Show Program: Buying The Farm - Drayton Festival Theatre

land acknowledgement Drayton Entertainment acknowledges that we live, work, and create on land that has been home to many nations and peoples (acknowledged and unacknowledged, recorded and unrecorded).

The Drayton Festival Theatre is situated on territory that is within Treaty 29 of 1827; we recognize its longstanding stewards and earliest storytellers: The Tionontati The Anishinabek The Odawa

JUSTIN TRUDEAU Prime Minister Canada

Dear Friends: I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending Drayton Entertainment’s 2022 season of live theatre.

Since 1991, Drayton Entertainment has entertained audiences across southwestern Ontario. I am certain that the many performances planned for this season will be enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

I would like to commend all those involved with Drayton Entertainment, both on the stage and behind the scenes, for sharing their talent and creativity. You can take pride in your contributions to Canada’s cultural heritage.

Please accept my best wishes for a memorable season.

Sincerely,

Justin Trudeau

The Rt. Hon. Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada

ELIZABETH DOWDESWELL Lieutenant Governor Ontario

Over the past few years, the Drayton Entertainment family — including all those on and off the stage, as well as its many loyal audience members — have made it through so many challenges.

Your efforts to continue delivering remarkable performances to Ontarians by virtual means is a story of innovation, resilience, and is an illustration of the power of the arts to help us heal, laugh, and persevere. As you welcome back patrons to your theatres for the 2022 Season, know that we have all been inspired by your good work to bring joy to others.

In this, the year of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the 70th Anniversary of her reign, we have the chance to celebrate service and our nation’s proud heritage. And so, I take this opportunity to thank all those at Drayton for supporting artistic expression, a vital part of what it means to be Canadian, and a part of our identity that is now more important than ever.

The entire 2022 Season promises to thrill, and I have no doubt that today’s performance will be a memorable one.

Enjoy the show!

Elizabeth Dowdeswell

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

DOUG FORD Premier Ontario

I’m delighted to extend greetings to everyone taking part in Drayton Entertainment’s 2022 Season.

I want to thank all those who helped to make this exciting program a success, including everyone at Drayton Entertainment, as well as the performers, artists, sponsors, backstage crews, and front-of-house teams in Drayton, Cambridge, Grand Bend, Penetanguishene, and St. Jacobs.

I would also like to recognize the many keen theatregoers who are sure to enjoy this terrific opportunity to share in the magic of live theatre. Performing arts professionals and their audiences have facedtremendous challenges over the past two years, and I know we all look forward to once again engaging in these communal experiences.

Have a memorable and enjoyable season.

Doug Ford

Premier of Ontario

JOHN NATER

GREGG DAVIDSON

Our community is truly privileged to host a world-class theatre and cultural institution.

As you embark on the 2022 Season, I offer my best wishes for yet another successful year.

The Drayton Festival Theatre and its works have become a part of the cultural identity of the Township of Mapleton and Wellington County. The productions put the spotlight on local creators and other artists within our communities.

To the actors, musicians, staff, volunteers, and supporters, congratulations on presenting an exciting and ambitious season!

I’m so excited that live theatre is back!

It’s been too long since we have been in an audience watching these creative performances come to life. Our renovated 1902 Opera House in Drayton has provided entertainment to tens of thousands of people. Since 1991 Drayton Entertainment has made this same theatre their home and carried on the tradition of welcoming visitors from around the world to take in the splendour and magic of live entertainment.

On behalf of the residents in our beautiful Township, welcome back. We missed you.

Mayor Township of Mapleton

MP Perth-Wellington

John Nater, MP Perth-Wellington

Gregg Davidson, Mayor Township of Mapleton

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Please play responsibly. Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline 1-888-230-3505 or visit www.connexontario.ca.

duty of care Welcome back! Know that our number one priority is ensuring that you feel safe, comfortable, and confident with your decision to enjoy live theatre again. Our Duty of Care adheres to local and provincial health guidelines and is subject to change in response to current conditions throughout the season. We have been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council/Tourism Industry Association of Ontario Safe Travels stamp for adopting proper, standardized health and hygiene protocols. This stamp is globally recognized as an indicator that enhanced COVID mitigation protocols are in place.

