The William Glesby Centre was the highlight of today's Portage Rotary Club Luncheon in Portage la Prairie. Executive Director Carolyn Gray shares one of the new ideas called Good Times she's planning to bring to the Centre.

"We want to bring some children's entertainment to the theatre on weekend afternoons. And we're looking right now at a magician and a juggler. So, I think that would be a wonderful thing for the community. A lot of people have asked what we have for the young people in the afternoon that are family friendly. I think that would be a wonderful way to go for us. We were thinking Good Times would be around Christmas when we're all snowed in here and frozen, and want something fun to do, and then maybe toward the end of the school year when kids are excited and want to have a lot of fun."

She says they're also enjoying their collaboration with the Portage District Arts Centre.

"We're working on the Reel Event with PDAC. We premiered that last week, and it was a resounding success. The place was packed. The movie looks beautiful as its projected on our big screen. The patrons were over the moon. I ran into someone on the street who talked with several in the community about it, and she said she was worried about the change of venue, but everyone thought it was perfect."

Gray describes an event she attended this past weekend.

"The Manitoba Arts Network Showcase does a multi-pronged event every year for rural arts presenters. We get together there and we get professional development in many different areas. And there's a showcase of talent who's looking to tour in the next year. So, we get to see the talent and interview them, and choose who'd we like to bring to the theatre. It was phenomenal. So, we're working on getting several acts. I learned a lot this weekend. They do this event every year. Last year was in Flin Flon, this year it was in Morden, and next year's going to be in Russell."

She adds Guy Moffatt made a great point.

"Perhaps people are just so used to the Glesby, they may have forgotten we're out there. But we need to sell tickets in order to exist. Guy Moffatt made a great point that we're about 50 to 75% less to have a night out in Portage la Prairie. We have the quality of entertainment but the price is so much less than in Winnipeg. Our ticket prices are reasonable. You don't have to pay that gas money to go to Winnipeg. We make it a very elegant night at the Glesby. It's a beautiful classy theatre. You don't have to go away to have a great time. It's cheaper to stay here, and you're also supporting our own community. We need you."

She adds, "I'm just really excited about all the plans in the works, and I'm hoping everything comes through and I can tell you all about it soon."