Bailey Theatre Info

Bailey's Grand Opening

2011-05-27T15:09:00.001-07:00

These photos are some candid shots taken at the Bailey's Grand opening event which took place
May 21st, 2011. It is evident that the Bailey's patrons were delighted with the completed restoration. The photo third from the bottom shows the dedication of the MacInnis Auditorium, so named in honor of the parents of Frank MacInnis who is one of the major benefactors of the Bailey theatre and its restoration project. Photos courtesy of Glenn Miller.

The Seats Are In!

2011-04-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

We've been waiting a long time to see this. Pictured here is the view from the stage. A dinner theatre, Back to Borneo, which is a fundraiser, is scheduled for April 30. Tickets are $40 for evening dinner and performance. Photo by D. Roth.

Auditorium - Shiny New Floor Gets Buffed

2011-04-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

Finally the floor is getting the final buffing. It has an oil finish which will be easy to maintain and will provide years of service with a couple of buffings a year. Photo by David Roth.

Sanding Begins

2011-04-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

The floor is all down and the job of sanding and finishing can start.

Auditorium Floor - Installation Progresses

2011-04-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

The floor is all down and the job of sanding and finishing can start.

Fir Flooring Progress

2011-04-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Workers began the job of laying out the new floor in the auditorium after the wood had a chance to acclimatize to the Bailey. Photo by D. Roth.

Roof Top Smoke Vents

2011-03-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

The long awaited roof top smoke vents over the stage were installed last week. In case of fire, the fire curtain will drop to protect the audience who will be evacuated, and these smoke vents will open to clear the air. Photo by D. Roth.

Special Wall In The Bailey

2011-03-23T12:37:00.001-07:00

There is a special wall in The Bailey Theatre downstairs under the stage that has been preserved for viewers and is most interesting as it contains autographs and messages from and to performers who played in the Theatre. Autographs date from at least 1914.

The famous "writings on the wall" have been protected during construction and are covered in glass so they can be viewed by future generations.

Auditorium - New Flooring Ready

2011-03-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

This is the new 1x4 vertical grain, tongue and groove, old growth Douglas fir flooring that will be installed in the Auditorium. It is the same as the old floor that was there for 100 years. The new
boards were milled from timbers salvaged from old industrial buildings in BC and will serve the Bailey for many years to come. Photo by D. Roth.

Many Attend Birthday Celebration

2011-03-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

Many visitors enjoyed birthday cake, fine local entertainment, and tour of the Bailey during the afternoon of February 26th. Several generous donations were given to the Bailey also during the event. This photo was taken in the Bailey's Bistro and as you can see, cake and coffee was enjoyed. Note one of the beautiful portable bars that will be used at future Theatre events. Photo by David Roth.

Contractors' Party

2011-03-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

This photos show that good food and good times were had at the Bailey recently. A contractors' party was held for many of the workers who helped 'Light Up The Bailey'. This was an opportunity for the Bailey Theatre to thank the contractors and their workers for their fine work in the restoration of the Bailey. Yummy burgers, bratwurst, beer, and cake was served and a 'thank you' souvenir (a small LED flashlight inscribed with 'I helped light up the Bailey') was presented to each of the workers. To the left is a few of the workers helping themselves to the great food; below is a shot of Trevor Harmider & theatre manager, Tracey Clark cutting one of the cakes; and the last photo is a clearer shot of the cake. A hearty thank you to all for the excellent jobs done!

Bistro Floor

2011-03-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

The checkerboard floor has been laid in the bistro and is looking very chic indeed. This photo also shows some of the set-up in preparation for the 100th Birthday party held Saturday afternoon, February 26th. The public was welcomed and came in droves to partake of cake, coffee, and enjoy local entertainment. Many supporters chose to sponsor chairs for the auditorium and many gave generously when the hard hats were passed around. Thanks to all concerned! Photo by David Roth.

Bistro Area Evolves

2011-02-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

The Bistro in The Bailey is being developed more and more these days. Pictured here is the walk-in cooler (lit up). The crates in the foreground contain the shelving for the cooler, which can be accessed from front and back. Photo by David Roth.

Stage Gets Attention

2011-02-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

The stage in the Bailey received a new coat of black paint. The old brick can be seen on the back wall, which could make a nice backdrop for some theatre productions.

