Show Program: The New Canadian Curling Club at Huron Country Playhouse - South Huron Stage

The New Canadian Curling Club

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 Huron Country Playhouse is situated on territory that is within Treaty 29 of 1827; we recognize its longstanding stewards and earliest storytellers:

The Anishinabewaki

The Attiwonderonk (Neutral)

The Mississauga

JUSTIN TRUDEAU Prime Minister Canada

Dear Friends:

I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending Drayton Entertainment’s 2023 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

Minister of Canada

ELIZABETH DOWDESWELL Lieutenant Governor Ontario

I happily extend greetings to Drayton Entertainment as it commences a new theatrical season in seven historic venues across southwestern Ontario!

In these complex and rapidly changing times, the arts are crucial to bringing people together and to helping us better understand ourselves and each other. Theatre can build bridges between generations, and I commend Drayton Entertainment for having offered a space for such important conversations for over 30 years.

I thank those on stage, backstage, at the front of house, as well as those in the seats for their support of local artistic expression. As His Majesty The King’s representative in Ontario, I send my best wishes to all attending another year of memorable theatre.

Elizabeth Dowdeswell Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

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

Warm greetings and welcome to everyone taking part in Drayton Entertainment’s 2023 Season.

DOUG FORD Premier

Ontario

Warm greetings and welcome to everyone taking part in Drayton Entertainment’s 2023 Season.

One of the many things that makes Ontario great is our vibrant scene. We’re home to outstanding artists, and we are a destination those who appreciate world-class theatre, opera, musical performances and the allied arts.

One of the many things that makes Ontario great is our vibrant cultural scene. We’re home to outstanding artists, and we are a destination for those who appreciate world-class theatre, opera, musical performances and the allied arts.

Over the years, Drayton Entertainment has become one of the country’s most successful theatre companies. I want to commend the amazing professionals who have lent their skills and talents productions over the years. Know that you have helped build communities and energized Ontario’s cultural scene.

Over the years, Drayton Entertainment has become one of the country’s most successful theatre companies. I want to commend all the amazing professionals who have lent their skills and talents to the productions over the years. Know that you have helped build great communities and energized Ontario’s cultural scene.

Best wishes for another successful season.

Best wishes for another successful season.

BEN LOBB

MP

Huron-Bruce

It brings me great pleasure to welcome you all to the 2023 Season at the Huron Country Playhouse. For nearly 30 years, Drayton Entertainment has been bringing talented performers and providing memorable artistic experiences on stages in communities all across Ontario. As your Member of Parliament, I welcome you to Huron-Bruce, and invite you to discover the diverse beauty of Huron County. Please join me in celebrating another successful season with Drayton Entertainment. They have a great playbill for 2023 that you won’t want to miss.

Ben Lobb, MP Huron-Bruce

Doug Ford Premier of Ontario

Doug Ford Premier

As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron-Bruce, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Huron Country Playhouse, and the performance you are about to enjoy. I am quite excited about the 2023 Season and I hope you are as well – there is something special about live theatre and entertainment! While you are visiting Ontario’s incredible West Coast, I encourage you to explore the many beaches, trails, restaurants, breweries and wineries, festivals, and activities that are available throughout Huron County. You will experience the friendly hospitality for which our communities have an outstanding reputation. I hope you enjoy your stay, and I invite you to visit the area again soon!

It is my absolute pleasure to congratulate Drayton Entertainment as the 2023 Season begins!

The Huron Country Playhouse and Playhouse II are treasured jewels here in the community of South Huron. During your visit, I encourage you to discover all that South Huron has to offer, from magnificent sunsets and sandy beaches along Ontario’s West Coast, to our signature food and beverage artisans, and our charming main streets packed with boutiques ready to serve up something special – all just minutes away. On behalf of all citizens of South Huron, welcome!

LISA THOMPSON MPP Huron-Bruce

Lisa Thompson, MPP Huron-Bruce

GEORGE FINCH Mayor South Huron

George Finch, Mayor South Huron

welcome from the board chair

On behalf of our volunteer Board of Directors, as incoming Chair thank you so much for joining us at the theatre.

We are thrilled to 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 19 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.

