The federal government has announced $359,000 in funding for theatre upgrades and new equipment at three Drayton Entertainment venues.
“This is an exciting day for our organization,” said artistic director Alex Mustakas.
“This project is unique in that it will directly pay dividends for multiple communities in Ontario and also elevate our ability to develop exciting new artistic opportunities that will attract new visitors to these areas.”
Mustakas added the grant, which was “in the works” for about a year, represents about half of the overall cost of the projects, expected to total $718,000.
The other half will come from Drayton Entertainment’s own fundraising efforts.
Mustakas told the Advertiser about $47,500 of the grant will be spent on the Drayton Festival Theatre ($95,000 total project cost), while about $16,000 will go to the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene ($32,000 total cost) and about $295,500 to the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend ($591,000 total cost).
He noted the major renovations at the Drayton theatre are now completed, and the federal grant will go towards replacing “archaic” sound and lighting equipment and adding a stage lift at that theatre, Mustakas said.
“This is going to really elevate the experience for our patrons, and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” said Mustakas.
For more information visit draytonentertainment.com.
