Tag: lighthouse festival

News

Volunteer Sign Up Days are Coming Soon!

Posted on March 26, 2023

You’ll laugh… You’ll cry… You’ll show someone their seat!


Volunteers are vital to the Lighthouse experience, welcoming patrons at the doors, scanning tickets, handing out programs and ushering theatre goers to their seats. Volunteers are needed to support Lighthouse Festival in Port Dover and Port Colborne all year round.

If you’re been thinking of volunteering for Lighthouse, you’re in luck! We’re hosting a Volunteer Sign Up Day on Wednesday, April 5th from 10 AM to 1 PM in Port Colborne and April 12th from 10 AM to 1 PM in Port Dover. Spend your summer surrounded by laughter… in a good way!

If you are interested in volunteering at one of our locations, Port Dover – Lighthouse Theatre or Port Colborne – Roselawn Theatre, and you’re unable to make it to our Sign Up Days, please fill out the form linked below or contact our box offices.

News

Auditions Announced for Lighthouse Festival’s Young Company Production of Robin Hood

Posted on March 19, 2023
Audition Poster for 2023 Young Company show Peter Pan!

Hear ye, hear ye! Auditions for the Lighthouse Young Company’s production of Robin Hood are nigh! Convey thyselves to the theatre on the 24th of May but prithee contact the box office first to book thy time! May you find success in your thespian quest! Call 519-583-2221 or by electronic post at portdover@lighthousetheatre.com!

News

Art Open House – The Artwork of Cristina Zanella

Posted on February 28, 2023
Cristina Zanella Open House
Cristina Zanella Open House

Lighthouse Festival invites you to join us in celebrating
the work of Port Dover artist Cristina Zanella

Join us as we unveil Cristina’s new art pieces that will hang in the theatre’s long bar for the 2023 summer season at Lighthouse Festival. The Open House will take place on Sunday, March 1st, 2023 from 1 PM to 3 PM in the Long Bar on the 2nd floor of the theatre.

Cristina Zanella is a Port Dover-based artist who, for several years, was the art curator at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre. Her paintings have been exhibited in galleries in Toronto, Halifax, Brantford, Sarnia and various communities throughout Southern Ontario. 

She received her B.F.A from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Zanella has been the recipient of various awards including the Hazel Race Award for the Norfolk Visual Arts competition and the Peoples’ Choice Award at the Glenhyrst Gallery in Brantford.

Please note tickets are not required to attend this open house. This is a drop in event.

We hope you will join us, 

The Lighthouse Team

News

Important Update to Lighthouse Festival’s 2023 Playbill

Posted on February 14, 2023
2023 Lighthouse Festival Season

New Play to be Featured this Summer!

 February 14, 2023. Port Dover, ON: There is an old saying in the theatre world about how the show must go on despite any possible hindrances. If a cast member is ill, you call in the understudy. If a sound system malfunctions, the actors just talk louder. If the theatre catches fire, the production is moved to the front lawn and continues… You catch our drift. 

The same cannot be said for replacing irreplaceable actors in order to stay true to the very personal and local story of Port Dover resident Kobi Kobayashi for our 2023 season production of Sakura: The Last Cherry Blossom Festival. Despite valiant efforts, we could not acquire cast members of Japanese descent needed to authentically tell this tale because of the depth and breadth of roles available for these actors right now; it’s a great problem to have if you’re an actor! We are, however, pleased to announce that this production will move to our 2024 Main Season in order to ensure our casting, and the story we’re telling, receive the attention they deserve. 

At the same time, we’re very pleased to announce that Bed & Breakfast, a comedic play about two men whose failure to buy a house in Toronto leads them to inherit a bed and breakfast in a small town which, of course, results in all sorts of hilarity in a touching story about fitting in. Written by accomplished playwright and actor Mark Crawford, who wrote Stag and Doe and Birds and The Bees, which were both hits with Lighthouse audiences, and who currently appears in the Toronto production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Bed & Breakfast will run on the same dates and times that Sakura was schedule for. 

MORE ABOUT BED & BREAKFAST

Brett and Drew want to move out of their tiny downtown condo and into a house, but they just lost their seventh bidding war in Toronto. When Brett’s beloved Aunt Maggie dies, he unexpectedly inherits the historic family home in a quiet little tourist town. Unhappy with their careers and frustrated by life in the fast-paced city, the couple decides to make the move and start up a B&B. But when the guys face friction in their new community, they discover the simple life is more complicated than they thought… 

With more than a few unexpected and hilarious plot-twists, we follow Brett and Drew over the course of one year— through the real estate rat race, renovation hell, a farcical opening weekend at their B&B, and encounters with small-town prejudice—all the way to their big decision: do they stay here, or do they pack it all in? 

