Yellowknife (Feb 27/06) - The infamous and annoying "NACC buzz" will be a piece of theatrical history at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre, thanks to more than $300,000 in grant funding from three levels of government.

NACC technical director Martin Emslander works with the lighting console in the control booth at the back of the theatre. He will have a new digital system to work with by the spring when the technical renovations are completed. When everything's in place, say goodbye to that annoying background hummmmmmmm... - Daron Letts/NNSL photo Funding breakdown: Government of Canada Department of Canadian Heritage: $235,000 GNWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment: $50,000 City of Yellowknife: $20,000 NACC: $3,000 Total: $308,000

The static hum of the theatre's 20-year-old sound system will be entirely erased by the spring, as technicians finish installing a new sound system with the money. The ongoing technical retrofit also includes a modernized lighting system and new line sets, scrims, cycloramas and fresh red curtains.

Executive director Ben Nind applied to the Department of Canadian Heritage for a grant to cover 75 per cent of the cost in September. The federal government approved the application last fall.

The City of Yellowknife and the GNWT covered the rest, along with a $3,000 investment from NACC itself.

"We're now operating with world class standard technical equipment," Nind said. "For the audience, the technical quality of the shows will be enhanced."

The new sound system components will arrive within the month, along with the new red curtains, scrims and cycloramas.

The lighting system will be completed by the end of March.

Technical director Martin Emslander, Brian Wainwright and Andreas Tesfaye installed the 23 new line sets over four weeks in December and January, which weigh in at a total of 16 tonnes of steel.

Six volunteers helped and numerous local contractors supplied freight, electrical installation and specialized equipment.

"(The new technology) largely boils down to choices - we've got more of them now," Emslander said. "It's something we've needed for a long time."

Community volunteers and students who work behind the scenes will now have the opportunity to train and learn on the newest generation of sound and lighting equipment.

The creative sound, lighting and set options for small and large productions have largely increased. The new technical equipment will also free up old, useable lighting gear that can be used to enhance shows outside of NACC in Yellowknife and around the territory, said Emslander.

Funding from the GNWT and the City of Yellowknife reflects a recognition of NACC's expanding role in the capital and across the region.

"We've certainly be encouraged by the work NACC is doing over the past few years to broaden their support base, and that includes a broadened understanding of the program and facility outside of Yellowknife," said Mark Cleveland, deputy minister of Education, Culture and Employment for the GNWT.

An initial $20,000 grant from the City of Yellowknife made the project possible.

"NACC had the opportunity to get federal and territorial money if they had a contribution from the city, so a proposal went forward to partner with NACC to allow them to lever more money, so that in their 20th year of operation they can do some much required upgrades," explained Mayor Gord Van Tighem.

"Territorially, NACC provides workshop opportunities for people to access performing arts and (offers) arts that people wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to see."

The GNWT provides NACC with operational funding of about $60,000 a year and the City of Yellowknife provides $75,000 annually.

Nind consulted with technical experts and theatre designers from across the country to ensure the best possible allocation of the funds.

At this point in the project, Nind estimates that about 15 per cent of the budget stayed in the community.

Nind will apply for funding for phase two of the upgrade next year. The next phase will improve seating and other services for NACC audiences.

"This project is part and parcel of the new energy that we're developing at NACC to reach into the wider community and give them the best services we can," Nind said.