New Tile Floors - Very Impressive

2011-02-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

New tile floors are being laid throughout the lower level, hallways, and washrooms upstairs and down. Things are coming together very quickly in order to be as complete as possible for the Bailey's 100th Birthday celebration at the end of February.

More Painting In The Auditorium

2011-01-28T14:04:00.000-08:00

Another perspective of the new paint job that is taking place in the Bailey Theatre auditorium. Here you can see the painters have tackled the outer rim of the balcony. Stop by the office to arrange a tour of the theatre so that you can see first hand the impressive painting of the pressed metal walls. Photo by D. Roth

Installing Dimmer Panels

2011-01-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

Shown in this photo are CEL (Community Electric Ltd.) workers installing the second of three dimmer panels at the Bailey Theatre. Many trade workers are on site as the rush is on to complete construction by March 31st. Photo by D. Roth.

Preview of Painted Auditorium

2011-01-19T15:40:00.000-08:00

The Bailey Theatre auditorium is now being painted. Pictured here is the south west corner of the Auditorium. The bronze painted original pressed metal panels look stunning along with the crimson (pottery red) and tan (green fields pumpkin) panels. Viewed here in the foreground is the door into the catering area, which when closed blends right into the wall. Excitement is building at the Bailey as all things are coming together for the Bailey's 100th Birthday party in February. More details later. Photo by D. Roth.

Fortis Doing The Necessary

2011-01-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

Fortis worked at the back of the Bailey Theatre recently installing a new pole, no doubt some preventive maintenance as well as greater electrical service. Power will be turned on soon in the Bailey. Note the newly stuccoed wall on the Bailey's back wall at the right of the photo.
Photo courtesy of David Roth.

Bacony Seats Bolted & Secure

2011-01-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

Bailey president, Dan Olofson left, and Bailey's architect David Roth, volunteered their time, working over the holidays to bolt down the seats in the Bailey's balcony. Renos are progressing well. Photo by D. Roth.

New Year's Eve Fund Raiser - A Great Success

2011-01-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

A great Bailey fund raising party took place New Year's Eve. Two local bands, the BloozHounds, and Klarkwork Orange, donated their time and talents, at the Retro Rock n Roll Extravaganza, entertaining party participants who came dressed in period garb representing periods from grunge and all the way back to the sixties. Photo courtesy David Roth.

Theatre Rigging Equipment Arrives

2010-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

Having unloaded the theatre rigging equipment from the semi-trailer, the installation team starts loading the equipment into the Theatre. There are 16 motorized units to be installed plus the fire curtain on the stage. Photo by David Roth.

Rehearsal Hall Floor

2010-12-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

The new gypcrete floor in the rehearsal hall has been poured and is drying out to get ready for the new sports floor finish. Photo D. Roth

Underside of Balcony Painted

2010-12-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

You saw the posting of the underside of the balcony when it was being drywalled a few weeks ago. This photo shows the underside of the balcony with its first finish coat of deep red paint. It looks lighter than it really is because of the camera flash. The walls will soon be repainted to an authentic historic colour scheme. Photo by D. Roth.

Power Cables - Very Impressive

2010-12-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

These cables will provide power to the dimmers that operate all the stage lighting at The Bailey Theatre. To get a sense of the actual diameter of these cables, make a 3" circle with your thumbs & forefingers and you can better tell the magnitude of the cables. Phone courtesy of D. Roth.

Bailey Board at Paul Moulton Seminar

2010-11-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

The Bailey Theatre Society Board of Directors attended an enlightening seminar with expert consultant Paul Moulton of Edmonton. Paul shared much of his expertise on topics such as theatre operations, fund raising, pledges, and volunteers, to name a few. Paul also provided sample contracts and gave many other helpful tips including janitorial issues, security issues, theatre openings, branding, and suggestions on what to publish in programs to acknowledge sponsors. This was a very full day to say the least. Many thanks to Paul for sharing his knowledge!

Stage Area Progresses

2010-11-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

Metal scaffolding has been installed on the stage in order for the painters to sand and paint the drywalled ceiling in the stage area. As well, a metal beam which will hold the fire curtain has been installed just inside the front of the stage. Photo by D. Roth.

