(Pictured: Cora Linden, Over the Hedge, Collaged paper on wood panel, 12″h x 12″w x 1″d. Courtesy of the artist.)
Cora Linden is a mixed media artist and a long-time fixture in the London art scene. She is known for her unique two and three-dimensional assemblages into which she incorporates repurposed materials, specialty papers, and distinctive textural elements.
Linden’s work is driven by a few core principles. First, anything can be transformed into an art supply. Perhaps the weirdest thing she’s repurposed is a cracked beaver skull. She believes creativity thrives in resourcefulness. This is evident in her one-of-a-kind pieces. Linden rejects the idea that people should settle for mass-produced décor and believes that art should be accessible to all. She seeks diverse audiences and places. This is why Linden’s work can be found at craft markets and at conventions in addition to traditional galleries.
(Cora Linden, Breaking Through, PVC with collaged paper & thread, 26″h X 16″w x 6″d. Courtesy of the artist.)
At this time, Linden continues to work on her Human Evolution series. The first piece, titled Breaking Through, with its bold vertical stripes and collaged excerpts from a vintage medical reference book, was exhibited at the Pride London Art Show 2025. In the text, a male doctor explains three types of women. Linden says, “The ideas are incredibly outdated now.” The piece illustrates how one’s true nature inevitably overtakes the path prescribed by so-called experts. Linden promises there will be more pieces in this series in 2026.
(Pictured: Cora Linden, Horn Solo, horn with faux florals in wooden frame, 15″h x10″w x 2.25″d. Courtesy of the artist.)
Compiled by Richard Young, Publisher & Content Manager, The Beat Magazine 2025
This is the first in a series of weekly features highlighting selected arts and culture events in the London area. What better way to begin than with International Artists Day, celebrated annually on October 25th!
Continuing Art Exhibitionsin the London Area
There is a lot of great art being exhibited in London area galleries. Let’s take a look at some of it.
The Simple Reflections Art Exhibition continues at TAP Centre for Creativity until November 1, while over at Westland Gallery, The Root of Wisdom featuring works by Clara Kim and Christopher Cape closes Saturday, October 25. Maritime Minute, featuring works by West Coast artist Les Ramsay, continues to October 30 at Forest City Gallery,
The Vice-President’s Day Quilts Throughout the Years exhibition runs to November 1 at the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre, while works by Lyn Carter and Aiden Urquhart are on display at the Woodstock Art Gallery. At Museum London, the new permanent collection exhibition All Around Me, All Around You still features Canadian artworks and historical artifacts from the museum’s collection.
The Benz Gallery’s “Scared Stiff” Halloween Exhibition continues during our regular hours until October 31st. Stop by to collect or just get into the spirit!
The Gallery Painting Group’s Art Show and Sale opens tonight at 5 p.m. and continues to Sunday at 3 p.m. at First-St, Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Ave. in London.
(“Bridge Robin”, coloured pencil on Museum Board, 12 by 12 inches by Beth Stewart)
You can find Beth Stewart’s reviews of some of these exhibitions elsewhere on The Beat Magazine 2025 website.
You Want Theatre? We’ve Got Theatre!
If you are craving some live local theatre, there is lots to choose from this weekend.
The hilarious The Play That Goes Wrong continues at the Grand Theatre until November 2, while sold-out performances of Infuse Productions’ The Rocky Horror Show continue at the Palace Theatre on October 25 and October 26. The show continues until November 2.
AlvegoRoot Theatre’s production of Sleigh Without Bells: A Donnelly’s Story has two additional matinee performances, scheduled for October 25 at 2:00 PM and October 26 at 2:00 PM at The Manor Park Memorial Hall in London.
Over at the Princess Ave Theatre in St. Thomas, Odesa Company presents Stephen King’s Misery on October 25th and 26th, while the St. Marys Community Players present Norm Foster’s hilarious Hilda’s Yard until November 2.
You can check out Jo-Anne Bishop’s theatre Reviews elsewhere on The Beat Magazine 2025 website.
