Showplace Showcases Results From $66,000 Grant By Ontario Government For Post-Pandemic Impact

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith saw the work of a $66,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant for the Showplace Performance Centre to develop a new strategic plan for moving forward past the impacts created by the pandemic, on Thursday.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This funding from the Provincial Government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, has played a crucial role in the strategic planning of Showplace Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This Performance Centre is a cornerstone of our community, providing arts, culture, and live entertainment for individuals of all ages.”

The 18-month grant has allowed Showplace to bring in outside expertise to develop the plan and help with the costs of hosting focus meetings and helping with promotion and administrative costs.

Ken Doherty, past board chair, presented the plan to an audience, unveiling a new vision, mission and values to carry Showplace into its next era as Peterborough’s premier destination for arts, culture and live entertainment.

“The Ontario Trillium Foundation knows that Showplace helps local artists thrive. Our new strategic plan, with concrete actions and measurable results, will see Showplace grow to be an even more vibrant part of our community,” said Doherty. “As we look to the future, partners like Trillium will help us engage new audiences and hold our spot as Peterborough’s premier choice for live entertainment.”

The full plan can be viewed below:

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces New Year Production 'Outside Mullingar' For January/February

The Peterborough Theatre Guild’s first production of the new year, ‘Outside Mullingar’ has been announced with 10 shows scheduled spanning from late January to early February.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Shows are occurring on Jan. 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and Feb. 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 at the Peterborough Theatre Guild. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., while matinees (Jan. 26, Feb. 2) are at 2 p.m.

Anthony and Rosemary are two introverted misfits straddling 40. Anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural Ireland, a state of affairs that—due to his painful shyness—suits him well. Rosemary lives right next door, determined to have him, watching the years slip away. With Anthony’s father threatening to disinherit him and a land feud simmering between their families, Rosemary has every reason to fear romantic catastrophe. In this very Irish story with a surprising depth of poetic passion, the journey of eccentric souls is heartbreaking, funny as hell, and ultimately deeply moving. Outside Mullingar is a compassionate, delightful work about how it’s never too late to take a chance on love.

Tickets range from $20 to $30 (including fees) and are available online or by phone at (705) 745-4211.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces 'Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical' As Next Production For November/December

The Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced its next production, ‘Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical’ which will run 9 shows spanning late November and early December.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Shows are occurring on Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. while matinees (Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 and 8) are at 2 p.m. at the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Dorothy Gale has made her way to the end of the Yellow Brick Road and the wonderful Wizard of Oz is just about to help her get back home to Kansas. But before she can hop into the wizard’s balloon, another whirlwind appears over the Emerald City, sweeping Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion away to Wonderland. Equipped with their new assets — brains, heart and courage — Dorothy’s friends try to help her find her way home, meeting many other interesting characters along the way, including Alice, the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, March Hare, the Cheshire Cat and many more. They also must face a dangerous new foe — the Queen of Hearts.

Tickets are $15 for any seat and are available online or by phone at (705) 745-4211.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

The Chemong Portage 'Right of Way' Project Installation Nears Completion

A new public art installation, Right of Way, featuring work from Indigenous artists celebrating the traditional Chemong Portage route, is being installed and will be completed this month.

Right of Way is the latest project funded through the City of Peterborough’s Public Art Program. File Photo.

It is a commemorative project featuring works by Indigenous artists Tia Cavanagh, David Beaucage Johnson, Yvonne Garbutt, William Kingfisher, Josh Morley and Nuin Tara Wilson.

The City of Peterborough commissioned the artists to create original artwork for vinyl wraps to be installed on traffic signal cabinets and electrical supply boxes at intersections close to what is thought to be the traditional route of the Chemong Portage. Each artwork represents a traveller on the route. Together, the project tells the portage story and makes history visible says Shelley M. Knott, the City's Advisor, Indigenous Relations.

“Right of Way serves as a powerful bridge between past and present, visually highlighting deep connections to land and space while honouring Indigenous people along the historic Chemong Portage,” she said. “It invites both residents and visitors to connect with and respect the enduring legacy of this route.”

