail, a 2018 renovation at the Bailey Theatre improved comfort, energy efficiency and audience experience through upgraded ventilation, a new concession and lounge, and a striking marquee. A larger-scale overhaul in 2022 tackled rigging, roofing, electrical and fire safety upgrades. Now hosting over 120 events and selling 23,000 tickets annually, the venue continues to play a central role in the region’s cultural life.
“Thanks to investments from the Trust and Regional District, our transformation has benefited the community and arts ecosystem in every way,” says the Bailey’s Artistic Director, Nadine Tremblay. “We’re employing more artists, offering more diverse programming, and better serving the community with our expanded team of knowledgeable staff. We’re even able to offer free events like our season opener and Halloween Spooktacular.”
Meeting Challenges with Innovative Solutions
When the pandemic disrupted live events, both theatres adapted quickly to keep staff working and audiences engaged. Trust support helped implement safety measures, retain staff and invest in new technology.
In Trail, the Bailey team created Covid Jingles, a video series featuring original improvised songs that promoted local businesses and organizations. In Cranbrook, Key City Theatre adopted live-streaming technology to continue performances for at-home audiences.
“The pandemic showed us how important our venues are to everyone’s health and well-being,” says Tremblay. “Before our first show back, I heard a band tuning up their instruments and I cried at the sound of the tuning A notes. I had forgotten how essential art is and how much joy it gives me. Investing in it helps build a well-rounded, healthy community.”
Today, audiences have come roaring back. “In 2023, we saw our highest-ever attendance at Key City Theatre, and that number rose by 30 per cent in 2024.” adds Olstead. “We’re proud to host a sold-out annual January production involving over 100 local youth and volunteers, as well as two community-driven festivals — Ed Fest and the Kootenay Children’s Festival — which bring thousands together for accessible arts experiences.”
Strengthening the Arts Ecosystem
The Trust has helped both theatres respond to immediate needs and invest in long-term capital upgrades. It also supports the region’s broader arts community through its partnership with Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA), which delivers funding and development opportunities for artists and cultural organizations across the Basin.
CKCA strengthens the creative sector that thrives in these venues, ensuring artists of all ages and disciplines have support to grow and succeed.
A Bright Future for Artists of All Ages
These investments are preserving more than bricks and mortar; they’re helping build lifelong connections to the arts. Rossland local Lola Rossi first performed at the Bailey at age five in a Kootenay DanceWorks show. By 10, she had found a new passion, adding singing and acting to dancing while starring in The Little Mermaid. Now 13, Lola has taken the stage a dozen times and counts many of her closest friends from musical theatre.
“My favourite part is practicing and being in the dressing room,” she says. “Someone will put on their song to rehearse and everyone else starts singing really loudly. We have all these inside jokes and we’re always humming because the songs get stuck in our heads. It’s really fun!”
Triple Threat Experience, the youth program Rossi is enrolled in, continues to engage young people in the arts alongside groups like the Rossland Light Opera Players (RLOP), the oldest volunteer-run theatre organization in Western Canada.
“The Charles Bailey Theatre is a central hub that connects the region’s arts community, and I’m so thankful to be part of that,” says Alana Davis, RLOP Secretary. “It’s getting busier, but we’ll always make performing there a priority.”
In Trail and Cranbrook, the show goes on thanks to resilient facilities, passionate people and a shared belief that the arts are essential. Every performance reflects not just talent onstage, but the strength of the communities that support it.