The Forest City Film Festival Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary
The Forest City Film Festival returns for its tenth year, hosting nine days of screenings and events at multiple venues in Downtown London. London creative, Donald D’Haene’s documentary, Interpreting Erik, is one of the award-winning films being screened.
The London Community Orchestra presents From Salzburg to Paris on Sunday, October 26, 3:00 pm. at Dundas Street Centre United Church, 482 Dundas St., London, ON.
Featuring soloist Joshua Lee, performing Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major, K218, composed by Mozart in his hometown of Salzburg in 1775.
The program also includes: Debussy – Second Arabesque Ravel – Le tombeau de Couperin
Experience the journey from Mozart’s classical elegance to Debussy and Ravel’s Parisian impressionism, a celebration of musical evolution from structure to atmosphere.
Tickets: Adults – $25 Seniors – $20 Students – $15 Children 12 and under – $5
Encore The Concert Band holds it 2025 season opener, Forward Momentum, on Sunday, October 26 at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School.
London’s Eastside Bar & Grill hosts Farewell Stanleys release of their brand new, fifth album Mystery To Me, produced by Moe Berg (of The Pursuit of Happiness & The TransCanada Highwaymen), with special guests Brother Leeds, on Saturday, October 25th. Showtime at 8:30pm, 10$ at the door. Copies of Mystery To Me will officially be on sale at this event, available on vinyl & CD. https://linktr.ee/FarewellStanleys
The Gavin Adcock Need To Tour concert takes place Saturday, October 25th, at the London Music Hall.
Over at the Palasad Socialbowl, 63’ MONROE is back to tear the roof off. Loud, raw, and unapologetic—London’s punk pioneers bring decades of sweat, snarls, and speed to the stage. They’re rolling in with the razor-sharp riffs of Limited of Approach and the outlaw rock’n’roll chaos of Jesse James Medicine Show. Expect snarling guitars, thundering rhythm, and a night of pure, high-voltage punk energy.
Licensed – All Ages – $5 Door.
That’s it for this weekend. If your venue has an event you would like featured next weekend, send the details to Richard Young, Publisher & Content Manager of The Beat Magazine at richardyoung@thebeatmagazine2025.ca
by Richard Young, Publisher & Content Manager, The Beat Magazine 2025
What follows is a Beat Magazine Q&A Interview with Nashville Artist Manager, Jordyn Elliott, who got her start in the music business in the London area.
Q. For the benefit of readers who may not know, what is an Artist Manager? What do you do for the artists you represent?
An Artist Manager looks after all aspects of a musician’s career including but not limited to signing them to record deals, publishing deals, coordinating with team members like booking agents, business managers, record labels and negotiating contracts for shows and any live appearances. As well managers are the liaison for all correspondence with the artist and over sees all budgets and music releases.
Q. I understand you are originally from the London area. Can you tell me a little bit about your upbringing in Southwestern Ontario?
I was born in Clinton, Ontario, and at the age of four years old, I moved to Mount Brydges. My family owns the funeral home in the small town. I attended public school there and went on to high school in London at St. Thomas Aquinas and then on to Fanshawe College. I graduated from college in a two-year program for Event Management and jumped right into the workforce. I had my first real job when I was eighteen, selling merch for a local band in London.
Q. What motivated you to get involved with the music industry while you were still in London? I think you told me you worked for Brad Jones and Rock The Park. Can you tell me about that?
I come from a very musical family. My grandma was a music teacher for years, and my mom sang along with my aunts and uncles. I always loved music, and I actually sang until the age of sixteen, but experienced anxiety and stage fright, so I decided it was not for me. I did work for Brad! He was a great manager/boss. I helped on the day-to-day activities in his office at Centennial Hall and his yearly festival, Rock The Park. The year I was present, Alice Cooper, Peter Frampton, and Heart played. Such a cool experience. It was that job that I really got excited about management, watching Brad and how successful his company was.