With dozens of characters—male and female, young and old—all portrayed by two men, Bed and Breakfast is a theatrical tour de force. As riotously funny as it is deeply moving, this is a heartfelt comedy about “being out” in small town Canada, skeletons in the closet, and finding a place to call home. 

DESTINATION FOR LAUGHTER

Lighthouse Festival regularly welcomes upwards of 60,000 people through our doors each summer season with 52% of our attendees travelling more than 40km to come to our theatre. As a charitable organization, we recognize the value of strong community partnerships and local support. We encourage anyone planning a visit to Port Dover to utilize the “visit” section on Lighthousetheatre.com and add some local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and more to your itinerary. 

ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL 

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Operating in two towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all. 

For more information or to arrange an interview with Artistic Director Derek Ristschel, please contact: Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Officer at 519-583-1031 x 225 | 289-541-7410 or don@lighthousetheatre.com. 

News

Lighthouse Festival’s March Break Shows Announced

Posted on January 28, 2023
Lighthouse Festival March Break Shows 2023
Lighthouse Festival March Break Shows 2023

Dufflebag Theatre to perform Peter Pan & Snow White

 January 28, 2023. Port Dover, ON: Lighthouse Festival is pleased to be offering two March Break shows from DuffleBag Theatre: Peter Pan & Snow White. These amazing shows for the whole family create theatrical magic by inviting up audience members as the stars of the show! The result is an exciting, interactive, and unique experience for all. Tickets are available at www.lighthousetheatre.com.

DESTINATION FOR LAUGHTER 

Lighthouse Festival regularly welcomes upwards of 60,000 people through our doors each summer season with 52% of our attendees travelling more than 40km to come to our theatre. As a charitable organization, we recognize the value of strong community partnerships and local support. We encourage anyone planning a visit to Port Dover to utilize the “visit” section on Lighthousetheatre.com and add some local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and more to your itinerary. 

ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL 

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Operating in two towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all. 

For more information or to arrange an interview with Artistic Director Derek Ristschel, please contact: Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Officer at 519-583-1031 x 225 | 289-541-7410 or don@thousetheatre.com.

News

 Tickets on sale for Lighthouse Festival’s Community Show

Posted on January 27, 2023
Clue The Musical Image
Clue The Musical

 March & April laughs are here! 

 January 27, 2023. Port Dover, ON: After an absence of numerous years due to a pandemic that prevented in-person laughs, our community show is back with a vengeance and ready to wow audiences in Port Dover. Based on the entertaining and addictive board game of the same name, Clue the Musical will rely heavily on audience participation and quick thinking from the talented cast. The play is directed by Lighthouse Festival’s Artistic Director Derek Ritschel. 

“Both the cast and crew are very excited to be back in rehearsals after a long time away from the stage,” said Ritschel. “The interactive element in this production mixed with the musical and comedic talents of our cast will add a new dimension to our community theatre that we haven’t done in past productions.” 

The massively popular board game comes to life as a hilarious & fun-filled musical that brings the world’s best-known suspects to the stage and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who did it, in what room and with what weapon. With 216 possible solutions, audience members must hone their sleuthing skills while enjoying a beguiling score, witty lyrics, and comedic antics. In the end, only one hard-nosed detective is qualified to unravel the mayhem and help solve whodunnit! On stage from April 6th to April 21st, 2023 with tickets on sale now at lighthousetheatre.com. 

DESTINATION FOR LAUGHTER 

Lighthouse Festival regularly welcomes upwards of 60,000 people through our doors each summer season with 52% of our attendees travelling more than 40km to come to our theatre. As a charitable organization, we recognize the value of strong community partnerships and local support. We encourage anyone planning a visit to Port Dover to utilize the “visit” section on Lighthousetheatre.com and add some local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and more to your itinerary. 

ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL 

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Operating in two towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all. 

For more information or to arrange an interview with Artistic Director Derek Ristschel, please contact: Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Officer  at 519-583-1031 x 225 | 289-541-7410 or don@lighthousetheatre.com.

News

Meet Jane Spence, Lighthouse Festival’s new Artistic Associate

Posted on December 8, 2022

Lighthouse Festival has announced it will be taking a giant stride forward in its artistic leadership. Celebrated and veteran actor/director Jane Spence has been appointed as Lighthouse Festival’s first Artistic Associate.

