Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Building on the success of Doors Open 2016, in which approximately 3,000 attendees visited the Sony Centre over the course of the two-day event, the Sony Centre is pleased to announce a breadth of programming for Doors Open 2017 which pays homage to architect Peter Dickinson and the theme of Modernist architecture.
Visitors will see a multi-media exhibition documenting the construction and development of the performing arts centre over the course of its first 55 years, experience the iconic venue through photographs and artifacts, and participate in a scheduled lecture with a special guest speaker on the topic of the building's history and architecture. Additionally, our family-friendly craft areas will allow attendees to embrace their creative sides.
Stationary exhibits in the Main Lobby and Mezzanine Level include an exhibit on the controversial planning, construction, and grand opening of the O’Keefe Centre, an exhibit on Modernist architecture and an exhibit on the iconic “The Seven Lively Arts” mural by York Wilson, all curated by Sarah Anderson, Sony Centre's dedicated archivist.
The Main West Lobby features “The Weight of Air / Camelot” by Leala and Don Hewak respectively. This two-person exhibition explores the past and present lives of Peter Dickinson’s Modernist buildings. In Leala Hewak’s “The Weight of Air: A Picture Parade of Peter Dickinson’s Buildings”, the photographs are not conventional architectural records but rather brief encounters. “Camelot”, a digital installation by Don Hewak, unearths fleeting moments from the O’Keefe Centre in the early 1960s. The artists will be on hand to greet visitors and answer any questions.
At Mezzanine Level, the young, and the young at heart, will have a chance to get creative at family-friendly areas including an arts and crafts station inspired by “The Seven Lively Arts” mural and a LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre station featuring a LEGO® replica of the Sony Centre, a LEGO® building pit, and the chance to speak with a LEGO® Master Model Builder.
In the Lower Lobby, visitors are in for a treat as Alex Bozikovic, the Architecture Critic from The Globe and Mail, discusses Peter Dickinson’s architectural masterpiece, the Sony Centre, its Modernist design, and its place in Toronto’s cityscape. This discussion takes place on Saturday, May 27th at 1:30PM only.
Guided tours of the building will take place at intervals throughout the day. Those on a tour will be led by a Sony Staff member through the backstage area to view the Rehearsal Hall, dressing rooms, orchestra pit, carpentry room, trap room (under the stage), and end up on stage to view the fly rail system and newly renovated rigging.
“We were excited to learn of the theme of Doors Open 2017, “Fifteen Decades of Canadian Architecture”, because the Sony Centre is the perfect representation of the 1960s. We hope that our visitors will enjoy exploring our theatre and lobby spaces, and that our guests of all-ages will find our exhibits and activities both educational and engaging.” says Rachel Robbins, Manager of Education and Engagement at the Sony Centre who developed the programming for Doors Open 2016 and 2017.
About the Presenters:
About Doors Open Toronto
Since its inception in 2000, Doors Open Toronto has attracted more than two million visits to over 700 unique locations across the city. It is Canada's largest Doors Open event and one of the three largest Doors Open events in the world. Doors Open Toronto is dedicated to celebrating built heritage, architecture and design. It is presented by Great Gulf and produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community.
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto’s first Performing Arts Centre, has played a defining role in the cultural life of Toronto for more than 50 years. Today, the Sony Centre is home to a roster of national and international artists that reflect the diversity and sophistication of 21st century Toronto. In addition, the Sony Centre is dedicated to developing Toronto’s younger audiences through family programming, workshops targeted towards school-aged audiences, an under-30 membership program, and other community initiatives. www.sonycentre.ca.
The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
is participating in Doors Open Toronto 2017
Saturday, May 27 and Sunday May 28, 2017
Exhibitions and interactive family experiences: 10AM-5PM daily, last entry is at 4:30PM each day.
Guest speaker, Alex Bozikovic: Saturday, May 27 at 1:30PM, Lower Lobby, capacity of 300.
Guided tours: daily at 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM, departing from Main Lobby, limit of 25 per tour.
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts – 1 Front Street East
Tickets not required – this is a free event!
2017-05-18
Toronto: The Sony Centre announces its Doors Open Toronto programming for May 27 & 28