FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lighthouse Festival Brings Heart, Humour, and Sunshine to the Stage with Crees in the Caribbean
Posted on May 13, 2026
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May 12, 2026 | Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival continues its 2026 Summer Season with Crees in the Caribbean by acclaimed Canadian playwright Drew Hayden Taylor, a heartfelt comedy about love, culture, and stepping far outside your comfort zone.
The production will be on stage at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover from June 17 to July 4, followed by performances at Roselawn Theatre in Port Colborne from July 8 to July 19.
In Crees in the Caribbean, a long-married Cree couple, Evie (played by Krystle Pederson) and Cecil (played by Lawrence Bayne) Poundmaker, leave their familiar northern life behind to celebrate their anniversary at a tropical Mexican resort. But sun, sand, and relaxation quickly give way to unexpected friendships (including Manuela, played by Andrea Cabeza), cultural misunderstandings, and discoveries about themselves and each other. Funny, touching, and deeply human, the play offers audiences a joyful look at relationships, identity, and the adventure of trying something new at any age.
“I wanted to do an Elder’s love story & comedy,” said playwright Drew Hayden Taylor. “I know plenty of older people who have never been out of the country and thought this might be an interesting way to approach telling an old-fashioned love story. I’ve been to Mexico many times, and I frequently wonder how my grandparents would react. To the best of my knowledge, they never left the county. That was the genesis.”
Taylor, one of Canada’s most celebrated Indigenous playwrights and storytellers, says the play was also an opportunity to share a lighter perspective on Indigenous life and culture.
“I told this story quite a few years ago,” said Taylor. “Personally, as a writer, I like going back and forth between comedies and dramas. I’ve seen so many dark and bleak stories of Indigenous people, and I frequently like to present a more positive and enjoyable peek at our lives. Fish-out-of-water stories are always fun. Also, providing a window for other cultures to see how we live, and vice versa- creating a play to show unusual aspects of the dominant culture. I am a storyteller. I realize the world is the audience. I write stories that tell a truthful perspective. I can’t do anything else.”
Interim Artistic Producer David Leyshon says the production perfectly balances comedy with emotional depth.
“Drew Hayden Taylor has an extraordinary ability to make audiences laugh while also opening the door to meaningful conversations,” said Leyshon. “Crees in the Caribbean is warm, funny, and full of heart, but beneath the comedy is a beautiful exploration of relationships and human connection.”
Leyshon also noted that the play continues Lighthouse Festival’s commitment to bringing distinctly Canadian stories to audiences across Ontario.
“One of the things that makes this play so special is how relatable it feels,” he said. “Whether you’ve travelled the world or never left your hometown, audiences will recognize themselves in these characters. Funny, honest, and incredibly uplifting, it’s a play that will resonate with everyone. We’re proud to bring this Canadian story to both Port Dover and Port Colborne this summer.”
Single tickets and subscriptions for the 2026 season are available now at lighthousetheatre.com or by calling the box office at 1-888-779-7703.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. The organization 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. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or 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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lighthouse Festival Kicks Off 2026 Season with The Beaver Club
Posted on April 8, 2026
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April 8, 2026 | Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival launches its highly anticipated 2026 summer season with The Beaver Club by Canadian playwright Barb Scheffler, a hilarious and heartfelt comedy about friendship, freedom, and one unforgettable road trip.
The Beaver Club runs May 27 – June 13 at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover, before travelling to Roselawn Theatre in Port Colborne from June 17 – June 28.
This laugh-out-loud comedy follows four women who set out on a cross-country adventure from Toronto to Dildo, Newfoundland. What begins as a spirited getaway quickly turns into a journey filled with detours, disagreements, and deeply honest moments. Along the way, audiences are treated to the kind of humour that comes from long-standing friendships; sharp, unfiltered, and unmistakably real.
From questionable roadside food and stops to unexpected confessions, The Beaver Club captures the chaos and comedy of life on the road. It’s a celebration of friendship in all its forms – the kind that can be both incredibly supportive and wonderfully exasperating.
“The Beaver Club is the perfect way to kick off our season,” says Marketing & Communications Manager Don Kearney-Bourque. “It’s bold, funny, and incredibly relatable. Anyone who has ever taken a road trip or navigated a long-term friendship will see themselves somewhere in this story.”
