The Other Guise is launching a capital campaign on to raise one million dollars by the end of the calendar year to put toward the renovation of their new building at 716 Johnson Street, with a goal to raise $300,000 via generous donations.

The renovated space will feature four main areas: the front space with swanky, casual music performances. In the back of the space, a versatile black box theater outfitted with industrial moment frames and flexible drapes and seats will be available for performances of all kinds: lively music events, intimate theatrical performances, and art shows. Outside, the alleyway next to the building will be converted into a patio space with outdoor seating for drinks and socializing, with a stage for poetry, live music, and comedy. Additionally, the top floor of the building currently features several studios which will be accessible for artists—emerging and established—to practice and rehearse. Vancouver Island is lacking in accessible, reliable spaces for artists to gather, work, rehearse, and perform. With this acquisition, Other Guise will create somewhere for artists to do all of these things, becoming a permanent fixture to enliven Downtown Victoria.

“Artists need a home." —Mary Desprez

The Other Guise Theatre Company is a theatre company based in Ladysmith, BC. Producing work since 2001, the company has created new work rooted in the artistic community of Vancouver Island, performed with a focus on music.