Willy Heffner Chair Board of Directors

Drayton Entertainment Board of Directors

Chair

Willy Heffner

Vice-Chair

Tony Mohr Past Chair

Patricia Ziegler-Ignor

Neil Aitchison

Greg Durocher

Brent Ravelle

Member-At-Large

Ab Hesselink

Directors

Bryan Beattie

John C. Green

Bruce Schieck

Secretary/Treasurer

Bob Bignell

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair

Everton Wilmot

Brad Carr

Cheryl James

Hello and Welcome!

Broadway blockbusters, side-splitting comedies, thoughtprovoking dramas, plenty of family fare, and some good old rock ‘n' roll … with 19 productions set to take the stage in 2023, there really is something for everyone!

After a tough couple of years during the pandemic, we’re all grateful to move forward towards the hope of a better tomorrow – united through live theatre experiences that capture and celebrate our shared humanity. And, they’re taking place near you, on stages throughout Ontario!

Each of our seven unique venues across the province – the original Drayton Festival Theatre, Hamilton Family Theatre

Cambridge, Huron Country Playhouse Mainstage and South Huron Stage in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, and St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre – offers a distinctive theatre experience.

From rolling farmland and picturesque sunsets, to spectacular shorelines and distinct histories, the charm of our theatres and their unique locations appeal to residents and visitors in equal measure. We encourage you to visit each one and explore the surrounding charming communities with their great local restaurants, accommodations, shopping, and attractions.

Beyond the stage, we offer a multitude of ways to stay connected and engaged with Drayton Entertainment. Become a Member to enjoy exclusive benefits, such as priority booking. Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates on upcoming shows and special events. For our younger audience members, the new Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy and special programs at our theatres offer a range of programs that encourage creativity and skill-building.

Visit draytonentertainment.com for more information on these opportunities, as well as exciting off-season concerts and events. You can also learn about our valued partners and sponsors. And of course, you can always buy tickets to our productions online, with just a few clicks. Join us and experience the magic of live theatre!

Thank you so much for joining us and supporting the arts in Ontario… now sit back and enjoy the show!

Artistic Director Sponsor

Alex Mustakas Artistic Director

a message from the playwright

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: a Chinese guy, an Indian guy, a Jamaican lady, and a Syrian refugee walk into a curling club … It sounds like the set-up to a joke, but it’s actually the premise of this play. In fact, The New Canadian Curling Club begins with characters cracking jokes … or rather, attempting to. Their individual ideas of what’s funny don’t always land with the other people on stage!

On the surface, The New Canadian Curling Club is a comedy about a group of new Canadians who sign up for a Learn to Curl night. But it doesn’t stop there. As a playwright, I’ve used the familiar genre of an underdog sports comedy to tackle some more serious themes: immigration, community, racism, small-town prejudice, and even the question of national identity. That’s not to say this is a heavy play. All of the characters employ humour for a variety of reasons: to lighten the mood, to entertain, to commiserate, to find common ground, but also to establish status, to distance themselves from others, and to belittle, or even attack. Because it’s live theatre, the audience is an active participant in the comedy. Just as people use humour in various ways, our responses come from innumerable sources: delight, surprise, shock, discomfort, recognition, connection … I could go on and on. Sometimes, we laugh to deflect deeper emotions, or to protect ourselves from the darkness of a situation. Having seen several different productions of this play, some of my favourite laughs are the ones where audience members start laughing, then catch themselves, then question whether or not they should be laughing, and then laugh at their own discomfort from having laughed in the first place. We are complex emotional beings, aren’t we?

By all means: please laugh along with the characters in this play! In addition to eliciting chuckles and guffaws, I hope the story makes you feel something. And I hope, maybe, the play even makes you think.

Thank you for coming to The New Canadian Curling Club, and thank you for attending live theatre. Enjoy the show!

Mark Crawford

Playwright, The New Canadian Curling Club

additional resources

Drayton Entertainment is committed to creating safe spaces for our audience members and suggests the following local newcomer resources should you require support:

YMCA of Southwestern Ontario - Immigrant Services

A collaboration of community service, business, municipal and post-secondary organizations and Waterloo Region residents working together to create the conditions for immigrants to succeed and help build a welcoming, dynamic community.

City of London - Immigration Services

Assist immigrants by connecting them with services and providing information to raise awareness about services and accessibility.

The Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership (SL-LIP)

A community-wide, multi-sectoral partnership that works to increase collaboration between settlement agencies and smooth the settlement and integration experiences for newcomers.

The London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre

Focused on enriching community through services and advocacy, furthering the success and sense of belonging of newcomers and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The New Canadian Curling Club

Written by Mark Crawford

Directed by Jane

Spence

Set Designer

Beckie Morris

Stage Manager

Grace Batten

Costume Designer Alex Amini

Lighting Designer Jeff JohnstonCollins

Assistant Stage Manager Rebecca Miller

The Company (In alphabetical order)

Chiamaka Glory

John Jarvis

Zaynna Khalife

Andrew Prashad

Norman Yeung

The New Canadian Curling Club is produced by permission of the Playwright and Marquis Literary (Colin Rivers) www.MQlit.ca

The New Canadian Curling Club was commissioned and developed by the Blyth Festival, and premiered there on June 22, 2018.

Season Media Sponsor

Production Sponsor

Design Sponsors

Media Sponsor

the company (in alphabetical order)

Chiamaka Glory (Charmaine Bailey)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre (selected): White Heat (cue6/English Theater Berlin), The Revolutionists (Persephone Theatre), and The Bridge (2B/Neptune Theatre). Film/TV: Chiamaka is known for playing Adriana Duff on Pretty Hard Cases (CBC), and appears on Most Dangerous Game (CBS) and The Boys (Amazon). Chiamaka is an actor, writer, and director born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and raised in Toronto, Ontario. As a Dora-nominated actor and Gina Wilkinson shortlisted director, she has worked on stages across Canada. As a writer Chiamaka has been part of Factory and Obsidian Theatre’s playwright units, and is currently commissioned by Shakespeare in Action to write a new play for young audiences.

John Jarvis (Stuart MacPhail)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre (selected): Meet My Sister (Lighthouse Theatre), Orlando (Soulpepper Theatre), Birds and the Bees (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Spoon River and Of Human Bondage (Soulpepper Theatre/NYC), Jacob Marley and all the Ghosts Christmas Carol (Soulpepper), A Night’s Mare (Caravan Theatre). Film/TV: Casandra (CFC), Fellow Travellers (Showtime), Interrogation (Uncharted Media), Murdoch Mysteries (Shaftesbury/CBC), Mrs America (FX), Star Trek Shorts (CBS), Jupiter’s Legacy (Netflix). John has played in many theatres in Ontario, but never in Drayton. He is most thrilled to add it to his wonderful list.

Zaynna Khalife (Fatima Al-Sayed)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Mauve in Marcel Pursued by the Hounds (Pleiades Theatre), Fatima El-Sayed in The New Canadian Curling Club (Theatre Orangeville), Auctioneer in The ExBoyfriend Yard Sale (Soulpepper Theatre), Wanda in Wanda (Toronto Fringe Festival/Tarragon Theatre), Beatrice in A Servant of Two Masters (Erindale Studio Theatre), Pious in If We Were Birds (Erindale Studio Theatre), Juliet in Romeo and Juliet (Erindale Digital Studio Theatre). Film/TV: Mona in Dead End (Toronto Film School), Muna in Conversations with Plato (Toronto Arab Film Festival), Juliet and Desdemona in The Presidents Circle Shakespearean Showcase (Hart House/DUA). Happy to be here! @Zaynnak on Instagram/Facebook.

Andrew Prashad (Anoopjeet Singh)

Drayton Entertainment: Anything Goes. Other Theatre (selected): Riverdance World Tour, Sweeney Todd (Beadle/Talk Is Free Theatre), Once (Billy/Theatre St Johns), Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth/YPT), Cinderella (Boutons/Neptune Theatre). Film/TV (selected): Disney’s Spin, Hot Zone, Blues Clues, Larry (CBC/Radio Canada). Andrew is an award winning actor, singer, dancer, musician, composer, and writer. He is one of the leading Tap Dance artists in Canada. His critically acclaimed, multi-medium one-person show One Step At A Time chronicles his family’s journey with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. It recently played the Stratford Festival, and to date has raised $11,500 for SickKids & ErinOakKids. @andrewcprashad andrewprashad.com