Kearney-Bourque adds, “There’s a warmth underneath all the laughter that really resonates. It reminds us that even when friendships are messy or complicated, they’re often the relationships that carry us through life’s biggest moments.”
Behind the scenes, the production team is bringing this cross-country journey to life with creativity and unique flare, capturing both the humour and the depth of the story.
“Road trips can be unpredictable, and that’s exactly what makes this play so engaging,” says Production Manager Alice Barnett. “We’re creating a world on stage that feels constantly in motion, full of energy, surprises, and those little moments that audiences will instantly recognize.”
Barnett continues, “At its heart, this story is about connection. The laughs come quickly, but so do the moments of honesty. It’s a beautiful balance, and it’s exciting to watch it take shape.”
As the first production of Lighthouse Festival’s 2026 season, The Beaver Club sets the tone for a summer filled with laughter, connection, and outstanding Canadian comedy.
Tickets are now on sale. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lighthousetheatre.com or contact the box office at 888-779-7703.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. The organization 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. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or 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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Announcing the 2026 Lighthouse Festival Season Cast & Creative Teams
Posted on April 2, 2026
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April 2, 2026 | Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival is proud to announce the cast and creative teams for its highly anticipated 2026 summer season. Featuring a dynamic company of artists from across Canada, this year’s lineup brings together a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion to deliver a season filled with energy, heart, and unforgettable laughter.
From seasoned performers to emerging voices, the depth of talent assembled reflects Lighthouse’s ongoing commitment to showcasing exceptional Canadian artists. Audiences can look forward to vibrant, engaging productions brought to life on stages in both Port Dover and Port Colborne.
Behind the scenes, an accomplished team of directors, designers, and production professionals are collaborating to shape each production with care and creativity. Their work supports Lighthouse’s signature blend of high-quality theatre and distinctly Canadian comedy.
“We’re thrilled to welcome such an incredible group of artists to Lighthouse this season,” says Marketing and Communications Manager Don Kearney-Bourque. “There’s a real excitement among the company, and audiences will feel that the moment the lights come up. It’s a season built on connection, laughter, and truly outstanding performances.”
Production Manager Alice Barnett echoes that enthusiasm: “It’s inspiring to see so many talented individuals come together with a shared goal of creating something special. There’s a strong sense of collaboration and pride in the work, and we can’t wait to share it with our patrons.”
With rehearsals beginning in early May, anticipation continues to build as Lighthouse Festival prepares to welcome audiences for another summer of laughter, creativity, and memorable moments by the lake.
For ticketing information, please visit lighthousetheatre.com or call the box office at 888-779-7703.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. The organization 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. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or 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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lighthouse Festival Announces March Break Fun for the Whole Family
Posted on February 12, 2026
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February 11, 2026 | Port Dover, ON — Families looking for laughter, imagination, and affordable live entertainment this March Break need look no further than Lighthouse. With two beloved family productions on stage in Port Dover and Port Colborne, Lighthouse Festival is inviting audiences of all ages to experience the joy of live theatre at a price that makes family outings easy.
The March Break lineup begins with Fireside Munsch Classics on Tuesday, March 17 in Port Dover, with performances at 11 AM and 2 PM. Packed with humour, heart, and the wildly imaginative storytelling of Robert Munsch, this high-energy show brings some of Canada’s most treasured children’s stories to life in a way that delights both kids and grown-ups.
The fun continues with Cinderella, presented by DuffleBag Theatre, on Wednesday, March 18, in Port Dover at 11 AM and 2 PM, and Thursday, March 19, in Port Colborne at 11 AM and 2 PM. This playful, fast-paced retelling of the classic fairy tale features audience participation, spontaneous comedy, and plenty of magical surprises.
Tickets are $17 each or four for $60, making Lighthouse Festival one of the most affordable ways for families to create lasting March Break memories. Tickets are available now at lighthousetheatre.com.
“This programming is such a wonderful opportunity for families to experience live theatre together,” says Executive Director Nicole Campbell. “We’re proud to offer shows that are joyful, welcoming, and, especially important for families, truly affordable.”
Interim Artistic Producer David Leyshon highlights the timeless appeal of this year’s stories. “Robert Munsch’s tales are beloved by generations of Canadians, and seeing them brought to life on stage is always magical. Pairing that with the classic charm and humour of Cinderella makes this March Break lineup something special.”