The route begins at Dalhousie and George Streets and continues north through downtown, crossing intersections along George and Water Streets until it reaches Brock Street. From there, it veers west, weaving to Parkhill and Chemong roads. It then follows Chemong Road to Broadway Boulevard.

“Public art transforms everyday spaces into places of meaning and connection. Right of Way beautifies our city and honours the stories and culture of the Indigenous peoples who travelled the Chemong Portage. It’s a celebration of history, told in vivid, modern form, that invites everyone to reflect and engage,” said Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Lesley Parnell.

Installation began in September and is expected to be completed in mid-November.

Finishing touches include mounting an information panel and portage map at each intersection. The panel also features links to an audio recording of ‘The Story of the Chemong Portage’ by Gidigaa Miigizi (Doug Williams), read by Anne Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation. The recording is in Anishinaabemowin and English. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces Fall Production 'Mary's Wedding' For 10 Shows In October and November

Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced its second production of the season, ‘Mary's Wedding' with ten dates slated for October and November, announced on Monday.

Justine Christensen as Mary/Flowers (left) and Eddie Sweeney as Charlie (right). Photo courtesy and PeterborougH Theatre Guild.

Two matinee shows are at 2 p.m. and evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. Opening night begins on Oct. 25, and the final show is on Nov. 9.

The show runs on the following dates: Oct. 25, 26, 27* 31, Nov. 1, 2, 3* 7, 8, and 9.

*denotes matinee performances

Stephen Massicotte wrote the production, which is described as a ‘beautiful play with a heart as big as the skies’ that serves as its stage. According to a press release, Mary’s Wedding is an epic, unforgettable story of love, hope, and survival.

The play is directed by Jane Werger and produced by Jennifer Gruer.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors and $20 for students. They can be purchased by calling (705) 745-4211 or visiting Peterborough Theatre Guild’s website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

The Art School of Peterborough Hosting An Anniversary Celebration With a 30-Year Milestone

The Art School of Peterborough is celebrating its 30th anniversary in style on Sept. 21 from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Mount Community Centre.

For 30 years, The Art School of Peterborough as a not for profit organization has offered the Peterborough community opportunities to explore their creativity and build their visual art skills. Photo courtesy of the Mount COmmunity Centre.

The event will have all current and previous students with supportive community members with the event open to anyone.

Light refreshments, interactive live art, a photo booth, a DJ and a cash bar will be at the festivities.

It will also showcase a variety of the students’s work of art. Calendars are available for pre-orders and for pick up during the event. They are be $30 each.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Electric City Culture Council Name Recipient of Bierk Art Bursary

The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has awarded the 2024 Bierk Art Bursary for Post-Secondary Studies in Visual Arts, Media Arts, Architecture and Design to Victoria Nunez.

Bierk Art Bursary 2024 recipient Victoria Nunez. The Bierk Art Bursary Program was established to recognize arts champion and supporter Liz Bierk, and to honour the contributions she and her husband, painter David Bierk, made to the arts in Peterborough. Photo courtesy of the Electric City Culture Council.

Nunez is graduating from Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School and will pursue a Bachelor of Interior Design at Humber College in the fall.

This $1,000 bursary is awarded to graduating Peterborough-area high school art students whose work demonstrates great promise (artistic merit) and who are committed to pursuing further studies at the post-secondary level in the visual arts, media arts, architecture, or design. 

“Victoria Nunez impressed the Selection Committee (distinguished artists and teachers, Cyd Hosker and Spencer Harrison) with her clearly demonstrated interest in examining design and the interior spacial elements of architecture,” said Su Ditta, EC3 executive director. “She will clearly benefit from all the possibilities the Humber program offers and we wish her every success.”

Wells Cathedral. All photos courtesy of Electric City Culture Council.

Christmas Ornaments.

Shower Head.

