Biography
Corinne Lea is the Founder, CEO of The Rio Theatre, Vancouver's Premiere Independent Theatre, voted Reader’s Choice Award Winner (Best Independent Theatre) in the West Ender and Georgia Straight. Ms. Lea is both an entrepreneur and producer who has founded several successful local, businesses in Vancouver such as: Flux Studios, Havana Restaurant Gallery & Theatre, and Scout Boutique & Gallery. Since 2008 she has owned and operated The Rio Theatre and Shameless Lee Productions, adding Xcalibur Productions in 2014.
In January 2012 Corinne Lea became well known for her very public battle, waged against The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch, in an effort to change the BC liquor laws that prevented movie theatres from obtaining a liquor license. In April 2012 the “Battle to Save the Rio Theatre” was successful and Ms. Lea managed to get the BC Government Liquor laws changed for the entire Province which enabled movie theatres to serve alcohol. This was a major win for Independent theatres throughout B.C.
In January 2013 Corinne Lea received the Diamond Jubilee Governor Generals Award from the Queen. Essentially, she was awarded a medal from the government for fighting the government!