For DuffleBag Theatre’sMarcus Lundgren, the excitement is all about the shared experience. “March Break at Lighthouse is always such a joy, and Cinderella is designed for the whole family to jump right into the fun. With audience participation and lots of laughs, every performance feels completely unique.”
With engaging storytelling, interactive comedy, and family-friendly pricing, Lighthouse Festival’s March Break programming promises unforgettable moments for audiences, young and old.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. The organization 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. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or 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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lighthouse Festival Appoints David Leyshon as Interim Artistic Producer for the 2026 Season
Posted on January 12, 2026
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January 12, 2026 | Port Dover, ON — Lighthouse Festival is pleased to announce the appointment of David Leyshon as Interim Artistic Producer for the 2026 season.
A respected theatre artist, educator, and director, Leyshon brings decades of experience in live performance and storytelling, making him a natural fit for Lighthouse Festival’s mission to deliver outstanding, laughter-filled Canadian theatre.
David joins Lighthouse Festival at an exciting time, as the theatre prepares for a season focused on joy, connection, and the uniquely Canadian sense of humour audiences have come to know and love. His role as Interim Artistic Producer will see him working closely with the Lighthouse artistic team to support artistic planning, creative leadership, and the continued excellence of productions on stage in both Port Dover and Port Colborne. Leyshon has also been announced as the director of Lighthouse Festival’s 2026 community production, deepening his connection to the Festival and its community.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Lighthouse Festival,” says Leyshon. “Lighthouse has built an incredible reputation for making excellent, entertaining theatre and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences over several decades. To be a part of that legacy, shaping a season that is warm, funny, and deeply engaging, is something I’m truly excited about.”
Leyshon emphasizes the importance of comedy and shared experiences during challenging times. “Laughter matters,” he adds. “Now more than ever, people need opportunities to come together, escape for a couple of hours, and laugh. The 2026 season is going to be an amazing and entertaining one for each patron that walks through our doors, and I can’t wait to help bring those stories to life on stage.”
“David brings a depth of experience in live theatre that is both practical and inspiring,” says Lighthouse Executive Director Nicole Campbell. “He has worked extensively as a director and actor, and his background as a theatre educator brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to both artists and process. His skill set and passion for storytelling align closely with Lighthouse Festival’s commitment to accessible, audience-first Canadian theatre.”
Campbell continues, “We are pleased to welcome David to Lighthouse Festival during this important season. His insight, and love of comedic theatre will be an important asset as we plan and deliver the 2026 season for our audiences and artists.”
Lighthouse Festival looks forward to an inspiring and laughter-filled 2026 season under Leyshon’s artistic guidance, continuing its tradition of bringing exceptional Canadian theatre to our lakeside communities.
During this interim period, the Board of Directors will be overseeing a full search for a permanent Artistic Director soon, ensuring continuity and long-term artistic leadership for the Festival.
For more information about Lighthouse Festival Theatre and the upcoming 2026 season, visit lighthousetheatre.com.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. The organization 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. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or 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
For Immediate Release – New Interim Executive Director Appointment at Lighthouse Festival
Posted on April 2, 2024
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April 2, 2024 – PORT DOVER, ON
We are pleased to announce that the Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation’s Board of Directors has appointed Caitlin O’Neill, our current Operations Coordinator, as Interim Executive Director, effective Monday, April 8th, 2024. This appointment comes as our current Executive Director, Nicole Campbell, embarks on her maternity leave beginning Friday, April 5th, 2024. The Board, alongside the entire staff of Lighthouse Festival, is thrilled to welcome Caitlin into her new role. Caitlin brings a wealth of experience and passion for the arts that is sure to lead our organization through this transitional period with grace and innovation.
Nicole Campbell (Left) & Caitlin O’Neill
We also extend our warmest wishes to Nicole during her maternity leave. We celebrate this joyous occasion with her and look forward to the new addition to her family. Nicole’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in the growth and success of Lighthouse Festival in Port Dover and Port Colborne.
Please join us in congratulating Caitlin on her new role and in wishing Nicole Campbell a safe and happy maternity leave. We are confident that the Lighthouse Festival Theatre will continue to thrive under Caitlin’s interim directorship and look forward to an exciting future ahead.