Seats Placed In Balcony

2010-10-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

Movers were busy on Tuesday uploading chairs with a scissor lift onto the balcony. The seats will be bolted into place soon. The chairs were acquired from the Citadel Theatre, Edmonton, about two years ago when that theatre underwent a 'face lift'. The chairs were stored compliments of the Camrose Canadian for all of this time. Contact us if you would like to purchase a seat or two in this choice location, as there are still a few left. Photo by D. Roth.

Restoration Speeds Up

2010-10-21T13:42:00.001-07:00

Our drywall expert puts some final touches on the ceiling under the balcony. Mudding and sanding is being completed in preparation for the painters who will paint the lobby and walls wherever gyproc has been installed on the main floor. They will work their way throughout the Bistro area, and on to the basement to transform the many rooms in the fully developed lower level. Things are really speeding up as we move toward opening day. Stay tuned for photos of the painting phase, which will show a major transformation. Photo by David Roth.

Bistro Area Evolves

2010-10-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

The Bistro area continues to evolve. This photo shows us the air handling ducts are being tucked in above the ceilings and will soon be concealed by the suspended ceilings in the lobby and Bistro. All the Gyproc walls are up, taped, and sanded awaiting the first coats of paint. Photos thanks to David Roth.

Curved Ceiling Over Bar

2010-10-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Workers recently put Gyproc on the curved ceiling above the bar in the bistro area. Stay tuned for updates on this. Photo by David Roth.

Auditorium Floor Renewal

2010-09-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

The auditorium has been given some serious attention these days. The old damaged 100 year old fir flooring has been torn out, leveled, and replaced with T&G plywood which has been screwed and glued in place in preparation for new flooring. The replacing floor will be 1 x 4 T & G fir flooring in keeping with the theme of days gone by. Watch for updates of the auditorium. Photo courtesy of David Roth.

Back End Gets Attention

2010-09-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

The back of the Bailey Theatre has received its first layer of stucco, shown in this photos. More attention is being given to the outside of the building, as insulation is applied all around in preparation for more stuccoing. (Recycle bins will eventually replace the port-a-potty.) Photo, courtesy of David Roth.

Volunteers Busy

2010-09-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

Volunteers were busy at The Bailey onLabour Day weekend. The balcony was scrubbed on Saturday, primed on Sunday, and painted on Monday. Pictured in the top left photo are Dan Olofson, (at 12 o'clock) Ross Shuman (standing), Sheila Viegas, (kneeling) and Carole-May Coty. Bottom photo shows the completed paint job preparing the way for the seats to be installed. Photos taken by David Roth who also scrubbed and painted each of the days.

Underside of Balcony

2010-08-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

Workers shown here are placing gyproc on the underside of the balcony. Many Camroseans have fond memories of the balcony and plenty of stories about balcony experiences too. More photos of the balcony coming soon. Photo courtesy of David Roth.

Metal Panels

2010-08-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Some metal panels in the main auditorium have been place by this worker to cover some of the electrical wiring. These original pressed metal panels are very impressive and exude character in the 100 year old Bailey Theatre.

Stairway to Balcony

2010-08-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

Seen in this photo are Trevor Harmider and John Rosland drywalling the entrance to the stairway to heaven, oops that is, the stairway to the Bailey Theatre's balcony. There are two stairways which are curved, lending to an elegant climb to the upper level. Photo courtesy of David Roth.

Visitors From Kamifurano, Japan

2010-08-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Town of Kamifurano and The City of Camrose celebrated 25 years of partnership in Camrose on Wednesday, August 5th. The 32 Japanese delegates were given a tour of The Bailey Theatre as one of the many highlights for the visitors. Photo courtesy of David Roth.

Lobby Ceiling Evolves

2010-07-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

The top right corner of this photo shows that the drywalling has been placed in preparation for the ceiling's spectacular light fixture that will be installed in the Bailey's lobby. More on this as work progresses.

Necessary Items

2010-07-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

These 'priceless' transformers located in the mechanical room in the theatre's basement, are very much a necessary part of the Bailey's restoration. They will perform in immeasurable ways for all things electrical. Many thousands of dollars went into these necessary items.

Working In The Lobby

2010-07-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Workers are seen here busily dry-walling the lobby ceiling and walls at the Bailey Theatre. Can't wait to see the proposed round light fixture in that drop ceiling when it is installed.