SEATING REMINDER The Government of Ontario has lifted restrictions for theatres, allowing for 100% capacity. However, we have surveyed our patrons a number of times over the last two years, and you've made it clear to us that you have different degrees of comfort. We want the return to live theatre to be as easy as possible for everyone. With that in mind, we have created show schedules with varying capacities and protocols that gradually change as the season progresses. You’ve already got tickets, so please double check and make sure you know the requirements for your chosen performance.

CLEANING & SANITIZATION Enhanced cleaning measures have been put into place before, during, and after every performance including increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces. We also ask that you use the hand sanitizer provided as you enter the theatre. Sanitizer can also be found at designated points throughout each venue.

HVAC/AIR FLOW/VENTILATION & PLEXIGLASS BARRIERS Our theatres are equipped with state-of-the-art mechanical ventilation systems that exchange the air in our public spaces every 15 minutes. Plexiglass barriers have been installed at our bars as well as our Box Offices.

KEEPING YOUR THEATRES SAFE Our artists, artisans, staff, and volunteers are fully vaccinated. Additional rules and protocols are in place to keep people safe in their work environment.

We encourage everyone to continue wearing masks.

hello, and Welcome!

Our doors are open, the stage lights are on, and we’re thrilled to finally welcome you back to the theatre. Whether you’re an avid theatregoer, or someone new to the wonders of the stage, we look forward to entertaining you as you take a break from real life and escape into a memorable live theatre experience.

There are hundreds of performances that will take centre stage during our 2022 Season at our theatres across the province of Ontario: the Drayton Festival Theatre, Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, and St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre.

Whether you love heartfelt musicals, laugh-out-loud comedies, thought-provoking dramas, Canadian content, or musical memoirs, there’s something for everyone, and so much to see … so come back soon, or explore another Drayton Entertainment venue!

We hope your trip to the theatre includes a visit to one of the friendly communities that surround each of our venues, as the hospitality and charm of each locale plays an integral role in the Drayton Experience®. From delicious dining and unique shopping, to comfortable accommodations and other interesting attractions, there are many ways to enhance your experience.

When you visit our neighbouring businesses, please be sure to tell them we sent you!

These last two years have been challenging, but they’ve also given us time to develop an exciting project – the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. We have seen firsthand the impact we have on the lives of young people through arts education. The world has changed significantly, and we must change with it by supporting a broader generational shift in our society. We will accomplish this by providing training opportunities to youth in the Drayton Entertainment brand of performing arts excellence.

Jump to the inside back page of this program for more information about our new Youth Academy, including summer camps for young people, and fall programs for kids and adults alike!

We cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support.

Although we continue to navigate this ongoing pandemic, we’re hopeful about the future. We know you love LIVE theatre as much as we do, so thank you for joining us in making wonderful memories this season. Years from now we’ll all talk about where we were, and what shows we saw, the year that theatre came back.

Enjoy the show!

Artistic Director Sponsor

Alex Mustakas

Artistic Director

welcome from the board president On behalf of our volunteer Board of Directors, thank you so much for joining us at the theatre. After everything we’ve all been through together over the last two years, it’s extra special and exciting to welcome you back in person to enjoy a live performance.

We are thrilled to finally share another season of great entertainment with you. Whether you’re here for a memorable musical, hilarious comedy, stirring drama, or family fun, get ready to be swept away by the magic of theatre. It is our passion for theatre that fuels us to continue delivering the high-quality performances and exceptional, friendly customer service that have become hallmarks of The Drayton Experience®.

In addition to the 15 professional productions offered this season, we are delighted to present many educational programs through the new Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy designed to give aspiring young performers the opportunity to hone their skills in a practical way. It is through programs like these that we foster inclusion, enthusiasm for arts and culture, and invest in the artists of tomorrow.

None of this would be possible without our Members, volunteers, sponsors, and of course, you, our devoted audience. We simply could not offer this array of professional productions and educational programs if it were not for your ongoing support.

Whether you are joining us from close by or far away, for the first time, or for the umpteenth year, thank you for supporting our not-for-profit charitable arts organization, and welcome. We look forward to entertaining you.

