Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, announced on July 11 the Dunfield Theatre in Cambridge will be renamed the Hamilton Family Theatre in recognition of the sustained support of local philanthropists John and Terry Hamilton.
The new name will take effect for the 2018 season and “is an exciting benchmark for family philanthropy in Cambridge,” the organization states in a press release.
Shiplake Properties assumed the original naming rights for the theatre in 2013, as a brand extension of the Dunfield Retirement Residence. The Toronto-based company sold the building to Revera last summer, and it was subsequently renamed Granite Landing. The naming rights did not transfer with the new ownership.
With Shiplake Properties no longer operating in Cambridge, Drayton Entertainment and its angel investor were able to come to swift and amicable terms on an exit strategy, Mustakas confirmed.
“This has been a tremendous partnership based on mutual respect, professionalism and synergy for the past five seasons,” says Mustakas. “We will be forever grateful to Shiplake for making such a major investment in the cultural life of Cambridge during these formative years.”
The Hamilton Family initially contributed $500,000 in 2013 during the theatre’s inaugural season, in exchange for naming the auditorium. They have since pledged another $500,000 to assume the exclusive 20-year venue naming rights, valued at $1 million.
“We are humbled to be the beneficiary of visionary donors like John and Terry Hamilton, who recognize the value arts and culture bring to the community,” says Neil Aitchison, president of Drayton Entertainment’s volunteer board of directors.
