NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD
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The Town of Collingwood can now add Theatre Manager to its list of services provided. Recently, the Town was presented with the opportunity to assume management of the Simcoe Street Theatre owned by Rick and Anke Lex.
The SST is a 100-seat theatre, equipped for sound production and stage lighting, adjoined by a gallery space that serves as the lobby for the theatre. The theatre has been home to a variety of town productions and events, including the Collingwood Live and Original Music Initiative and the Creative Collingwood Symposium.
Beyond the town, the theatre has attracted some of the finest musicians and post eclectic productions of stage and cinema that are available. The gallery displays artists’ works, welcoming visitors to the intimate and engaging performance space.
"Anke and I are very pleased to start a new chapter of this intimate and loved theatre,” said Rick Lex. “The partnership with the Town will broaden the scope and reach of the space while allowing us to focus on continuing to bring in top musicians and fringe theatre.”
A key component of the mandate implemented by the department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture is to promote and provide resources to support the Arts and Culture community of Collingwood and the new partnership with the SST will contribute to that.
“PRC is constantly seeking new ways to provide development opportunities for artists and creators from a number of disciplines,” said PRC Director Dean Collver. “The Simcoe Street Theatre is a well established performance venue and due to its size and AODA compliancy, offers ideal spaces to encourage creativity in a variety of forms.”
The two-year pilot project launched on Feb. 1 with the Parks Recreation and Culture department taking on the role of managing the theatre.
There are already a number of performances scheduled for the theatre including the play Marion Bridge presented by Gaslight Productions, Theatre Collingwood’s March Break camp and Cuban-Canadian harmonica player, Carlos del Junco.
The theatre will also host the PRC-produced 2018 Collingwood Live and Original Music Initiative, which continues to gain momentum and recognition for being symbolic of Collingwood’s commitment to music and the arts. To facilitate the development of new music, Music Lab Mondays will kick-off in April and take place the third Monday evening per month until September.
To inquire about renting the Simcoe Street Theatre, contact the PRC Customer Service desk at 705-444-2500 ext. 3382 or email [email protected].
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