Welland, ON – July 12, 2024 | After 14 years of dedication and innovation, Derek Ritschel is stepping down as Artistic Director of Lighthouse Festival, transitioning to Director in Residence on November 1, 2024.

Under his leadership, the theatre saw unprecedented growth, becoming a cornerstone of Southern Ontario’s artistic community. Highlights of his tenure include saving two theatres from closure, adding a new rehearsal hall, and producing 17 world premieres.

Jane Spence, the current Artistic Associate with nearly 30 years of experience, will succeed Ritschel as Artistic Director.

The Lighthouse Festival community thanks Ritschel and looks forward to Spence’s leadership.

Port Dover, ON – July 5, 2024 | Lighthouse Festival is pleased to announce that our company is now officially Rainbow Registered. This accreditation, administered by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), is a testament to our commitment to creating a safer, more welcoming, and inclusive space for the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity: By achieving the Rainbow Registered accreditation, we are recognized for our efforts in ensuring that our 2SLGBTQI+ customers and staff feel valued and respected. This aligns with our core values of diversity and inclusion, and we are proud to be a part of this important national initiative.

What This Means for You: You can trust that we adhere to the national standards of 2SLGBTQI+ inclusivity as a Rainbow Registered organization. Whether you are a customer or a partner, you can expect a welcoming environment that respects and celebrates all individuals.

Join Us in Celebrating Diversity: We invite you to visit us and experience firsthand our commitment to a diverse and inclusive community. Look out for our Rainbow Registered symbol, a mark of our dedication to the 2SLGBTQI+ friendly practices. Together, let’s celebrate diversity and create a more inclusive world.

Explore the Rainbow Registered Community: We are proud to be part of a growing network of businesses and organizations committed to 2SLGBTQI+ inclusivity. We encourage you to visit RainbowRegistered.ca to explore other accredited businesses across Canada and learn more about the program.

Media Contact
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410