Calgary’s Bowness High School launches campaign to upgrade theatre seating

Calgary’s Bowness High School has launched a new campaign which aims to raise $150,000 to replace the theatre’s aging seats, called Save a Seat, Leave a Legacy.

“With new seats it would make it like such a nice special place for people to actually come watch our shows,” said student actor, Ruby Campbell.

The school says the seats have been around since the early 1980s, and have begun to show their age; some with broken armrests, holes in the foam, and ripped fabric.

Drama teacher Gillian Exley says the initiative began with a group of determined parents.

“We had this really strong parent group,  they were sitting in these uncomfortable seats,” she said. “They were like ‘You know what, let’s make this happen, we can do this.'”

Parent Jesse Peters says the work will be beneficial for years to come.

“We just feel like it’s a tangible investment in the next generation of kids that are going to come into this school,” he said.

The initiative offers Calgarians to leave a legacy in one of Calgary’s oldest public high schools.

“To save a seat is $595 and with that, donors will get a plaque on the seat recognizing their contribution,” Peters said.

Bowness High alum Joanna Iles agrees.

“It all starts here and then it’s a ripple effect,” she said. “So I think having a space like this is so important for not only just the now but for the future.”

Calgarians who don’t want to buy a seat, or can’t afford it, can still donate any amount online. Tax receipts will be issued for any amount over $20.