This is the twenty-second in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we profile Theatre Tillsonburg.
Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why?
Theatre Tillsonburg was founded in 1981 by the following people: Tom Heeney, Dennis Noonan, Laurel Beechey, Peter Beechey, Darlene Murray, and Lorne Boyd.
This group of people came together to create a local theatre group with a Board of Directors, a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers with no paid staff, dedicated to crafting good, wholesome entertainment. The first shows were presented in the local community centre, until the spring of 1990, when the current building was purchased. Numerous renovations were required to transform the former Hungarian Hall into the theatre it is today. Once the building was purchased, the group wanted to distinguish between the group and the building, so a contest was held to name the building. The winning name was The Otter Valley Playhouse, and the person who chose the name received a lifetime supply of theatre tickets, which she continues to use today.
Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both?
Theatre Tillsonburg is a not-for-profit community theatre.
Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?
All Theatre Tillsonburg shows are staged in the Otter Valley Playhouse.
Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose?
The Mission of the theatre shall be to provide a creative outlet and venue for quality entertainment and opportunities for education in areas of theatre craft for members and the surrounding community.
The Purpose of the theatre is to:
- Promote and develop amateur theatre in Tillsonburg and surrounding communities.
- Provide the community with a year-round schedule of live theatre to enrich the cultural life and serve the entertainment needs of the community.
- Welcome and provide a vocational opportunity for all volunteers interested in the theatre arts to participate in the many activities of community theatre.
- Assist other dramatic and cultural groups in the community, as well as cooperate with other theatres within and beyond our community.
- Accept gifts, bequests, donations, and legacies, and expend all monies received to promote the Theatre and its objectives.
- Maintain in a safe and functional manner and provide improvements to the building owned by the theatre.
- Remain an amateur and not-for-profit organization.
Q. Does your company have a Board and paid staff?
We have a Board of Directors, and there are no permanent paid staff members.
Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme?
Our 25/26 season consists of the following three plays:
Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – November 20-30, 2025
Hilda’s Yard – February 18-March 1, 2026
Having Hope at Home – May 28 – June 7, 2026.
It is a season for everyone. We also run a summer camp for children.
Q. What show(s) will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Could you tell me a little bit about each?
Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is a festive comedy full of mischief, music, and holiday magic! A mouse, an elf, and a spunky young girl team up to help Santa save Christmas in this wildly entertaining holiday adventure. Packed with clever wordplay, wild characters, and heartwarming cheer, it’s the perfect outing for the whole family.
Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it?
We have had patrons and cast members come from London, and we are thrilled to be part of an integrated community theatre experience.
For more information about Theatre Tillsonburg, visit https://www.theatretillsonburg.com/
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The Beat Magazine 2025 