The co-founder of Terra Bruce Productions says government’s plan for a new mid-size theatre in the capital city came as a complete surprise.

Bob Hallett, whose company is restoring the Majestic Theatre in downtown St. John’s, says his first reaction to Wednesday night’s announcement at The Rooms was that their invitation must have been lost in the mail.

“We didn’t know anything about it,” says Hallett, who is also the co-vice-chair of Arts NL.

“At the risk of being petulant, we were a little bit hurt.”

Hallett says a phone call would have been nice, given that any new theatre might reduce opportunities for The Majestic, which he predicts will be “the best small theatre east of Montreal.”

A new venue would not be “an attractive proposition” for Terra Bruce, says Hallett, adding he can see the advantage from the arts community’s perspective.

Tourism and Culture Minister Steve Crocker, meanwhile, says planning for the new arts centre is in the very early stages, noting government had to announce the initiative before the formal process began.

The announcement was part of the larger designation of next year, 2024, as Year of the Arts in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Crocker, who is in Halifax for the ECMAs, says the process now begins of consulting with the arts community on what kind of facility would meet existing needs.

He says a public, mid-size theatre is something that’s been discussed in the local arts community for some time, but whether it will be a new build or renovation remains to be seen.

“This is about collaboration, not competition,” he said.