Patricia Ziegler-Ignor President Board of Directors

Drayton Entertainment Board of Directors President Patricia Ziegler-Ignor Vice President Willy Heffner

Past President Brent Ravelle

Member-At-Large Ab Hesselink

Neil Aitchison Greg Durocher Tony Mohr

Directors Bryan Beattie John C. Green Bruce Schieck

Brad Carr Cheryl James Everton Wilmot

Secretary/Treasurer Bob Bignell

By Shelley Hoffman and Stephen Sparks

Directed by Lee MacDougall

Set Designer Meaghan Carpentier

Costume Designer Nicole Del Cul

Stage Manager Laurel Oneil

Lighting Designer Lyle Franklin

Apprentice Stage Manager Stephanie Dilnot

The Cast

(in alphabetical order)

Terry Barna....................................................................... Magnus Bjornson Alex Furber...............................................................................Brad Deacon Kelly Van der Burg............................................................. Esme Van Fossen

“Buying the Farm” first premiered at Port Stanley Festival Theatre.

The video and audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited.

the cast

in alphabetical order Terry Barna (Magnus Bjornson) Drayton Entertainment: Backstage Pass, 12 Angry Men, The Birds & The Bees, The Odd Couple, The Love List, Bedtime Stories, Shear Madness.

Escaping from Corporate Canada in 2001, Terry has performed in, or directed, over 60 stage productions throughout Ontario, Cape Breton, and as far away as the Bahamas, since then. You may remember him from his two years co-hosting daytime on RogersTV, CTV’s Stock & Awe, or two seasons of CityTV’s Meet the Family, for which he received a Canadian Comedy Award nomination. He is so excited to be back on stage after two years of shut down, and looks forward to bringing a good belly laugh back into your life. As always, much love to Lynne. Enjoy the show!

Alex Furber (Brad Deacon) Drayton Entertainment: Marathon of Hope, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The War Show, A Few Good Men. Other Theatre: Robert Ross in The Wars, Chariots of Fire (The Grand), My Night With Reg (Studio 180/ Mirvish), Jitters (Soulpepper), Gilbert in Anne & Gilbert (NAC), Red (STC), Cliff in Cabaret (RMTC), Albert Narracott in War Horse (Mirvish). Film/ TV: Most Dangerous Game, Murdoch Mysteries, Mayday, Flashpoint.

When not playing a Realtor on stage, Alex is a licensed Realtor serving the GTA and beyond. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call 647-992-1510 or email at alexfurber@kw.ca. Many thanks to Alex Mustakas, the Drayton Team and you, our amazing audience, for making this summer happen.

Kelly Van der Burg (Esme Van Fossen) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Renovations for Six (Theatre Aquarius). Film/TV: Decoys (CBC Gem), Belle On Wheels (Real One Entertainment), Murdoch Mysteries (Shaftsbury), Hudson & Rex (Shaftsbury), Inn For Christmas (Lifetime). Training: Bishop’s University, CBC Actor’s Conservatory. All my lovin’ to Christo & Reaney. All my thanks to Carey, Leigh, Ella and Mum for babysitting.

The Creative team Lee MacDougall (Director) Drayton Entertainment: All Shook Up. Lee’s other directing credits include Rope’s End for the Blyth Festival, Glory Days for Theatre Aquarius, and Once Upon a Mattress for Sheridan College. His production of The Producers at Stage West Calgary was nominated for a Betty Mitchell Award for Best Production. He has directed All Shook Up, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and Beauty and the Beast for Stage West Mississauga. Lee has directed several workshops of his own plays, most notably High Life and Who Has Seen the Wind at the Stratford Festival, and The Ginkgo Tree at Theatre Aquarius.

Web: www.Leemacdougall.ca

Meaghan Carpentier (Set Designer) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Dog Act (University of Florida), The Wolves (University of Windsor), Cabaret (Upcoming University of Florida), Marisol (Charge Artist - University of Florida), God of Carnage (Asst. Scenic Designer - University of Windsor). Meaghan Carpentier is a Master of Fine Arts Candidate at the University of Florida and Bachelor of the Arts graduate from the University of Windsor. Many thanks to the incredible team of collaborators, the cast & crew, maman, papa, Emma and Will for the support. Merci Beaucoup! For more information: Megcarpentier@gmail.com

Nicole Del Cul (Costume Designer) Drayton Entertainment: Sorry, I’m Canadian 2, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Grease, Shear Madness, Run For Your Wife, Weekend Comedy, Big Band Legends, Bedtime Stories, Italian Funerals ..., Dance Legends. Nicole is enjoying her 14th season with Drayton Entertainment. She is a graduate of Ryerson University, with a B.F.A. in Performance Production. She also owns a tailoring business, Loose Threads, which has won consecutive Readers’ Choice awards. Nicole would like to thank her better half Alex, for his constant love and support; their two daughters Stella and Adalynn and her friends and family. Amore per la mia famiglia.