Entertainment At Recent Unveiling

2010-06-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

Some preamble to the Bailey's facade unveiling included this lovely tap dancer who entertained the surrounding crowd who waited patiently for the dropping of the Tyvek cover. About Time Productions presented a program of song and dance on stage in front of Bailey's next door neighbour, Martha's Music.

Socializing, Tours, and Popcorn

2010-06-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

An evening of socializing, tours, and popcorn took place a few days before the June 6th unveiling of the Bailey Theatre's facade. Pictured here is Bailey Theatre Society's present Dan Olofson passing a beverage to musician Dennis Gustafson. Photo compliments of Sean Maskaluk, S & L Photography.

Bailey Theatre at Dusk

2010-06-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

See how striking the new Bailey Theatre marquee appears lit up at night. This photo was take by Sean Macaluk after the unveiling of the new facade June 4th.

Usherette Extraordinaire!

2010-06-11T14:48:00.000-07:00

A little nostalgia was presented by usherette extraordinaire Patricia Fielding at the recent unveiling of the Bailey Theatre's new facade during Jaywalkers Jamboree, June 4th & 5th in downtown Camrose. As you can see behind Patricia, a booth was set up to sell Light Up The Bailey T-Shirts in front of the Bailey, which was both lucrative and great fun. Patricia had a large crew of volunteers on hand to help with this fund raising event, which was a great success. Thanks to Patricia and her wonderful volunteers!

Much Excitement !

2010-06-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

There was much excitement in downtown Camrose on June 4th when the front of the Bailey was finally unveiled, revealing the impressive facade and marquee complete with glistening black glass frontage. This picture shows Bailey's Architectural adviser David Roth in the foreground, just after the Teyvek was removed in front of a crowd of onlookers. Many visitors (actually over 2,000) went through the Bailey Theatre on 'sneak a peak' tours during Jaywalkers Jamboree. A host of volunteers answered questions during the 2-day Jaywalkers event, along with selling Light Up The Bailey T-Shirts, the latest fund raising initiative. The event was a huge success in raising funds as well as increasing public awareness about the Bailey restoration project. Many thanks to all those who participated in the Bailey's fund raising activities and to the enthusiastic, tireless volunteers. Well done!!!

Volunteers Give Facelift

2010-05-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Several volunteers showed up to work on painting parts of the Bailey's entrance on Victoria Day weekend. This was in preparation for the 'Light Up The Bailey' event during Jaywalkers Jamboree June 4th & 5th that the fund raising committee has orchestrated. Shown here is a shot of one of the doors painted its original colour which enhances the unique curved detail. You don't see many like this around these days but you will when you visit the Bailey in downtown Camrose Alberta.

Fundraising T-Shirts at Jaywalkers

2010-05-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

Pictured here is the front and back of the T-Shirts that will be on sale during Jaywalkers Jamboree, June 4 & 5 as an exciting fund raising project. Volunteers will be serving you at tables set up in front of the Bailey Theatre on Main Street in Camrose. Drop by for some popcorn, a friendly chat, and take a tour to see how the restoration is progressing. You'll be impressed!

Easy Does It

2010-05-13T15:36:00.001-07:00

This shot shows the expertise that went with placing the historic Bailey Theatre's new canopy. Lots of onlookers enjoyed the precision of this undertaking. The original canopy and marquee were originally built in the early 1930's.

New Marquee For The Bailey

2010-05-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

An exciting day in downtown Camrose saw another huge crane put the Bailey Theatre's new canopy into place. The canopy was built and installed by Blanchett Neon of Edmonton, who took great delight in this project because there isn't much call for working on historic signs anymore. Windwood Signs of Camrose did a mighty fine job of the lettering. There will be an unveiling of the new facade close to or during Jaywalkers Jamboree weekend, which will be held June 4 & 5. Watch for it and enjoy the new look on Main Street.

Replacing Entrance Concrete

2010-04-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

The missing concrete at the front entrance is put in place by the crew of Read Contracting Ltd.

An Unusual View

2010-04-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

"On a clear day you can see"....
On this clear day Camroseans could see this gigantic crane from miles away! It was on site to install the second roof top air handling unit that will service the auditorium and stage. This view was captured by David Roth, Bailey's architectural adviser, as it was raised up to the roof of the Bailey Theatre annex addition.