With guidance from Artistic Director Derek Ritschel, Spence joins the theatre as no stranger to the Lighthouse Festival community. Patrons will remember her from many past productions, including acting in 2010’s When the Reaper Calls and Norm Foster’s The Melville Boys. She was the Assistant Director for 2017’s First Name Basis, workshopped Hurry Hard with Kristen Da Silva in 2018, performed in Beyond the Sea through 2021 and most recently directed 2022’s fan-favourite production of Norm Foster’s Halfway There. 

“In many ways, Jane has always been with Lighthouse,” shares Ritschel. “I have brought her to our theatres as an actor, director, and dramaturge without hesitation. Bringing her in to help Lighthouse with our artistic future is one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made as Artistic Director.”

Spence will work closely with Ritschel to propel Lighthouse Festival forward and enhance its product for patrons while fostering and promoting the Canadian theatre industry. On top of the day-to-day contributions and focus on play development, she’ll also be directing two productions for the 2023 summer season: the world premiere of On the Air by Ephraim Ellis and Where You Are by Kristen Da Silva. 

We sent Jane over five questions to help introduce her to patrons:

Where might Lighthouse Festival patrons remember you from?

“I first performed at Lighthouse in 2010 in two shows that season: When the Reaper Calls, and The Melville Boys by Norm Foster. I was the Assistant Director on First Name Basis by John Spurway in 2017 and I workshopped Hurry Hard by Kristen Da Silva in 2018. A few years later I performed in Beyond the Sea by Kristen Da Silva and most recently I was the director of Norm Foster’s Halfway There this past summer.”

What will be your role as the Artistic Associate?

“For the summer of 2023 I will be directing two productions: the world premiere of On The Air by Ephraim Ellis and Where You Are By Kristen Da Silva. I will also be focusing on new play development, generally contributing where I can and learning about all aspects of running a theatre.”

What was your initial reaction when Derek Ritschel approached you about this position?

“I was elated that he invited me to join this amazing team! It is a dream come true for me. As Theatre Artists we spend most of our careers working in many different places for short periods of time, Lighthouse is giving me a theatre to call home.”

As a theatre artist, what draws you to Lighthouse Festival?

“I have always admired the vision, passion and dedication with which Derek and the rest of the Lighthouse family run their theatres and I have witnessed Lighthouse grow enormously since 2010. A rehearsal hall has been built, many renovations to the theatres have been made, and Lighthouse has acquired 2 more venues. These are massive accomplishments that wouldn’t be possible with out the hard work of that incredible team and the support of the audience and funders who recognize value of the entertainment Lighthouse provides, and of course the community that it brings together.”

What do you see for the future of Lighthouse Festival?

“I see Lighthouse continuing in the direction Derek has been guiding it. The home of comedies with heart. A place where new Canadian works are created and premiered. A place where you are guaranteed to laugh and be moved. A place where great memories are made.”

Learn more about the plays Jane Spece is directing next summer by clicking the buttons below:

News

What exactly does a donation to Lighthouse Festival do?

Posted on November 28, 2022

On this Giving Tuesday, we want to shine a spotlight on our donors and the remarkable impact they have on our live theatre community of actors, artists and audiences.  

Our incredible donors were responsible for making over 40,000 patrons laugh at a season of silly but heartfelt performances. Enabling actors who had been away from the stage for too long to return to thunderous applause.  

Our donors supported the creation of ten new plays from playwrights of all levels; providing mentorship and collaboration with their contemporaries, weaving together the delicate balance of comedy and friction, the very essence of humanity to premiere for audiences around Ontario.  

Our donors helped thirteen youths stand centre stage receiving ovations from the over 1,600 patrons who attended their Young Company performances. Working through a three-week professional workshop and an eight-run performance schedule, these young people emerged with confidence and lasting friendships.  

Our donors are the reason Lighthouse endured and is now in a position to flourish. They are the reason the Community Show will return in the spring starring local amateur actors, the reason relaxed performances will be introduced making theatre more accessible to all, and the reason our 2023 main season will premiere two plays that were developed under Artistic Director Derek Ritschel’s guidance 

To our donors, we express our deepest gratitude for your generosity. Your dedication to enriching lives and celebrating theatre is the ultimate expression of caring. Live theatre is a crucial way to tell our stories, allowing others to discover and appreciate our heritage, struggles and successes. Your contribution will have a lasting impact on generations of theatre lovers.  

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you.  

News

Lighthouse Festival set to Welcome Patrons Back Next Summer with Seminal 2023 Playbill 

Posted on November 24, 2022
2023 Season Poster
The 2023 Season Poster

Tickets are on sale now for the new season of summer comedies.  Written by Canadians, about Canadians, and for Canadians. 