Lyle Franklin (Lighting Designer) Drayton Entertainment: Kings & Queens of Country, Out of Order, Office Hours, Hilda’s Yard, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, The Affections of May, Lend Me A Tenor, Too Many Cooks, The Love List, Perfect Wedding, Twelve Angry Men, Separate Beds, The Odd Couple, Funny Money, Boeing Boeing. Other theatre: The Last Enchanted Forest (Petrolia), Walking on Water (Fanshawe College), The Anger of Ernest and Ernestine (Lost & Found Theatre), A Funny Thing Happened … (Ryerson University). He is a graduate of Ryerson University. Lyle is pleased to be working on another lighting design with Drayton Entertainment.

Laurel Oneil (Stage Manager) Drayton Entertainment: Annie, Fiddler on the Loose. Other Theatre: BOOM (Theatre Calgary, Thousand Islands Playhouse & Off-Broadway), BOOMX (Theatre Calgary & Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre), BOOMYZ (Theatre Calgary), Murder in the Studio (Vertigo), Flora and Fawna Have Beaver Fever (Lunchbox), Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music (Western Canada Theatre); 60+ productions at Stage West Calgary, including: Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde, Rock of Ages, Avenue Q, The Producers, Game Show, 39 Steps, Chicago, Spamalot, Young Frankenstein, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. Laurel has also taught Stage Management at the University of Lethbridge. Laurel would like to dedicate her work to the loving memory of her mom, who helped her find her love of theatre at young age. She would also like to thank her family and friends for their unending love and support.

Stephanie Dilnot (Apprentice Stage Manager) Drayton Entertainment debut. Steph is graduating from the University of Waterloo after studying Theatre and Performance. Hoping to create a space where everyone can be vulnerable and comfortable as our authentic selves, as this is what drives creation. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way to getting my career started!

Alex Mustakas (Artistic Director) Drayton Entertainment: Alex has directed over 100 productions for Drayton Entertainment and other theatre companies across Canada including Sorry, I’m Canadian 2, You’ll Get Used To It! ... The War Show, Rocky: The Musical, Rock of Ages, Kings & Queens of Country, Million Dollar Quartet, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the world premiere of Marathon of Hope, Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Spamalot, Les Misérables, Twist & Shout, and others. Alex holds a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration from City University in London, England, and an Honorary Doctorate from Wilfrid Laurier University.

He is the recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Media & Entertainment, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Maggie Bassett Award from Theatre Ontario, and the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Season Media Sponsor

Production Sponsors

Media Sponsors

Design Sponsor

The Director - Lee MacDougall - would like to thank: Stephen Crouch, of Royal Lepage Signature Realty, in Mississauga ON for his invaluable advice regarding Real Estate regulations; and Shelley Hoffman and Steven Sparks, the authors of Buying the Farm, for all their help with the background of the play, and for being a joy to work with.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are deeply grateful for the efforts of so many people in our communities who continue to support our theatres. Special thanks to our tourism partners and to our extended family of volunteers who contribute their time, talent, and enthusiasm.

Drayton Festival Theatre Ron Ellis Jim Grose The Township of Mapleton Special thanks to Peter Etril Snyder, who painted and generously placed on permanent loan, the painting in the Library Lounge. Opening Night portrays the gas-lit Drayton Opera House in 1903.

Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Corporation of the City of Cambridge Region of Waterloo Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation Huron Country Playhouse Grand Bend Chamber of Commerce Huron Country Playhouse Guild Municipality of Lambton Shores Municipality of South Huron Regional Tourism Organization 4

King’s Wharf Theatre Huronia Historical Parks Penetanguishene Tourist Information Centre Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce Tiny & Tay Townships The Town of Penetanguishene The Town of Midland St. Jacobs Country Playhouse St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Region of Waterloo The Township of Woolwich Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation Official Auditors of Drayton Entertainment KPMG LLP

YOU COULD BE A LIFESAVER Drayton Entertainment takes its commitment to our audience, performers, and staff very seriously.

Ask us about how your charitable gift of $2,500 will serve our theatres with Mikey Defibrillators.

