ST. JACOBS – In September 2023, Drayton Entertainment was awarded a $100,000 capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to improve accessibility for theatre-goers and community members at the Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre, St. Jacobs.
“I am thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for making local culture and arts operators and venues a priority here in Waterloo Region,” said Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris.
“Drayton Entertainment has been an advocate for inclusive and accessible community spaces, and I’m extremely pleased they will be putting the funds to great use locally at the Schoolhouse Theatre.”
The grant supports the expansion and redesign of the theatre’s washroom facilities to better serve seniors, disabled people, families with young children, and non-binary people.
The new washrooms are an integral component of a larger $1 million renovation primarily focused on front-of-house amenities and backstage functionality to better support the scale and scope of Drayton Entertainment’s live theatre programming, and improve overall accessibility.
Construction began in January and was completed prior to the theatre’s 2024 season, which includes The Marvelous Wonderettes, Dear Jack Dear Louise, and Merry & Bright.
The renovation supports the expansion of theatre programming and community events year-round, with attendance expected to grow to over 20,000 annually, officials state.
“Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Drayton Entertainment will meet the needs of audiences, today and in the future, at a time when having access to the arts is more important than ever,” said Drayton Entertainment volunteer board chair Willy Heffner.
Over the past several years, Drayton Entertainment has reconfigured front-of-house amenities at its theatres in Cambridge, St. Jacobs and Grand Bend, so that all venues are equipped with universal and accessible washrooms – an integral part of the award-winning, not-for-profit charitable organization’s ongoing commitment to affordability, accessibility and social inclusion.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Drayton Entertainment deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho.
“That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come.”
