There’s an excitement in the city surrounding the work being done inside The Garry Theatre, transforming it into a modern space where friends and families will gather to watch movies and attend events.
But perhaps even more intriguing is the chance to be a founding board member for the theatre’s rebirth, to be part of the team that successfully manages the new life of Selkirk’s iconic and beloved movie theatre.
Be a part of the team that brings the Garry back
For Mayor Larry Johannson, a lifelong Selkirk resident who’s seen his fair share of movies at The Garry over the years, it’s an incredible opportunity.
“There is truly such an excitement over The Garry Theatre. We saw it when the city first purchased it and it really has never waned,” Johannson said.
“The response from the community about the reopening of the theatre was phenomenal and it’s really the biggest buzz right now. I know there are incredible leaders in Selkirk who will want to get in on the ground floor here and be part of the team that brings The Garry back to its former glory, its former status as the place to be for entertainment. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be connected forever with the second act of the theatre we all love.”
Applications are now available for Garry board members
The City of Selkirk is looking for people interested in becoming board members and applications are now available.
The new Garry will be an independent, community-led, non-profit organization and it will show movies, host live performances, community events and more and be run by a volunteer board.
“This will be a governance board, and their purpose is to set the vision for the theatre’s,” says Kyla Ray, the city’s Manager of Cultural and Recreational Programs.
“We’re looking for people who have specific skills that will ensure The Garry Theatre will be successful, and that includes knowledge of what it takes to run a business.”
There has been overwhelming public support for reopening The Garry since the city purchased it in 2021, including mass participation in a survey on the theatre’s future – more than 1,100 people took the survey – and many of them said they were willing to volunteer and become board members.
“We gathered names of people who expressed interest so we could reach out when applications opened. Those who indicated interest will still need to submit an application in order to be considered,” Ray said.
“The board will have between seven and nine members, and eventually sub-committees will be formed as well.”
Seeking specific skillsets
The city is looking for board members with knowledge of operating a business, and knowledge and experience with financials, marketing and human resources. Previous board or volunteer experience is preferred as are strong community engagement skills.
The city has a comprehensive governance manual board members will follow, which includes bylaws, policies and templates for meeting agendas and minutes.
“They’re not starting from the ground up, the governance manual is a foundation that’s there for them,” Ray said.
“This will allow the board to hit the ground running without having to develop these documents from scratch. The city will also provide training and support to the board members.”
“Our recruitment effort is focused on building a board with the business and organisational development acumen needed to give the Garry the leadership it needs to be successful”Selkirk’s CAO Duane Nicol
Selkirk CAO Duane Nicol said the city’s goal is to create an independent and sustainable community theatre, one that can overcome the challenges that caused it to fail as a private, for-profit business.
“The city has been clear from the beginning that we are not in the business of running movie theatres. We had a comprehensive business plan created to guide the development of the new Garry. Fundamental to that plan, is to have the theatre run by a non-profit corporation with a skilled board of directors at the helm. One that is focused on running the theatre as a self-sustaining enterprise. Our recruitment effort is focused on building a board with the business and organisational development acumen needed to give the Garry the leadership it needs to be successful,” said Nicol.
The board will have one employee, a general manager who has yet to be hired.
“Just like with other cultural institutions, the General Manager will report to the board directly, and all other staff and volunteers will report to the General Manager. The board will set goals and objectives for the organisation and will guide its development through policy.”
Selkirk’s Strategic Plan calls for the city to continue to evolve into a vibrant, safe, and healthy community with a revitalized downtown. Renovating and reopening The Garry is the latest in the city’s revitalization of its downtown, which has included the redesign of both Manitoba Avenue East, seven blocks of Eveline Street and Main Street North from Taylor to Manitoba.
Be a part of the Garry’s future
Ray says there are many reasons why people may want to become a board member. In the case of The Garry Theatre, the primary reason might be the connection the community feels towards it.
“We’ve learned how important The Garry is to the people of Selkirk, and there is a real desire for people to be part of this new life the theatre has, and that’s really exciting,” Ray said.
“With the renovations in the final stretch, the city is anticipating that people will be eager to see the reimagined theatre and looking forward to be part of its future.”
Other reasons for joining could include a desire to gain new skills.
“Volunteers are community-minded people who are looking to give back and help, but they’re also people who have careers and volunteering can give you experience you won’t get at work,” Ray said.
“They may be looking for experiences beyond what they do professionally, and volunteering makes them more well-rounded and they might learn skills they can take back to their day job.”
For those who’ve raised their kids and now find themselves with free time on their hands, volunteering is often a great fit.
And you don’t have to have lived in the community your entire life, newcomers are welcome to apply as well.
“Volunteering provides a great chance to network, if you’re new to the community, or you’ve opened a business in the city, volunteering is a great way to branch out and meet people.”
Anyone interested in applying to join the board can go to garrytheatre.ca/board.
Applications are being accepted until 4pm on November 29th, 2025.