Q. What drew you to the role of Artist Manager? Any mentors, other than Brad Jones?
I have had a solid mentor since the age of twenty-one. I met this rock producer Brian Howes (Skillet, Hinder, Daughtry, and Nickelback) and he kind of took me under his wing. I still collaborate with him on projects to this day. I actually share in three gold plaques for artists we have worked on together. I think artist management is a calling. It wasn’t something I could just learn, it was a feeling, and I really love the development portion of an artist’s career and watching them grow and be successful.
Q. Can you describe a typical day in your life as an Artist Manager?
I usually start my day with answering emails from promoters, agents and label representatives. Usually, I have weekly calls with all team members to strategize for the upcoming week. I attend content shoots for social media, coordinate budgets and approve all assets for releases. I usually have little time to eat ha! I end my day around 7:00 or 8:00 pm unless I have a show then I attend to represent the artist.
Q. What brought about your relocation to Nashville, Tennessee? How long have you worked out of Nashville?
The country music scene was really appealing to me when I met artist Canadian country pop singer and songwriter, Eric Ethridge. I managed him for years, and he was rapidly growing, and we would make trips often to Nashville. Nashville is such a community city, and I was told there are thousands of hit songs written here daily. I was having some really great success with Eric and Sirius XM The Highway. I also signed Eric to his record/publishing deal in Nashville. I have been here since 2020.
(Pictured: Eric Ethridge, cover of California.)
Q. Can you identify some of the acts and artists you have represented since moving to the US? Do you represent any specific genre of music? Do you represent any Canadian acts?
Currently, I manage country artist Shaylen, who is signed to Big Machine/ Nashville Harbor. I also manage British pop artist Karl Michael, who is signed to Peer Music here in Nashville. I have mainly been a manager in the Pop and Country genres. I am developing a country artist from Canada, Sean Michael Ryan.
(Pictured: Karl Michael. Photo Credit Sean Hagwell. )
Q. Could you give me some highlights of your career to date? Can you share a success story or major milestone you helped an artist achieve?
I have been fortunate to have some really cool wins with some great artists like Eric Ethridge. I have two gold singles with If You Met Me First, California, and Eleven Past One. I have a gold single for their song The World is Ours. I was also a part of getting Shaylen her Opry debut in October 2024. So special.
(Pictured: Shaylen. Photo Credit: Sean Hagwell. )
Q. Artist Managers and Promo representatives sometimes get a bad rap in the music industry. How do you respond to this?
That is unfortunate to hear. I consistently deliver high-quality work for artists, demonstrating my loyalty and dependability in every collaboration. I really build my relationships in the industry on trust, and I never make promises I can’t keep. There will always be bad eggs in any type of business, but I really want to be known as fair and competent, and I appreciate anyone willing to give me the opportunity to work with them.
Q. What are the biggest, most fundamental challenges or opportunities for emerging artists in the music industry right now?
Social Media! Artists have to constantly be relevant on there. They have to post at least two to three times a week to keep up with their audiences. I also feel like a lot of newer artists have to fund a lot of the marketing assets and productions, and it can be very costly to compete with artists on a label level. A lot of artists work a side job or hustle to make ends meet while they are doing music.
Q. Is there anything else you think our readers should know about Jordyn Elliott, the Artist Manager, and Jordyn Elliott the person?
I want to tell anyone out there who wants to try their hand at management that consistency and networking are the keys to building those contacts. Hands-on experience is the best way to learn! I love my job, and I couldn’t think of anything else in the world I would want to spend my time doing. You have to love it and be passionate because it’s a long road, but the payoffs are worth it!
Q. Do you have any plans to visit Canada at some point in the near future?
Yes! I will actually be back next week to visit family for a few days and again at Christmas.
I figured it was time to share an update on the Westland building, which, as you probably know by now, is currently for sale. While our intention is for the Westland Gallery business to eventually move down the road to The Art Exchange building, the 156 Wortley Rd. address remains for sale.