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Rosencrantz in Hamlet, Constable in Death and the King’s Horseman (Stratford Festival), Chimerica (Royal MTC/Canadian Stage), The Kite Runner (Theatre Calgary/Citadel), The Canadian (Thousand Islands Playhouse). Film/TV: Resident Evil: Afterlife, Todd and the Book of Pure Evil, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Murdoch Mysteries, Rookie Blue. Playwright: Eunuch X Pirate (Playwright in Residence at Outside the March, Tyrone Guthrie Award), Theory (published by Playwrights Canada Press, The Voaden Prize, Carol Bolt Award nominee), Pu-Erh (Dora Award nominee, The Voaden Prize finalist), Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize finalist. Training: BFA Acting, UBC; BFA (Honours) Film, TMU. normanyeung.com

Norman Yeung (Mike Chang)

the creative team

Jane Spence (Director)

Drayton Entertainment: Mrs. Forsythe in Death of a Salesman, Mrs. Montgomery in The Heiress. Other Theatre (selected): Directing: Where You Are, On the Air, Halfway There (Lighthouse Theatre), Wildly Romantic (The Foster Festival), Ed’s Garage (Port Stanley Festival Theatre), The Birds and the Bees (Theatre Orangeville), The Julius Caesar Project (Spur of the Moment Shakespeare Company), The Question (Red Sandcastle Theatre), The Little Prince (Compass Theatre), The Exonerated (Vanier College), Best Director and Best Production winner for Auto-Erotic Misadventure (Pumphouse Festival of One Act plays). Jane is the Artistic Associate at Lighthouse Festival Theatre.

Beckie

Morris (Set Designer)

Drayton Entertainment: Jonas and Barry in the Home. Other Theatre: Sugar Road, Screwball Comedy, Gentleman Clothier, Queen Milli of Galt, Norman Bray in the Performance of his Life, On a First Name Basis, Miracle on 34th Street, Stag and Doe, Lunenburg, Little Women (Theatre Orangeville), Halfway There, On the Air, I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, Corpse!, On a First Name Basis (Lighthouse Festival Theatre), Jenny’s House of Joy (Foster Festival), Where You Are (Victoria Playhouse PEI), Guys and Dolls (Capitol Theatre). Beckie is so grateful, as always, to be working with such an amazing group of artists and craftspeople! beckiemorrisdesigns.ca

Alex Amini (Costume Designer)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre (selected): The Wild Party (Dora Nominee), Grey Gardens (Dora Nominee), Kelly V Kelly, Onegin, Fun Home, Next To Normal - Dora Nominee (Musical Stage Co.), To Life, The Jazz Singer, Brighton Beach Memoirs (The Harold Green Jewish Theatre), Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Beauty and the Beast (Port Hope Capitol Theatre). As always, thanks to Carmen for saving my life.

Jeff JohnstonCollins (Set Designer)

Drayton Entertainment (selected): Lights: Hairspray, Rock of Ages, Million Dollar Quartet, Canadian Legends, Legends … of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Twist & Shout, Spamalot, Miss Saigon, Dance Legends. Technical Director/ Lights: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Camelot (North American Tours). I am so happy to be back doing what I love. For over 30 years, I have created set & lighting designs for theatres across Canada, participated in the Edinburgh Festival, and operated my own scene shop in my hometown of Hamilton. Thank you to the entire Drayton Family for creating the magic of live Theatre. Love and thanks to the light of my life, my wife Susan for her constant support and encouragement. Enjoy!

Grace Batten (Stage Manager)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre (selected): Beneath Springhill, Same Time, Next Year, The 39 Steps, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Never Not Once, Where You Are, three years as Entertainment Technician for Carnival Cruise Lines. Since graduating from the University of Windsor School of Dramatic Art, Grace has worked at venues across North America, from Banff to Belize, on land and at sea. When she isn’t working, she can usually be found knitting or playing with random dogs. @woolngrace

Rebecca Miller (Assistant Stage Manager)

Drayton Entertainment: Beautiful: The Carole King Story, The Sweet Delilah Swim Club. Other Theatre (selected): Stage Manager: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Winnipeg), After the Dance (Shaw Festival), 2004 Canada Day on Parliament Hill (Ottawa), Arms and the Man (National Arts Centre/Citadel/Vancouver Playhouse).