PORT DOVER & PORT COLBORNE, ON (Nov24,2022) – During a visit to Lighthouse Festival in the summer of 2022, veteran theatre critic Gary Smith described Lighthouse as, “the home of Canadian theatre comedies.” A badge the Festival wears proudly.

“To all comedy and theatre lovers across Ontario and beyond, we can’t wait to welcome you back home,” shares Lighthouse Festival Artistic Director Derek Ritschel. “Lighthouse Festival has put together an exhilarating and diverse lineup of comedies for the summer of 2023. Written by Canadians, about Canadians, and for Canadians.”

Tickets are now on sale for a new season of laughter that truly sets itself apart from other summer theatre festivals for one simple fact: most of the shows, you can’t see anywhere else. As part of their Play Development Program, Lighthouse Festival has commissioned and developed three world premieres for this season that Lighthouse patrons will be able to see before other theatres even have an opportunity to stage them. The opportunity to bring new works to the stage is a point of pride for Ritschel, who shares, “part of our commitment to supporting Canadian theatre is to give Canadians a chance to share their stories and ideas. A lot of work goes into writing a good comedy with heart. It doesn’t matter if it’s a seasoned writer or an aspiring playwright with an interesting idea; we’re here to use our resources and virtuosity in theatre to take their creativity from the page to stage.”

The Season:

Come Down From Up River by Norm Foster (May 17 – June 18)

Norm Foster’s signature writing brings us a hilarious yet poignant tale of a woodsman from Northern New Brunswick trying to reconnect with his estranged niece and her wife in the big city.

On The Air by Ephraim Ellis (June 7 – June 28):

World Premiere – Lighthouse favourite Jane Spence directs this world premiere that sees a rag- tag group of amateur radio broadcasters use diversity to their strength and embrace chaos to save their small-town radio station on Lake Kashagakaganee.

Sakura: The Last Cherry Blossom Festival by Terry Watada (June 28th – July 30th)

World Premiere – A charming and humorous true story of Japanese Immigrant Kobi Kobayashi, who settles in Port Dover in the 1930s and inspires us all to be good members of our community. This uplifting story is not one to be missed.

For Immediate Release

Where YouAre by Kristen Da Silva (July 19 – August 20)

Lighthouse staple Kristen Da Silva brings us a story of quiet retirement turned hectic family reunion in this story filled with family, humour, and heart.

A Pack Of Thieves by Norm Foster (August 16th – September 17th)

World Premiere –This is an unrelenting comedy, get ready for some big laughs. Don’t miss out on being the first to see a new Norm Foster production.

The season wraps up in September with a concert in the form of Opry Gold with The Wayward Wind Band. This musical blockbuster, created by Leisa Way, showcases former and current kings and queens of country music while celebrating the history of Nashville’s iconic Grand Ol’ Opry.

Tickets for performances start at $42 with savings available in the form of a Lighthouse Festival subscription, allowing patrons to see each production this season with up to 15% in discounts. Full ticket information can be found at lighthousetheatre.com.

Destination For Laughter:

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization that has been a top tourist destination in Norfolk County for almost half a century, regularly welcoming over 60,000 patrons from all over Ontario through their doors each summer. Now, with a location in Port Colborne at the Roselawn Theatre, Lighthouse laughter spreads along the shores of Lake Erie boosting local tourism, community spirit, and Canadian arts in two beautiful lakeside towns. Our theatres operate on a central hospitality, accessibility, and affordability policy for all. With over 50% of patrons travelling 40km or more to get to their theatres, theatregoers are encouraged to utilize the “Visit” section at Lighthousetheatre.com to explore the amazing restaurants, shops and more in our wonderful communities.

To arrange an interview with Artistic Director Derek Ritschel, or for more information please contact: Ryan Daly, Marketing & Communications Officer. ryan@lighthousetheatre.com | 226-922-7905

News

Lighthouse Festival receives generous donation from Reise Family Foundation

Posted on October 28, 2022

PORT DOVER , ON- The Reise Family Foundation has stepped forward with a gift of $5,000 in support of the Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover. Lighthouse’s mission to commission, develop, produce, and present high-calibre professional theatre with a focus on Canadian comedies, stories and artists resonates with the Reise Family Foundation which values fostering the growth of individuals and supporting organizations that spread care and compassion in their communities.

Established by the late Leo and Geraldine Reise as well as their three sons, Leo G, Charles and Norman, the foundation funds individuals and projects in sports, education, health, and the arts. Leo and Geraldine knew the value of education was paramount, health research studies need to be championed, and sports and the arts are integral to fostering personal growth. The Foundation is now managed by the three sons and their grandchildren who are proud to continue the legacy of giving, each bringing causes close to their hearts to the table for consideration.

