CENTRE WELLINGTON – On World Theatre Day (March 27), the Fergus Grand Theatre unveiled the artists and shows that will be part of its 2024-25 presenting season, simply entitled “Presenting with Purpose.”
Patrons were treated to sneak previews of upcoming shows from the Elora Community Theatre and the Centre Wellington Children’s Drama Club, and were on hand for the announcement of the 2020-23 winners of the Lis Pieper Award, which honours long-service to members of the performing arts community in Centre Wellington.
Because this was the first time in four years that the award was given out, there was some catching up to do, and four people were given awards.
Gerard Gouthro was recognized for his many years of writing and directing plays for the Centre Wellington Children’s Drama Club, David Tanner for the wide variety of skills he brings to shows with the Elora Community Theatre, FGT Volunteer Bill Longshaw for his work as the theatre’s unofficial archival photographer, and Rob Klein for his three decades of service to the theatre as an event technician.
Also on hand were some of Lis Pieper’s family members who, along with Elora Community Theatre president Deb Stanson and vice president Jim Monaghan, gave moving tributes to Lis and her legacy of service to the local theatre community.
“This was a special night” said Theatre Coordinator Eric Goudie.
“There were some laughs, some tears, some great performances, and on top of it all, we got to announce a wonderful upcoming season. You could just feel the energy in the room.”
The “Presenting with Purpose” season launches on Sept. 28 with Ashara, a blend of traditional Scottish folk and Jamaican Reggae from visionary artist Jason Wilson, who was last at the Fergus Grand with Soldiers of Song: A Tribute to the Dumbbells.
Other shows include The Canadian Improv Showcase, Molly’s Comedy Cabaret, and rising country music sensation Callie McCullough, among others. The season concludes with Canadian folk icon Valdy.
Tickets for all shows are now on sale, and are available in the box office, by phone at 519-787-1981, or online at fergusgrandtheatre.ca.
