PORT STANLEY, ON - Port Stanley Festival Theatre held their Annual General Meeting on December 15th at the Theatre. The AGM is an opportunity for the Board and staff to share with Theatre Members, supporters and the public some of the work they've been doing over the last year, and their plans for the upcoming year.
The most significant event for the Board in 2016 was the completion and official opening of the Grace Auditorium, the renovated and expanded main theatre space with additional 50 audience seats, just prior to the opening of the 2016 Summer Season. This was followed by a very successful summer season as more than 14,490 patrons attended performances, many of which were sell-outs even with the increased seating.
The Expand the Experience fund-raising team were also hard at work, culminating in the 'Dollar for Dollar' campaign in which a local Port Stanley resident and theatre supporter committed to match every dollar donated during November. An example of the kinds of support throughout the month of November were evident when following the AGM Elizabeth and Cynthia De Wit of Russell House Apparel presented PSFT with a cheque for $700 which was the result of their save the tax/support the arts campaign run at their store. All these contributions now make it possible for the completion of the Expand the Experience program in 2017.
The Theatre's commitment to the development of new theatrical works continued, demonstrated in part by the Playwrights' Festival in September, one of the new plays from which will be on stage in the summer of 2017 written by Kristen Da Silva and sponsored by Studio Style entitled “Five Alarm”.
Finally, the Members elected a new Board and Executive team to lead the company in 2017. Brian Welsh, Scott Shakir and Sharon Herrin were re-appointed as President, Vice-president and Secretary respectively, Richard Haddow, Gary Mcleod, Glenys Lafrance as Directors. New Directors joining the team included Gail Ballard, Kingsley Snelgrove and Bob Eastick who will act as Treasurer. This energetic team is looking forward to setting the stage for an outstanding 2017 as Artistic Director Simon Joynes creates a season celebrating Canada's 150th with Canadian stories for all visitors to enjoy.
The Expand the Experience fund-raising team were also hard at work, culminating in the 'Dollar for Dollar' campaign in which a local Port Stanley resident and theatre supporter committed to match every dollar donated during November. An example of the kinds of support throughout the month of November were evident when following the AGM Elizabeth and Cynthia De Wit of Russell House Apparel presented PSFT with a cheque for $700 which was the result of their save the tax/support the arts campaign run at their store. All these contributions now make it possible for the completion of the Expand the Experience program in 2017.
The Theatre's commitment to the development of new theatrical works continued, demonstrated in part by the Playwrights' Festival in September, one of the new plays from which will be on stage in the summer of 2017 written by Kristen Da Silva and sponsored by Studio Style entitled “Five Alarm”.
Finally, the Members elected a new Board and Executive team to lead the company in 2017. Brian Welsh, Scott Shakir and Sharon Herrin were re-appointed as President, Vice-president and Secretary respectively, Richard Haddow, Gary Mcleod, Glenys Lafrance as Directors. New Directors joining the team included Gail Ballard, Kingsley Snelgrove and Bob Eastick who will act as Treasurer. This energetic team is looking forward to setting the stage for an outstanding 2017 as Artistic Director Simon Joynes creates a season celebrating Canada's 150th with Canadian stories for all visitors to enjoy.
Left to right: Elizabeth De Wit of Russell House Apparel, Scott Shakir Vice President of Port Stanley Festival Theatre, Brian Welsh President of Port Stanley Festival Theatre and Cynthia De Wit of Russell House Apparel. Photo credit: Melissa Kempf, Theatre Manager
Source: Submitted by Brian Welsh, President
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