Preview of Marquee

2010-04-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Although a sneak preview, shown here is the new marquee currently being reconstructed by Blanchett Neon of Edmonton. The marquee is expected to be installed the last week of April, 2010.

Preparing Front Lobby

2010-04-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Dave Borgel removes the old floor of front lobby so that the new plywood sub-flooring can be installed.

Preping Atop

2010-04-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Workers apply the exterior air barrier and flashing upstairs on the Bailey in preparation for insulation and stucco.

Closing In

2010-03-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

The drywalling is continuing inside the Bailey. This installer is hard at work with the caulking gun. A tour of the Theatre restoration site reveals major transformation. Where once one could see through the partitioned 2x4 walls and open spaces, now the rooms are actually being defined. A thrill to see such progression.

Site's Electrical Foreman

2010-03-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

The Bailey's restoration site's electrical foreman, Dave Mergle, peruses schematics to keeping all things electric on track in his effort to 'enlighten' us. Nice office, Dave.

Bailey's Evolution Continues

2010-03-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Pictured here is a shot of the Bailey's facade showing the black glass panels, aluminum windows, and new stuccoing. The facade is almost complete. Watch for the unveiling soon to take place.

Up On The Roof

2010-03-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

(Someone should write a song about that.)
Lots going on inside and lots going on outside at the Bailey. Pictured here, the Bailey Theatre's roof top, where the roof above the addition is being finalized to receive the roof top air handling units and the transformers for the stage lighting.

Drywall Is Up

2010-03-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

Last week the insulation was installed, now the drywalling is well underway. Watch for further transformation of this women's dressing room and many others rooms in the Bailey. Dee-Jay Mechanical guys measure up for ducts.

Mechanical Room - A Work In Progress

2010-03-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

One of our technicians prepares copper piping in the Bailey's Mechanical Room. Restoration moves forward at a brisk pace.

Hard At Work

2010-03-04T12:45:00.001-08:00

One of our very important workers is pictured here hard at work installing insulation. Visit this blog soon to view the next steps in transforming this and other rooms in the Bailey. Things are moving fast!

Enthusiastic Fundraisers Given Tour

2010-03-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

These enthusiastic fundraising volunteers sip coffee while listening to some logistics and restoration history of the Bailey Theatre being provided by Architect, David Roth, before embarking on a tour through the construction site. These fundraising volunteers will be encouraging donations from Camrose businesses and the poplulaiton in general in order to raise the funds necessary to equip the the Bailey with interior furnishings, sound system, and many other items needed to complete the project before its opening.

Pausing a Moment for Photo Op

2010-02-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

One of the full time electrical technicians takes a moment to pose for this photo. Many technicians are hard at work every day in an effort to meet restoration schedules.

Sneak Peek

2010-02-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

This photo is a sneak peak at the new stucco facade being applied on the south side of the pylon at the front of the Bailey Theatre. The unveiling will no doubt be spectacular!

Special Visitors Tour Site

2010-02-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 3rd the Bailey Theatre restoration site was the venue for representatives of Industry Canada from Winnipeg and Edmonton along with Jason Heise, Immediate Past President of the Camrose Chamber of Commerce along with Hon. Kevin Sorenson, MP Crowfoot (not shown) who joined the group for a tour of the Bailey Theatre currently under construction.

New Years Eve Extravaganza

2010-02-01T14:59:00.001-08:00

The New Years Eve Extravaganza fundraiser for the Bailey was a great success. It was truly a gala affair complete with dinner, dancing, noise-makers, and champagne at midnight to mark the ringing in of the new year dancing to the ever popular Xtatix Big Band. Over 260 people attended which raised approximately $11,000 for the Bailey restoration. A hearty THANK YOU to the many volunteers and sponsors who help make this a grand success!!!

Installing Fire Hydrant

2010-02-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

City of Camrose public works install a fire hydrant in front of the Historic Bailey Theatre.

Preparing For Stuccoing

2010-02-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

Pictured here are scaffolding and hoarding around the marquee in preparation for indoor plastering to be done throughout the winter months. All restoration work is progressing wonderfully.