Steven Karcher calls a recent $600,000 grant from the provincial and federal governments a “terrific legacy” for the Drayton Festival Theatre.
“It will enhance the overall experience of the theatre,” said Karcher, executive director of Drayton Entertainment.
The grant is part of a larger $18-million investment split evenly between the federal and provincial governments and the City of Cambridge.
The overall project includes three components: a brand new performing arts complex in Cambridge, the consolidation of Drayton Entertainment’s production and administration facilities into one building, and upgrades to the Drayton theatre and other existing venues.
Karcher explained the Drayton funding, announced on May 29, will help cover brick work on 25% of the exterior of the building, improvements to exterior landscaping and walkways to help address accessibility, a reconfiguration of office space in the building and minor modifications to the stage area.
“There’s basically a laundry list of small deficiencies,” said Karcher.
The township received a $100,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation last November to help improve accessibility and cover some brick re-pointing (the original application was for $150,000).
But that grant was not nearly enough to cover the required work, Karcher explained. So the new grant will help cover the shortfall and also facilitate other upgrades, he said.
Perth-Wellington MP Gary Schellenberger, who noted he always enjoys his trips to the Drayton theatre, said infrastructure like roads and bridges are very important, but cultural institutions like theatres should not be overlooked.
Karcher said while the grant is from the provincial and federal governments ($300,000 each), Mapleton Township, which owns the building, is also involved with sidewalk work outside the theatre. Plus, volunteers with the Friends of the Drayton Festival Theatre will also contribute to theatre upgrades.
Together, Karcher said, the four groups will contribute about $800,000 towards theatre improvements when all is said and done.
MPP John Wilkinson said everyone loves Drayton and its theatre, but the funding will ensure “much needed improvements” can proceed as soon as possible to make the venue more modern and accessible for its 60,000 annual visitors.
Mayor John Green announced that up until last year the Drayton theatre group had not received any grants.
“We’re very proud of that,” Green said, noting there are likely no other theatre groups in the nation that can make the same claim.
The mayor said it has been interesting to watch Drayton Entertainment evolve from a single venue in Drayton that welcomed about 9,000 people in 1991 to the current six venues, which annually boast over 200,000 visitors – making it the third largest theatre group in Ontario.
Bruce Schieck, president of Drayton Entertainment’s board of directors, called the grant a win-win for everyone involved and said the money will ensure the theatre remains a cornerstone of the community.
“Simply put, this is a great investment in our future,” Schieck said.
He also noted it’s important to recognize the original contribution of local residents – about $100,000 – which got the theatre started in the first place.