Over the past few months, there’s been quite a bit of interest in the building, but nothing that makes us ready to leave the building just yet. The building will remain available for purchase in the coming months. Until someone comes along who we think can look after our historical building and give back to the village, the gallery will stay in this building, continuing on with our planned exhibitions for 2025 and 2026.
Our next exhibition is a solo show by Lisa Johnson, and it is going to be a knockout. Lisa spent a month in Newfoundland at an artist residency in Pouch Cove, painting absolutely stunning landscapes. I can’t recommend visiting Lisa’s show, opening on October 28th, enough. It’s certainly a must-see.
(Pictured: Painter Lisa Johnson)
Unfortunately, because of the time required to plan the Square Foot Show, we have decided not to do it this year. Both the planning of the show and the returning of artwork take months and months to complete, and we couldn’t commit to a show of this scale this year.
I know there are going to be many disappointed artists and collectors, but it just wasn’t the right timing, with the potential sale of the building.
In place of the Square Foot Show, we have a number of small pieces by our gallery artists on their way for December! We will also be presenting pieces from the estates of several renowned London artists to be sold at very accessible prices for collectors who would like to own a piece. We will have work from the estates of Helmut Becker, Herb Ariss, and Kerry Ferris, to name just a few.
What follows are some selections from the many Arts & Culture events taking place this week in the London area. Check back for more updates throughout the week.
5th annual honour & harmony fundraiser for atlohsa, oct. 18.
Join Leanne Mayer, Big Lou, and Alex Cooper for an unforgettable night of music and fundraising in support of Atlohsa, a local Indigenous nonprofit organization. Now in its fifth year, this annual event brings the community together to celebrate music, culture, and retribution.
Come be a part of the movement—support Indigenous-led healing and social change.
coquest art festival and community forum, oct. 15-19.
CoQuest brings together 50+ contributors, including artists, artisans, community organizers, singer-songwriters, and more.
anne moniz and Daniel Oniszeczko, oct. 16, at the richmond tavern.
Something a little different this Thursday, Oct 16th- from 6-8pm. Bev Camp, Daniel Oniszeczko, and Anne Moniz will be the special guests of a fabulous showcase hosted by @tamikegley at The Richmond. This is a Pay-What-You-Can event.
this week at the aeolian.
The Jeffery Concerts presents a program of Baroque and Early Classical music, October 19, at the Metropolitan Church.
fanshawe pioneer village presents Return to the Abandoned Village, oct. 16-19.
This Halloween… the past comes back to haunt you. Fanshawe Pioneer Village and ByronScaryHouse Productions dare you to enter… Return to the Abandoned Village. This isn’t a haunted house…It’s a haunted Village. Five buildings transformed into nightmares – one unforgettable walk through fear.
The Abandoned Village is a 14+ event, and many nights do sell out. Why wait? Get your tickets now … if you dare.
mavis productions the rocky horror show continues until oct. 18 at the wolf performance hall.
Mavis Productions does the time warp again into their 4TH ANNUAL TRADITION!
The Rocky Horror Show returns to London to celebrate 50 years of the film you love, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW!
In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”
Filled with all the classic songs and audience participation that made the film so much fun for over 50 years, all of it comes to life on the stage. So bring your costumes and all your scripts and be ready for a night of absolute pleasure. Whether you come out for our 2 pm afternoon shows, our classic 7 pm shows, or our returning MIDNIGHT PERFORMANCES, we know you will shiver with antici…pation!!
The Root of Wisdom at Westland Gallery marries the work of two disparate yet ultimately complementary artists. Ottawa artist Clara Kim’s work with its frenetic brush work reveals recognizable forms, whereas Guelph artist Christopher Cape’s work is understated and ethereal. Together, they offer a respite from the day-to-day with a giant serving of the natural world.
According to Kim, the title of this joint exhibition is a nod to poet William Wordsworth. She is likely alluding to his piece “The Tables Turned” as, in it, he advises “Let Nature be your teacher/ She has a world of … Spontaneous wisdom”. Nature as teacher is certainly seen in the work of both artists.
