Volunteer
Our volunteers play a significant role in our day-to-day operations and patron services.
Our Story
The Civic Theatre is Nelson's community-owned cinema and media arts centre. Its neighbours saved it in 2012, and a registered Canadian charity has run it ever since.
Our Vision
Entertain. Educate. Connect. Communicate.
We present and promote film as a cultural and economic force, advance education about film and digital media, and use technology to give our city and region a greater role in a global community.
More Than A Movie Theatre
The Nelson Civic Theatre Society is the registered Canadian charity behind The Civic. We present film, from the current blockbuster to the local independent feature. Throughout the year we offer special events and donated nights to our community for everything from meetings to screenings. Our mandate has three parts:
- Operate and maintain the theatre as a multi-use facility for film screenings and for other artistic, educational and community-building programs and events for the benefit of the general public.
- Host lectures, workshops, courses and seminars about film and digital media, for every kind of audience.
- Protect, preserve and improve Nelson's historic Civic Theatre.
The 306-seat auditorium, with its digital projector and 7.1 surround sound, closed in 2024 while the City of Nelson completed structural work on the building. The interior renovation comes next, so for now you will find us at The Chapel, The Shoebox Theatre and Reo's Video. We hope to see you in the lobby soon.
Our History
Built as a civic auditorium, run as a cinema for seventy years, shut for two, and reopened by the people of Nelson.
- 1935
Nelson votes for a Civic Centre
After years of proposals, the by-law passes on April 3, 1935. Construction starts on the skating and curling rinks, then the auditorium.
- 1936
The auditorium opens
The 954-seat hall opens on April 25, 1936 as a live venue. Businessmen ask to lease it for movies that summer and are turned down.
- 1938
Famous Players takes the lease
After a thin first year the commission signs a ten-year movie lease in 1937. Famous Players takes it over in 1938 and runs The Civic until the 1970s, and private operators follow.
- 2011
The lights go out
After more than seventy years of films, touring shows, community theatre, live music and school events, the theatre closes.
- 2012
Nelson saves its theatre
A call to save the theatre becomes a public meeting, then 4,200 signatures. The Nelson Civic Theatre Society forms on June 20, passes 1,000 members in September, and is handed the keys on November 5.
- 2013
Reopening, then going digital
Skyfall plays to a sold-out costumed crowd on February 20. The Community Challenge raises $181,425 in two months, and on June 14 the new digital projector and 7.1 surround sound light up the screen.
- 2024
A pause for the building
The main auditorium closes so the City of Nelson can complete structural work on the building. Films keep playing at The Shoebox Theatre, and Reo's Video keeps the shelves stocked.
Adapted from the timeline compiled by Shawn Lamb and Roger Ley.
Our Future
The 10,000 square foot, 306-seat auditorium is becoming a three-screen venue. When the renovation is complete The Civic reopens as a historic building where people keep coming for the wonder of cinema, a home for dialogue and gathering, and a place where technology gives our community a bigger part to play in the wider world.
The target reopening is June 2027.
Our Team
We’re a small team of dedicated professionals who love the art of cinema.
Staff
- Eleanor StaceyExecutive Director
- Jason AsbellProgramming Director
- Felicia MarrastAudience and Operations Team Lead
- Devon CaronCapital Campaign Administrator
- Michelle HartCommunications Manager
- Gregory MarrastReo's Video and The Shoebox Theatre Attendant
- Charles WardReo's Video and The Shoebox Theatre Attendant
- Michael DillCustodian and Tech
Programs and Partnerships
- Lynn TrinhKootenay Screen Based Industry Program Manager
- Carla SinclairKootenay Screen Based Industry Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator
- Sarah KapoorKootenay Regional Film Commissioner
Board of Directors
- Marilyn MintPresident
- Jeanette Boyd
- Ian Burroughs
- Josh Drozda
- Natasha Edmunds
- Jeremy Grant
- Paula Kiss
- Carlos Rubio
- Glenn Sutherland
Join Us
Serve on the Board
The board recruitment committee looks for members with:
- Demonstrated leadership ability.
- Previous service to community groups and board experience.
- Skills or experience that meet the needs of NCTS at the time of recruitment.
Interested members can ask for an information packet and a conversation about candidacy.