E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts

Where the performing arts meet, the E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts offers a chance for self expression through arts and culture.

The EA Rawlinson Centre is Prince Albert’s hub for arts and culture activities. The venue is home to the Mann Art Gallery and the John G. and Olive Diefenbaker Theatre and hosts a variety of events including professional shows, community events, art shows, conventions and more, to a tune of over 250 events each year.

Cara Stelmaschuk, Marketing and Events Coordinator for the Rawlinson Centre says the venue is a gathering place, “It’s a beautiful facility for special events like festivals, grads, dance recitals, weddings and meetings. It’s a milestone centre for the events of life and the chance to enjoy a show. A place to celebrate arts and culture and accomplishments.” The 600-seat theatre is the only professional theatre in Prince Albert, showcasing everything from plays and performances like Cirque Eloize to comedy and concerts.

Well-known acts and up and coming artists frequent the venue. “We host some outstanding acts on the cusp of being regular radio play,” Stelmaschuk says. She encourages people to venture out of their comfort zone to discover some of these amazing artists. Recent performers include Kip Moore, Brett Kissel, Jill Barber, George Canyon, Terra Lightfoot, The Trews and Corb Lund.

The Rawlinson Centre was recently named 2018 Venue of the Year at the Saskatchewan Country Music Association Awards. Stelmaschuk raves about the quality and features of the facility, “It’s a professional theatre with a fly tower, catwalk, beautiful seating and the sound, the sound is amazing. It’s a point of pride to have this calibre of theatre.”

Although professional shows are a treat for patrons, community events are a huge part of the centre. Nonprofit groups regularly use the facility to provide audiences with exceptional local entertainment. Enjoy a performance from one of the many youth or adult theatre production companies and dance studios. “Being able to offer this kind of stage for community events is so cool. First time performers, kids, it’s a professional theatre and such an amazing experience for them,” Stelmaschuk remarks.

This spring, patrons can look forward to a full season announcement with anywhere from 20-30 events from September through May; the Rawlinson Centre will announce its 2019-2020 season preview on June 5th, 2019. Moving away from half-year series allows the venue to attract and secure acts more easily. It also creates a better experience for the patron by knowing what events are coming to Prince Albert well in advance. There will also be ticket packages and bundles available with savings for the customer. Build your own season, themed ticket packages and discounts will be offered. According to Stelmaschuk there will be packages and themes for every type of audience such as a series for country fans, family events and cabarets.

With the diversity and quality of acts coming through the Rawlinson Centre, there is something for everyone to enjoy. An experience patrons can look forward to is Cabaret shows. “Cabarets are a more intimate experience,” Stelmaschuk explains, “the entire show takes place on stage with the audience and performer in the same space.” Every show has its own unique experience and no two shows are the same, “The audience is what makes the show.” she adds.

This makes the patron experience that much more important; Stelmaschuk notes that they’re working hard to continually improve the overall event experience by providing exceptional customer service from the moment a patron walks into the venue, to keeping up with the latest technology and trends such as using ticket scanners, an online interactive seat map to choose seats and an option to print tickets at home. “We want people to have a really good experience not only picking what they’re coming to but buying tickets and we want them to really enjoy themselves when they’re here,” she adds.

She also emphasizes the role and importance of volunteers, “The volunteer company is amazing. We run on volunteers and they’re an incredibly important part of each event.” Volunteers are always welcome, if you’re interested in volunteering, contact the Rawlinson Centre at 1.306.765.1270.

The Rawlinson Centre is an amazing venue dedicated to providing access to and showcasing performing arts. Stelmaschuk points out that, “The live performance experience is a must see. Challenge yourself a little bit, you’ll probably find something you like and have a good time.”

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