Assistant Stage Manager: Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (8 years), Billy Elliot (Stratford Festival), Wonderful Town, She Loves Me, A Foggy Day (Shaw Festival), The Glass Menagerie (NAC/Mirvish), Canadian Tour of The Who’s Tommy (Mirvish). Lighting Design: Smarty Pants, We Will Rock You, Of Human Bondage (Magnus Theatre), CAPPIES Awards Gala (NAC/10 years), various POPS with National Arts Centre Orchestra.

Drayton Entertainment: Alex has directed over 100 productions for Drayton Entertainment and other theatre companies across Canada, including The Crooner, We’ll Meet Again, It Runs in the Family, Sorry, I’m Canadian 2, You’ll Get Used To It! ... The War Show, Rocky: The Musical, Rock of Ages, Million Dollar Quartet, 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 and Platinum Jubilee Medals, the Maggie Bassett Award from Theatre Ontario, and the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal.

Lounge pre-order

Skip the line and pre-order your treats for intermission. We’ve got a variety of snacks and beverages including smooth and delicious premium ice cream!

Alex Mustakas (Artistic Director)

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

Drayton Entertainment gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Region of Waterloo

Duty of Care

Drayton Entertainment’s number one priority is ensuring that everyone feels safe, comfortable, and confident with their decision to participate in programs at our theatre facilities. We have developed a comprehensive plan that adheres to local and provincial health guidelines. Should the local, provincial and/or federal government make amendments to their mandates, government legislation will supersede this policy.

We have been awarded a Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council / Tourism Industry Association of Ontario for adopting proper, standardized health and hygiene protocols.

GENERAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

Vaccination Status

There are no vaccination requirements to attend our performances. Should government regulations change, Drayton Entertainment must comply with Province of Ontario and public health guidelines that are in effect at the time of the performance.

Masks

We continue to encourage masking for anyone that wishes to wear one; it is not a requirement to attend our performances. The Government of Ontario advises all Ontarians to wear a tightfitting, well-constructed mask in crowded indoor public spaces, especially those at higher risk of severe infection.

Auditorium Capacity Limits

Drayton Entertainment is offering a number of Reduced Capacity performances for each production staged during the 2023 Season. The maximum capacity for these select performances is 66% (1/3 reduction). The audience capacity for each performance is marked in the show calendar.

Screening

As a courtesy to fellow theatregoers, anyone entering a Drayton Entertainment facility is strongly encouraged to self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19. If an individual has symptoms of COVID-19 and tests positive, they shall stay home.

ARRIVAL

Timing

Arrive early! The auditorium opens 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.

Ticket scanning

Patrons may choose print-at-home tickets or bring their e-tickets on their mobile device on the day of the performance. Mailed tickets are also available.

Lounge Services

Patrons may purchase drinks and snacks before the performance and during intermission to enjoy

inside the theatre. We encourage pre-ordering intermission drinks and snacks before the show to reduce line-ups. Items will be waiting for you at the pre-assigned number.

Assistive Listening

Complimentary assistive listening devices are cleaned with minimum 70% isopropyl alcohol between uses.

WHILE AT THE THEATRE

Cleaning

Enhanced cleaning measures have been put into place before, during and after each performance including increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces. The use of electrostatic sprayers allow for an even coat on various surfaces, ensuring a more thorough disinfection. Our cleaning team regularly sanitizes common contact surfaces and washrooms.

HVAC / Air flow / Ventilation

Our theatres are equipped with modern mechanical ventilation systems that exchange the air in our public spaces every 15 minutes. We equip our HVAC systems with high quality filters to capture particles and clean the air. Our units are operating 24/7 to ensure fresh filtered air is in all public spaces at all times.

Directional Signage

Single direction foot traffic is in place in high traffic areas, such as washrooms and lounge ordering.

Sanitation Stations

Hand sanitizer is available at designated points throughout the venue.

Plexiglas Barriers

Barriers have been installed at our bars and box offices.

House Programs

Performance programs are available digitally to ticket purchasers and issued by email prior to the performance. They are also available online at www.draytonentertainment.com. This is part of our effort to reduce our carbon footprint.

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).