For all enquiries regarding this transition, please contact Caitlin O’Neill, Interim Executive Director, at caitlin@lighthousetheatre.com or call 226-290-0068.
Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, arts leaders across Toronto and southern Ontario knew they were staring down a tough road ahead. Their industry’s recovery wasn’t going to come overnight, nor in the mere weeks and months ahead.
But more than two years after theatres reopened, the sector is still teetering on the brink of a crisis, and could be facing its most challenging year yet amid audience attrition, declining private support and insufficient public funding. Companies are mounting productions with smaller budgets; some are cutting programming; others that halted operations in March 2020 never returned.
Unless there’s a turnaround in the sector, arts leaders who spoke with the Star say the once-thriving sector in Toronto — one of the largest theatre centres in the world — could become a shell of its former self.
Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, arts leaders across Toronto and southern Ontario knew they were staring down a tough road ahead. Their industry’s recovery wasn’t going to come overnight, nor in the mere weeks and months ahead.
But more than two years after theatres reopened, the sector is still teetering on the brink of a crisis, and could be facing its most challenging year yet amid audience attrition, declining private support and insufficient public funding. Companies are mounting productions with smaller budgets; some are cutting programming; others that halted operations in March 2020 never returned.
Unless there’s a turnaround in the sector, arts leaders who spoke with the Star say the once-thriving sector in Toronto — one of the largest theatre centres in the world — could become a shell of its former self.
“There’s just no question that our sector is facing a tough time right now,” said Jacoba Knaapen, executive director of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), which advocates on behalf of more than 100 theatre, dance and opera companies in the city. “Everybody is seeing increased costs along with reduced or frozen revenue.”
Gideon Arthurs, executive director of the Soulpepper Theatre Company. (Photo credit: Alex Lupul)
Soulpepper, one of Toronto’s largest not-for-profit theatre companies, quietly removed two shows from its winter and spring lineup late last year.
The first, “Ladies of the Canyon,” was to be a concert production following Canadian singer Joni Mitchell and her life in Laurel Canyon, the neighbourhood in Los Angeles that was the epicentre of Hollywood’s counterculture movement. The second production was a reimagined adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play “A Doll’s House,” transporting the action to India under British rule.
Both productions were removed in part due to financial “risk management,” said Gideon Arthurs, Soulpepper’s executive director. He noted the shows are simply postponed and Soulpepper hopes to mount them “within the next 12 months,” though exact dates have yet to be announced.
Arthurs described the company’s past two years as “enormously challenging,” with rising production costs continuing to strain the company. He pointed to the price of softwood lumber, a staple in the theatre often used for sets. For much of 2021, lumber prices soared by more than 100 per cent year-over-year due to supply challenges caused by mill closures and wildfires.
The venerable Factory Theatre, meanwhile, also announced the indefinite postponement of “In the Kitchen” due to “financial pressures,” according to an email sent to donors earlier this month and obtained by the Star. The play, originally slated to run for three weeks in March, was to be a world premiere production featuring four playwrights “who join forces to tackle the classic ‘kitchen sink drama’ trope.”
The company said the decision “ensures financial and organizational stability,” and that “the current financial pressures will not impact the many other activities planned for our 2023-24 season.” With the removal of “In the Kitchen” from its lineup, Factory Theatre does not have another mainstage production scheduled for the rest of its 2023-24 season.
A spokesperson for Factory Theatre said the company could not comment on the programming change.
In its latest publicly available financial statement filed with the Canada Revenue Agency, Factory Theatre reported a deficit greater than $70,000 in 2022. The same year, Soulpepper was nearly $1 million in the red.
Those financial challenges are also being felt by other companies in the sector. Last fall, TAPA reported that between 2022 and 2023, 44 per cent of city-funded arts and culture organizations in Toronto — including nontheatre arts companies — posted a deficit. In total, the losses amounted to roughly $13.6 million.
But these impacts haven’t been felt equally. While some companies struggle to bring audiences back into the theatre, others have seen sellout crowds and steady growth since the pandemic reopening.
Crow’s Theatre in Toronto’s east end has mounted a string of hits, including “The Master Plan” in the fall and, most recently, “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812,” a musical adaptation of a section of Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” that is now in its eighth week of an 11-week run after multiple extensions.