For more information, please contact Jonathan Randall Director of Marketing & Development Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 233 jonathan@draytonentertainment.com

GENERAL INFORMATION Accessibility Drayton Entertainment is proud to be completely accessible at each of its seven stages and through its Customer Service Policy, is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to patrons with disabilities.

Drayton Entertainment currently recognizes both the CNIB Card and the Access 2 Entertainment Card.

Patrons with disabilities presenting valid cards from one of these two programs will be provided with a complimentary ticket for their support person, if requested.

All venues are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with special seating locations. Please reserve the required number of seats when ordering tickets, and advise us if you need special assistance. Patrons using wheelchairs are requested to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the performance. Complimentary hearing assist devices and child booster seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Public Access Automatic External Defibrillators are located in the lobby of each theatre.

Theatre Etiquette Everyone entering the theatre auditorium must have a valid ticket. In order for everyone to enjoy the performance, and in consideration to the performers on stage, latecomers are seated at a suitable break at the discretion of House Management. The use of recording devices or cameras of any kind is strictly prohibited, and all mobile devices must be turned off during the show. In consideration of those who have allergies, please avoid using scented products. Physicians may leave their seat location with the Box Office.

The sudden cry of an infant is disruptive to the performers and the audience, and can hinder the emotional impact of a magical moment on stage. For this reason and for safety, babes in arms and children under the age of 2 are discouraged.

We Respect Your Privacy At Drayton Entertainment, we respect our customers, supporters, and other stakeholders right to personal privacy. We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of personal information and subscribe to all the safeguards standardized in the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the federal privacy law for private-sector organizations, which sets out the ground rules for how businesses must handle personal information in the course of commercial activity. To view our Personal Information Policy, please visit our website.

Professional Affiliations Drayton Entertainment is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and engages professional artists under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA). Drayton Entertainment acknowledges the generous support of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA).

Drayton Entertainment is a proud participant in the Not In OUR Space! collaborative pilot project between PACT and CAEA, which supports our company's mandate regarding zero tolerance of workspace harassment and violence in our theatres.

The Musicians and Music Directors/Conductors engaged for Drayton Entertainment productions are members of the Canadian Federation of Musicians and are performing in the jurisdictions of Central Ontario Musicians’ Association, Local 226 (Drayton Festival Theatre, Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre); London Musicians’ Association, Local 279 (Huron Country Playhouse); Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 (King’s Wharf Theatre).

Artists, programs, prices, and times are subject to change without notice.

Become a

member

SALUTE TO OUR MEMBERS Thank you! We are extremely grateful to our Members who support their theatre each year. Please click here to visit our website for a complete and up-to-date Membership list.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

For as little as $35 you can make a big impact on Drayton Entertainment.

Attending a performance is only part of the experience. Taking pride in directly supporting the development of the finest musicals, comedies, and dramas the stage has to offer is the ultimate standing ovation.

Ask us about the levels of Membership and join our family of supporters today.

ENJOY THE BENEFITS

As our way of saying thank you, Members enjoy a variety of benefits.

All Members receive: • Free ticket exchange privileges up to 48 hours prior to performance • Guaranteed advance ticket purchasing privileges prior to the general public • Priority email correspondence on casting news, exclusive special events, and fundraisers • A charitable tax receipt

FIND OUT MORE

For more information, please contact our Box Office at 1-855-372-9866 or visit us at draytonentertainment.com/online/article/become-a-member

Salute

to our members

VIEW THE COMPLETE MEMBERSHIP LIST

Thank you! We are extremely grateful to our Members who support their theatre each year. For a complete list of our Members as of June 1, 2022, including Donor Members ($250 - $499), Contributing Members ($100 - $249) and Annual Members ($35-$99), please click here to visit our website.

Support Us

SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING

Investing in the arts is good business! Put your company centre stage as part of our corporate family. From traditional to digital platforms, there are many ways for your company to engage current customers and reach new audiences in an entertaining way – starting as low as $500.

ENDOW THE FUTURE

This is your opportunity to make a lasting difference that will impact generations of theatregoers!

Your gift will be matched by the Department of Canadian Heritage, thereby doubling the value of your donation.