Scenic Painters employed by Drayton Entertainment are represented by Local 828 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

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/members

Salute to our Members

PLANNED GIVING CONTRIBUTIONS

Mary Burdon, London

Frederick (Skip) & Sharon Dixon, Livonia

Ed & Wilk Gillin, Norwich

Frank Parks, Waterloo

Thomas Holloway, Oakville

Mary Eleanor Miller, London

Terrence John O’Neil, London

Donna Querengesser, Kitchener

Kay Stallard, London

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

In Memory of Mary Burdon

In Memory of Margaret Campbell

In Memory of Ray Daniels

In Memory of Ella Douglas

In Memory of Nuala Freund

In Memory of John Kerr

In Memory of Joyce Ferguson

In Memory of Barbara Knight

In Memory of Bob McQuigge

In Memory of Reta Smith

In Memory of Carole A. Welch

In Memory of Phyllis Wilkins

BENEFACTOR MEMBERS:

$1,000 - 5,000+

Douglas & Joan Bailey, Barrie

Mary Boucher, Waterloo

Brad Carr & Susan Wagler, West Montrose

Valerie Cook, Burlington

Emma Dundon, Kitchener

Cheryl Elliott, Brantford

Margaret Forwell, St Clements

Phil & Debbie Gleeson, Elmira

Barbara & Gary Hall, Guelph

Brenda & Len Jewitt, Waterloo

Howard Jones, Waterloo

Frederick & Dianne Joyner, Brantford

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 May 1, 2023, 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

CONFERENCE & MEETING SPACE

• Fundraisers

• Day Trips

• Seniors Groups

• Red Hat Society

• Community Clubs

• and more!

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.

For space availability, rental estimates, reservations, technical specifications, and further information, please contact:

Karen De Iuliis, Group Sales and Facility Rentals

Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 246

Email: 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.

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’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.

Drayton Entertainment Staff

Audio Assistant/Operator Nicholas Wadel-Turcotte

PROPS

Head of Props .......................................................................................................................... Kat Theriault

Senior Props Assistant ........................................................................................................Charlene Payette

Props Assistants ....................................................................................... Josiah Bosse, Daijah Clement-Day

SCENIC PAINT

Senior Scenic Painters Frank Crickmore, Kristen McCormick

Junior Scenic Painter Janine Oblak

BOX OFFICE

(Acting) Box Office Manager Laurie Castro

Box Office Supervisor Paige Corriveau

Local Box Office Staff ........................... Stacy Bastiaansen, Katie Ferguson, Yvonne Pelletier, Petra Aisenpreis

Year-Round Box Office Staff ........................... Jenna DeGraaf, Aly Hill, Lyne Lemaire-Harnack, Amanda Howe, Zoha Kan, Kayden McKeown, Yvonne Schieck, Tracy Novak

FACILITY (HURON COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE - SOUTH HURON STAGE)

Facility Manager Brooklyn Mitchell

Front of House Managers ..................................................................................... Stephanie Smith, Gary Wood

Bartenders ........................................................................................................... Jordan Clarke, Abby Verberne

Custodian C.C.C. Cleaning Company

Spotlight on Sponsorship

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

King’s Wharf Theatre

Drayton Festival Theatre

Huron Country Playhouse

Family Theatre

St. Jacobs Country Playhouse Auditorium Naming Sponsor

The Carr

Huron Country Playhouse Auditorium Naming Sponsor

Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Auditorium Naming Sponsor

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.

Shop with

Shop with Us

Region’s largest selection of Home Decor & Furnishings for every room in your home!

Located directly beside the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse

Region’s largest selection of Home Decor & Furnishings for every room in your home!

30 Benjamin Rd.

Waterloo, ON N2V 2J9 (519) 746-0060

30 Benjamin Rd.

Waterloo, ON N2V 2J9 (519) 746-0060

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send us a review

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JANUARY 28 TO 31, 2024

FERN RESORT

Winter Getaway

Join us on a fun-filled getaway and enjoy all the luxuries that Fern Resort has to offer including easily accessible and comfortable accommodation, great meals, first-rate service and more!

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 3 nights in a cozy room with a fireplace

• All meals (alcoholic beverages not included)

• Optional activities inside and outdoors

• Drayton Entertainment Cabarets

• Comfortable motorcoach transportation

PRICE:

Double Occupancy: $1,525 incl. HST

Single Occupancy: $1,725 incl. HST

Self-Drive Double Occupancy: $1,399 incl. HST

Self-Drive Single Occupancy: $1,599 incl. HST

Ask us about full details and restrictions!

Performer