Canada’s largest repertory theatre company, the Stratford Festival, said that 2023 was a “very successful” season, though it’s not yet back to pre-pandemic levels. “We are heading into 2024 with optimism,” said executive director Anita Gaffney. The festival did not provide exact attendance figures, but said they will be available later in the spring.
Meanwhile, Canada’s largest theatre producer, Mirvish, said its sales patterns are on par with pre-pandemic levels, noting audiences had fully returned by fall of 2022. John Karastamatis, a spokesperson for the company, described 2023 as an “excellent year” for the company, which he says boasted 45,000 subscribers to packages of shows between its main and off-Mirvish seasons.
That the programming cuts and postponements appear to disproportionately affect new works and emerging artists is especially concerning, said independent theatre producer Derrick Chua.
“The pipeline for new emerging works is just being shrunk,” he said. “I worry about this growing backlog or just fewer number of opportunities that exist for all the artists.”
Last year, the Toronto Fringe Festival, long considered an important incubator for new works having launched shows like “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Kim’s Convenience,” warned it was in jeopardy due to lack of sufficient revenue.
Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, arts leaders across Toronto and southern Ontario knew they were staring down a tough road ahead. Their industry’s recovery wasn’t going to come overnight, nor in the mere weeks and months ahead.
But more than two years after theatres reopened, the sector is still teetering on the brink of a crisis, and could be facing its most challenging year yet amid audience attrition, declining private support and insufficient public funding. Companies are mounting productions with smaller budgets; some are cutting programming; others that halted operations in March 2020 never returned.
Unless there’s a turnaround in the sector, arts leaders who spoke with the Star say the once-thriving sector in Toronto — one of the largest theatre centres in the world — could become a shell of its former self.
“There’s just no question that our sector is facing a tough time right now,” said Jacoba Knaapen, executive director of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), which advocates on behalf of more than 100 theatre, dance and opera companies in the city. “Everybody is seeing increased costs along with reduced or frozen revenue.”
Soulpepper, one of Toronto’s largest not-for-profit theatre companies, quietly removed two shows from its winter and spring lineup late last year.
The first, “Ladies of the Canyon,” was to be a concert production following Canadian singer Joni Mitchell and her life in Laurel Canyon, the neighbourhood in Los Angeles that was the epicentre of Hollywood’s counterculture movement. The second production was a reimagined adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play “A Doll’s House,” transporting the action to India under British rule.
Both productions were removed in part due to financial “risk management,” said Gideon Arthurs, Soulpepper’s executive director. He noted the shows are simply postponed and Soulpepper hopes to mount them “within the next 12 months,” though exact dates have yet to be announced.
Arthurs described the company’s past two years as “enormously challenging,” with rising production costs continuing to strain the company. He pointed to the price of softwood lumber, a staple in the theatre often used for sets. For much of 2021, lumber prices soared by more than 100 per cent year-over-year due to supply challenges caused by mill closures and wildfires.
The venerable Factory Theatre, meanwhile, also announced the indefinite postponement of “In the Kitchen” due to “financial pressures,” according to an email sent to donors earlier this month and obtained by the Star. The play, originally slated to run for three weeks in March, was to be a world premiere production featuring four playwrights “who join forces to tackle the classic ‘kitchen sink drama’ trope.”
The company said the decision “ensures financial and organizational stability,” and that “the current financial pressures will not impact the many other activities planned for our 2023-24 season.” With the removal of “In the Kitchen” from its lineup, Factory Theatre does not have another mainstage production scheduled for the rest of its 2023-24 season.
A spokesperson for Factory Theatre said the company could not comment on the programming change.
In its latest publicly available financial statement filed with the Canada Revenue Agency, Factory Theatre reported a deficit greater than $70,000 in 2022. The same year, Soulpepper was nearly $1 million in the red.
Those financial challenges are also being felt by other companies in the sector. Last fall, TAPA reported that between 2022 and 2023, 44 per cent of city-funded arts and culture organizations in Toronto — including nontheatre arts companies — posted a deficit. In total, the losses amounted to roughly $13.6 million.
But these impacts haven’t been felt equally. While some companies struggle to bring audiences back into the theatre, others have seen sellout crowds and steady growth since the pandemic reopening.
