Theatre Orangeville: A Stage for Canadian Voices and Community Connections | Written By: Lindsay W. (Dufferin Board of Trade)
Live theatre has been a unifying artform since ancient Greece, with its core values still holding true to this day. Theatre Orangeville has been an arts and culture landmark in Dufferin County for 30 years, bringing artistic vibrancy and entertainment to the community. Established as a professional theatre in 1994 following the restoration of Orangeville’s town hall building, Theatre Orangeville initially began as a summer theatre. However, as tourism increased in the fall and winter months, it became clear that a year-round theatre was more sustainable.
David Nairn, Theatre Orangeville’s Artistic Director for 25 years, explains that the theater’s mandate is to support Canadian playwriters and amplify their stories. “We only do works that are written, composed, or adapted by Canadians,” he adds, “which automatically gives us a very unique and very local perspective.” This includes the upcoming 2024 – 2025 season, featuring five varying performances for all audiences to enjoy. Outside of the main season, the Summer Arts Festival presents shows from Toronto’s Fringe Festival, bringing unique and diverse voices to Dufferin County.
“I just love what I do. That’s never work when you love what you do.”
In addition to their fall-to-spring season, Theatre Orangeville offers a range of youth programs, including summer programs, after-school programs, the young company, Theatre Orangeville Youth Singers (also known as TOYS), school performances, and various workshops. “It’s about providing different creative opportunities for young people and broadening their horizons,” David says. These programs are accessible to anyone interested, with David emphasizing, “We are committed to ensuring no child is denied access to these programs due to financial restraints or any other reasons.”
Theatre Orangeville is deeply rooted in Dufferin County’s community, and its success is due to the support and involvement of residents and external patrons. “The reason why the Theatre exists is because of the support from the community,” David says. Dufferin County is a highly creative community with a vibrant arts and culture scene that attracts people from all surrounding areas, reflecting the diversity of the community and celebrating the unique identity of the region. “Our task as an organization is to inform the community of other stories that are not necessarily their story or their point of view,” David explains.
“Dufferin County is one of the most creative communities in Canada, so I think it’s important we share their stories.”
As Theatre Orangeville grows with the community, they aim to continue supporting the county’s expansion as a hub for Canadian arts and culture, helping to realize its full potential as a destination for arts, culture, and sustainable living. “As the company moves forward it becomes better at sharing those stories and encouraging others to write their own stories down,” David says. All while listening to the needs and desires of the community, providing opportunities for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard.
Theatre Orangeville’s ability to enrich and engage its audiences, whether through joyful or thought-provoking stories, is its greatest value and purpose. “For patrons traveling from out of town, or even within town, we want audiences leaving the Theatre engaged and enriched,” David exclaims. “As long as the company continues to listen to the needs of the community, it will grow, and our opportunities will grow.”