Nunez will be recognized and the bursary will be officially presented at the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts at the Canadian Canoe Museum on Oct. 10.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Six Shows Unveiled For Peterborough Theatre Guild's 2024-25 Season Lineup

The Peterborough Theatre Guild (PTG) has unveiled six shows and seven staged readings for their upcoming 2024-2025 season.

Graphic by Mark Dizon.

Shows announced for this seasons are Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Dorothy in Wonderland, Mary’s Wedding, How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, Ghost Story, Outside Mullingar and Silent Sky.

“Through the love of live theatre, we look forward to sharing in the power of storytelling and music,” said Kate Suhr of PTG.

The following are each show’s dates and details (all bolded dates denote matinee shows with a 2 p.m. start, 7:30 p.m. for all other shows):

How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse by Ben Muir and Ghost Story by Marni Walsh

Director: Margaret Monis / Producers: Marion Griffin and Cynthia Wardrope

• Dates: Sept. 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 Oct. 3, 4 and 5

Ghost Story (two one-acts on the same evening with How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse):

Director: Lee Bolton / Producers: Jen Eve

• Dates: Sept. 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, Oct. 3, 4 and 5

Mary’s Wedding by Stephen Massicotte

Director: Jane Werger / Producer: Jennifer Gruer

• Dates: Oct. 25, 26, 27 31, Nov. 1, 2, 3 7, 8 and 9

Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical by Brian D. Taylor:

Director: Sarah Rogers / Producers Marion Griffin and Cynthia Wardrope

• Dates: Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8

Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley:

Director: Jerry Allen / Producers: Pat Hooper and Bob Campbell

• Dates: Jan. 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, Feb. 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8

Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson:

Director: Bea Quarrie / Producer: Ina Stenner

• Dates: Mar. 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, Apr. 3, 4 and 5

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Music by Andrew Lloyd Weber

Lyrics by Tim Rice

*All shows at Showplace Performance Centre

Director: Robert Ainsworth / Producer: Margaret Pieper

• Dates: April 25, 26, 27 and 30. May 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ticket Prices:

Full Length:

• Adult - $30.00 Seniors $27.00 Students: $20.00

• Musical - Adult: $42.00 Seniors $37.00 Students: $27.00

• Family - All Tickets: $15.00

• Staged Readings - All Tickets: $12

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

SPARK Photo Festival to Conclude Its 12-Year Run

After 12 years of showcasing photography, the Board has decided the 2024 festival was the final SPARK Photo Festival, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival.

A press release issued the following statement:

“The mission of SPARK was to celebrate photography and the artists and enthusiasts behind the camera lens. The Festival introduced accessibility for photographers to have venues to display their art and for the audience to discover it. Right here in our region tens of thousands of visitors experienced printed and digital photography from hundreds of local photographers. Exhibits were mounted in traditional galleries and studios, and also in unexpected places such as shops, cafes, libraries, community centres, and even in the great outdoors.

Like many arts and cultural efforts today, SPARK has encountered financial pressures that do not appear to be resolvable over the next few years. Instead of potentially entering negative cash flow territory, the SPARK Board decided it would be preferable to exit following a strong run of eleven successful festivals.”

To view archive exhibit pages, virtual exhibits and past Festival catalogues, viewers can go online before July 20.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Museum and Archives Celebrates China With “Chinese Languages in Canada” Exhibit

The Peterborough Museum & Archives will host an exhibit, ‘Chinese languages in Canada,’ to celebrate its richness, organized by the Canadian Language Museum in the Heideman exhibit space from June 22 to Sept. 15.

File Photo.

Since 1788, Chinese languages have been integral to Canadian society, enriching its cultural tapestry. Over 1.4 million people across every province and territory speak Chinese languages.

The exhibit allows visitors to see the historical journey of Chinese languages in Canada, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka and others. Visitors will be able to hear the different languages, learn about their impacts on Canadian culture and enjoy engaging interactive displays. The PMA will also feature the story of early Chinese immigration to Peterborough and their long-standing contributions to our local community.

As part of opening day celebrations, the Museum will also offer themed crafts and family-friendly activities from noon until 5 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.