The Reise family are long-time summer residents in Port Dover’s Buck’s Park and have been supporting Lighthouse Festival from its start in 1980 through donations and season subscriptions. The foundation is proud to make this gift in memory of Leo and Geraldine and recognize the important contribution to the arts, culture and growth opportunities that Lighthouse Festival brings to Port Dover, especially the youth programming offered through the Young Company.

As Lighthouse plans for its 43rd season, they are thrilled and grateful to receive this support from the Reise Family Foundation. As an arts leader in the community, Lighthouse strives to provide an inclusive space for everyone who is interested in being a part of live theatre. The Young Company program offers youth aged 11-17 a three-week camp experience working with professional theatre staff and crew culminating in an eight-performance run on the stage in Port Dover.

About:

The Reise Family Foundation is a private charitable foundation established in 2017 to formalize their families’ philanthropic efforts and continue the Reise legacy of living and caring for perpetuity. More information can be found on the foundation website at www.reisefamilyfoundation.com

News

Lighthouse Festival celebrates our Port Dover volunteers

Posted on October 19, 2022

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization supported by the most passionate, dependable, and all-around fantastic volunteer base. Volunteers are vital to the Lighthouse experience; they welcome patrons at the doors, scan tickets, hand out programs, usher patrons to their seats and handle many other behind the scenes activities.

On October 18th, 2022, Lighthouse hosted the “Volunteer Appreciation Night” for our Port Dover volunteers. Complete with a delicious spread from Schofields Bistro and the sweet sounds of Amber Banks and Nolan Gibson on guitar. Here we celebrated those so crucial to the Lighthouse Festival experience and handed out commemorative pins for select volunteers that celebrated milestone years of volunteering. Some have volunteered to be an essential part of your Lighthouse Festival experience for over 25 years!

Thank you to all our volunteers!

News

Lighthouse Festival 2022 season success due in part to funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation

Posted on October 18, 2022

This press release was sent out on October 18th, 2022.

Grand River, ON – Lighthouse Festival returned this summer, following two years of pandemic closures, to a keen audience of theatre lovers who sold out performances and saw an overall attendance of 40,000 take in the season. The season’s success is partly due to the $250,000 Community Building Fund – Operating Stream grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that Lighthouse received in September 2021. This grant allowed Lighthouse to rebuild its administrative team over the winter in preparation to launch the season this past February. 

“This grant, given in 2021, was vital to assisting the Lighthouse Festival Theatre’s ability to survive through shutdowns,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady. “Theatre goers near and far will be thankful for the continued success of this lynchpin in the Port Dover tourism economy.”

“As with many arts organizations during the pandemic, Lighthouse was closed for an extended period and had to make the difficult decision to reduce the team,” said Executive Director Nicole Campbell. When the world started to re-open and it looked like Lighthouse would be able to have a full season, Campbell knew she needed to fill those positions again. 

“Receiving the operational grant was vital to re-establishing our team so we could launch the season and start selling subscriptions and tickets at the start of this year,” said Campbell. “Operational grants are not very common but following two years of ever-changing restrictions and closures, the number one priority had to be building our administrative foundation back up and Ontario Trillium Foundation recognized that need.” 

The funding meant that Lighthouse was able to fill most positions that had been in place for the 2021 season, but also realize an opportunity they had been working on over the pandemic- building the sets for the plays in-house. The OTF funding created the opportunity to hire a carpenter in the winter to start working on sets instead of having them built by an outside company and then shipped down to the theatre. 

The Community Building Fund’s operational stream also helped supplement building maintenance, which was a huge help for the Port Dover location as the theatre’s home is the historic town hall originally built in 1904. Managing a heritage building requires extra attention and though the theatre was closed for over 18 months straight, the building needed just as much attention as when the theatre is running at full capacity. 

“Caring for a heritage building and recognizing the history that has taken place under this roof, is a great privilege,” said Campbell. “It is also a great responsibility to keep on top of repairs and find creative ways to include modern necessities while respecting the original building. The OTF funding helped cover those expenses in a time when our main source of revenue – ticket sales – was reduced significantly.”

With a successful 2022 season under its belt, Lighthouse has already announced the playbill for the 2023 season with tickets going on sale to the public on November 14th. It promises to be another laugh-filled summer with three world premieres and two productions from iconic Canadian playwright Norm Foster. To see all the events taking place at Lighthouse visit their website at www.lighthousetheatre.com.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships last year, including funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Since 2020, OTF has supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.