That means … $50 becomes $100 $500 becomes $1,000 $5,000 becomes $10,000

TILES & SEATS Celebrate your love of the arts by purchasing an engraved floor tile in the theatre lobby at select venues, or a plush theatre seat where your name will be recorded on a plaque attached to the armrest. Create a truly unique Birthday, Anniversary, or Christmas Gift, or make a lasting legacy and dedicate a seat in loving remembrance.

Corporate Entertainment LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!

A theatre experience is the perfect idea for groups of all sizes. From casual office parties and elegant client appreciation events, to discount group tickets for staff and special guests, Drayton Entertainment offers affordable entertainment options for groups big and small.

• • • • • • •

Discount Tickets School Pricing Special Events Private Performances Client Appreciation Holiday Parties Fundraisers

• • • • •

Corporate Discounts Day Trips Seniors Groups Red Hat Society Community Clubs and more!

CONFERENCE & MEETING SPACE Rent one of our casual theatre spaces for your next big meeting or event. We have a professional staff to ensure that all your requirements are met and that your event is a smashing success!

Auditoriums Our unique theatre spaces are available for a variety of functions. Host your next AGM, workshop, or conference in one of our fully equipped venues.

FIND OUT MORE

For space rental estimates, technical specifications, and further Foravailability, more information, please reservations, contact our Box Office at 1-855-372-9866 information, please contact:

or visit us online at draytonentertainment.com.

Karen De Iuliis, Group Sales and Facility Rentals Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 246 karend@draytonentertainment.com

An award-winning, not-for-profit charitable organization, Drayton Entertainment produces professional live theatre on seven stages across Ontario.

The stage for success was first set in 1991 with the launch of the Drayton Festival Theatre. Under the tutelage of founding and current Artistic Director Alex Mustakas, the theatre was an immediate success.

In 1997, a second stage was added nearby – the intimate Schoolhouse Theatre in the village of St. Jacobs.

The King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene followed suit in 1999. Nestled within Discovery Harbour on Georgian Bay, the rustic theatre was a perfect complement to the venues in Drayton and St. Jacobs.

The Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend opened in 1972 and joined the Drayton Entertainment family of theatres in 2001. Situated just minutes from Grand Bend’s famous strip and popular beaches, the theatre complex houses two stages.

St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, located in the heart of Waterloo Region’s Market District, opened to instant acclaim in 2005.

A seventh venue in Cambridge opened in 2013. Renamed the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge in 2018, the state-of-the-art complex includes a 506-seat theatre alongside consolidated administration, production and wardrobe facilities.

Drayton Entertainment’s distinctive business model provides protection from the inherent fragility of the theatre industry, while providing an outlet for growth and prosperity. This has positive implications for artists, designers, sponsors, advertisers, and most importantly, theatre patrons – all of whom enjoy enhanced opportunities both on and off the stage.

By successfully balancing the competing demands of quality productions, fiscal responsibility, and community integrity, Drayton Entertainment has emerged as a true innovator and leader for arts and culture in Canada.

In 2022, the new Youth Academy was added to the Drayton Entertainment family of locations offering exciting arts education opportunities under the company’s umbrella.

Drayton Entertainment Staff ADMINISTRATION Artistic Director & CEO.............................................................................................. Alex Mustakas Executive Director.................................................................................................... Steven Karcher Director of Finance................................................................................................. Siobhan Lovejoy Associate Artistic Director/Youth Academy Director of Education........................... David Connolly Director of Audience Services..................................................................................... Ellen Berwick Director of Facilities........................................................................................................... Alan Card Human Resources & Artistic Administrator.................................................................Natasha Hopf Director of Marketing & Development..................................................................Jonathan Randall Director of Communications....................................................................................... Amanda Kind Group, Events & Rentals Manager.............................................................................Karen De iuliis Marketing & Development Associates........................................Jenni Grandfield, Samareh Jones, Tatiana Zakharova Artistic Administrative Assistant................................................................................... Megan Dene Accounting Clerk................................................................................................. Joanne Labrecque Administrative Associate............................................................................................Randi Perriam Box Office & Groups Assistant.................................................................................. Yvonne Schieck PRODUCTION Director of Production.................................................................................................. Dave Horner Production Coordinator..................................................................................... Jeff JohnstonCollins Technical Directors.................................................................................... Simon Day, Lyle Franklin Head of Audio . ........................................................................................................ Allan McMillan Head of Construction .................................................................................................Robert Clarke House Technicians................................................ Glenn Beckner, John Graham, Richard McLeod, Abbey MacDonald Senior Carpenters............................................................................... Jenna Barry, Lindsay Woelfle Junior Carpenters........................................................................... John Graham, Correy Polaniato Senior Scenic Painters..............................................................Tara Crickmore, Kristen McCormick Junior Scenic Painter............................................................................................. Chris Blanchenot Props Master.................................................................................................................. Kevin Lucas Senior Props Assistant....................................................................................... Katherine Theriault Building Services/Production Technician..................................................................... John Bigelow