Crow’s Theatre in Toronto’s east end has mounted a string of hits, including “The Master Plan” in the fall and, most recently, “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812,” a musical adaptation of a section of Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” that is now in its eighth week of an 11-week run after multiple extensions.
Canada’s largest repertory theatre company, the Stratford Festival, said that 2023 was a “very successful” season, though it’s not yet back to pre-pandemic levels. “We are heading into 2024 with optimism,” said executive director Anita Gaffney. The festival did not provide exact attendance figures, but said they will be available later in the spring.
Meanwhile, Canada’s largest theatre producer, Mirvish, said its sales patterns are on par with pre-pandemic levels, noting audiences had fully returned by fall of 2022. John Karastamatis, a spokesperson for the company, described 2023 as an “excellent year” for the company, which he says boasted 45,000 subscribers to packages of shows between its main and off-Mirvish seasons.
That the programming cuts and postponements appear to disproportionately affect new works and emerging artists is especially concerning, said independent theatre producer Derrick Chua.
“The pipeline for new emerging works is just being shrunk,” he said. “I worry about this growing backlog or just fewer number of opportunities that exist for all the artists.”
Last year, the Toronto Fringe Festival, long considered an important incubator for new works having launched shows like “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Kim’s Convenience,” warned it was in jeopardy due to lack of sufficient revenue.
The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts reported that between 2022 and 2023, 44 per cent of city-funded arts and culture organizations in Toronto posted a deficit. In total, the losses amounted to roughly $13.6 million. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
There, theatres of all sizes have felt the wave of programming cancellations, staff cuts and venue closures over the past four years. In all, at least 35 major theatre companies in the U.S. shuttered since the onset of the pandemic, while a bevy of others have indefinitely paused operations.
Arthurs, who’s also chair of the advocacy committee at TAPA, said Canadian industry leaders are watching the American theatre sector closely. He warns the trends south of the border and concerning, and could play out in theatre centres across Canada.
“There’s an active conversation happening in the sector about when we declare a state of emergency,” he said.
The theatre sector has faced other periods of instability in recent history — from the Sept. 11 attacks to the 2008 financial crisis. But arts leaders say the COVID-19 pandemic differs from other “black swan” events: its prolonged period of social isolation immeasurably altered audience behaviour and hampered their return to the theatre.
“People are getting over that in the same way they did after the major pandemics of earlier eras, but it takes a long time,” said Tim Jennings, executive director of the Shaw Festival. “We need to exercise social muscles that, frankly, have atrophied.”
Tim Jennings, executive director of the Shaw Festival, outside The Royal George Theatre. (Photo Credit: TorStar Photo)
Though many arts leaders who spoke to the Star said the future is uncertain for their companies, those in Toronto said they’re hoping additional municipal funding could give arts organizations the boost they need.
“Unless our partners in government and in the private sector come to the table with us, we could be talking about a very, very difficult next 12 to 24 months,” said Arthurs. “Undoubtedly, that will include theatre closures, a major brain drain out of the sector, and some really precarious situations.”
The Toronto Arts Council, which supports roughly 900 artists and arts organizations through grants, is seeking a $2 million annual injection in funding for the next five years. The municipal funding body currently operates with a nearly $25 million budget, which it says does not meet current needs and is stretched thin by inflation.
Ultimately, Soulpepper’s Arthurs believes the theatre sector’s troubles are the same problems affecting other civic institutions. Though few have found a solution, he believes organizations need to place additional emphasis on communicating their values to the community, and focus less on solely getting patrons into their spaces.
Theatres, Arthurs argues, should double down on their role in providing real human connections. If companies focus on that, he said, a byproduct will be financial success.
Want to have a fun social activity? Love live theatre performances? Do you want to do something that is satisfying and a service to your community? Then become a Lighthouse Festival volunteer!
Volunteers are needed at our theatre in Port Colborne!
We have over 90 performances planned this year and need your help to greet, scan tickets and usher patrons to their seats while ensuring everyone has a great time.
Only 2 qualifications needed!
A welcoming personality and a Vulnerable Sector Police check. You provide the personality and we will help you with the Police check!!
To volunteer in Port Colborne join us at the Roselawn Theatre on Fielden Ave on April 22 from 10am to 4pm.