WARDROBE Head of Wardrobe.................................................................................................... Jenine Kroeplin Wardrobe Supervisors.................................................................Nicole Del Cul, Jessica Pembleton BOX OFFICE Box Office Supervisor.............................................................................................. Paige Corriveau Local Box Office Staff...................................................Rebecca Little, Emma Simon, Brianna Wing FACILITY (Drayton Festival Theatre) Office Manager....................................................................................................... Courtney Goldie House Manager.................................................................................................... Brooklyn Mitchell Bartender............................................................................................................. Amanda Brighton Custodian................................................................................................................. Monique Bride

Spotlight on Sponsorship We are extremely proud of the partnerships that have been cultivated with the following significant contributors. Their support is greatly appreciated.

Season Media Sponsor

Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Season Sponsor

Visual Technology Sponsor Youth Theatre Education Sponsor

Artistic Director Sponsor

Automotive Sponsor

Paving Sponsor

Wine Sponsor

Young Apprenticeship Program Sponsor

Marketing Sponsor

Paving Sponsor

Premium Wine Sponsor

Program Insert Sponsor

Travel Sponsor

Set Relocation Sponsor

Rental Sponsor

Beer Sponsor

Digital Consulting Sponsor

Trailer Sponsor

CAMBRIDGE AUDIOLOGY

Drayton Festival Theatre

Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge

Huron Country Playhouse

Hearing Assist Sponsors

King’s Wharf Theatre

EXPERIENCE AMAZING VISIT HEFFNER LEXUS Proudly partnering with our community since 1960.

3131 King Street East Kitchener, ON, N2A 1B1 Phone: (519) 748-9668

www.heffner.ca

listowelchrysler.com

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

NETWORKING

WORK EXPERIENCE

THE WORLD OF WORK IS CHANGING. WE NEED OUR YOUTH TO SUCCEED. Despite their drive, determination and capability, Canada’s youth will soon find it increasingly difficult to navigate and succeed in an ever-evolving job market. Along with our youth-focused partners, RBC® is focusing our capabilities, assets and resources to ensure youth have greater access to skills development, networking opportunities and work experience. Because when Canada’s youth succeed, we all succeed.

RBC Future Launch. Empowering Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow.

®/TM

Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. VPS103629

119508 (01 /2019)

HUDSON’S HAS IT!

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Proud Home of the Drayton Entertainment Golf Tournament We have programs for all ages to keep you entertained all season including traditional and flex memberships, range and game packages, tournaments, golf leagues and more!

! e you this season to Play | Practce | We invit lf Club Dine | Shop | Learn … at Elmira Go Jeremy Logel

Director of Golf

jeremy@elmiragolfclub.on.ca

519.669.1652

Located at 40 Eldale Road, Elmira, Ontario Also home to “The Grill on the Green” Restaurant

Visit us at elmiragolfclub.com and find Elmira Golf in the APP store

A top performer in any class!

A proud supporter of Drayton Entertainm en for 25 year t s!

KITCHENER & WATERLOO EXCLUSIVE CADILLAC DEALER CHEVROLET • BUICK CADILLAC • GMC TRUCKS

165 Weber Street South Waterloo, Ontario (519) 742-4463

alan@forbesmotors.com www.forbesauto.com

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Introducing the

Everybody Belongs Here

Rooted in belonging, the new Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy delivers a profoundly positive approach to performing and technical arts education. Register for summer camps and fall classes. From Musical Theatre, Improv, Acting, and Audition training, to Technical Theatre fun, Show Tune Fitness, and more, there are tons of class options available in person and online for students of all ages and abilities throughout the year. Family, frequency and early bird pricing available!

Classes by Type Performing Arts Technical Arts Wellness Special Events Summer Camps

Classes by Age Kids (8-10) Youth (11-13) Teens (14-18) Adults (18+) Seniors Family

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Learn more at draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com