Kim’s work with its colourful birds, bears and other beasts is contained in the front gallery. Most of the pieces are quite large. She depicts her animals in a style that she says is influenced by both ancient Korean arts and contemporary western sensibilities.
Through the ages, Korean art has been naturalistic, favouring the beauty of raw materials and natural patterns. Kim takes these traditional values and extends them with modern materials and approaches.
To this end, Kim employs a variety of tools and materials in her oil and acrylic paintings including knife scratching, and ink crayon, and pastel drawing. This is clearly seen in her abstract backgrounds and in what Westland Marketing Coordinator Anna Wilson calls the “evolution” of Kim’s mark making.
(Clara Kim’s oil and acrylic piece on canvas, “My World”. Image courtesy of Westland Gallery.)
In Kim’s “My World”, the bear stands firmly on calligraphic shapes and is backed by abstract forms. In her “Rainbow Raven #2”, colourful lines meander playfully as flecks of similar hues dance across the blackness of the bird’s plumage.
(Clara Kim’s oil and acrylic on canvas piece “Rainbow Raven #2” Image courtesy of Westland Gallery.)
Christopher Cape’s plein air landscapes occupy the upper gallery. Bold and mysterious, these works shun detail in favour of colour, reductionist form and evocative titles. They avoid obvious telling and beg for individual interpretation.
(Christopher Cape’s oil on cradled birch “Before the End”. Image courtesy of Westland Gallery.)
On the other hand, his “Take Flight”, with its stacked birds, bucks the non-representational trend while still embracing its pastel colouration and a limited depth of field.
(Christopher Cape’s oil and acrylic on cradled birch, “Take Flight”. Image courtesy of Westland Gallery.)
Titles stand out as integral to Cape’s art. His are evocative. To what end does “Before the End” refer? What happened “Moments Before”? What does “You Remember More than You Know” mean?
Happily, for the artists, there are lots of red dots to be seen; a few pieces have already gone to their forever homes.
On Saturday, October 18th, the Lambeth Art Association is hosting a special event open to the London area artist community. Joanne Poluch, acclaimed Art Coach and owner of Remarque Art Consulting, will lead a lecture entitled How to Define Artistic Success and How to Approach and Nurture Buyers.
About Joanne Poluch:
Joanne Poluch is the owner of Remarque Art Consulting in Guelph, Ontario. Joanne holds an Honours Degree in Art History from the University of Guelph and an Art Marketing Diploma from Sotheby’s Institute of Fine Art in New York. Establishing her business in 2010, Joanne has enjoyed a solid reputation in art consulting ever since. Her business model is versatile and has been based on exceptional customer service, a relaxed and professional relationship with corporate/ private clients, and assisting artists at ALL levels of their art practice. Joanne’s deep passion for art, flair for creativity, and compassionate style have allowed her to enjoy a thriving and successful business.
Joanne is frequently called upon to be a guest speaker for numerous art groups, locally and at the national level. As a popular and introspective juror, Joanne remains a quintessential player on the art scene.
Enjoying a very active art coaching/mentorship practice with artists across Canada, her philosophy is simple – build up artists through positive energy and deep-seated support.
Joanne holds the position of Manager of the Art Sales & Rental program at the Art Gallery of Guelph.
She is also a registered current member of CARFAC.
This special event takes place from 1:00 to 3:15 pm at Riverside United Church in London. Tickets to this event are $10. To reserve your spot, email the Lambeth Art Association at lambethartassociation@gmail.com
Mavis Productions presents the rocky horror show, oct. 9-18.
Mavis Productions does the time warp again into their 4TH ANNUAL TRADITION!
The Rocky Horror Show returns to London to celebrate 50 years of the film you love, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW!
In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”
Filled with all the classic songs and audience participation that made the film so much fun for over 50 years, all of it comes to life on the stage. So bring your costumes and all your scripts and be ready for a night of absolute pleasure. Whether you come out for our 2 pm afternoon shows, our classic 7 pm shows, or our returning MIDNIGHT PERFORMANCES, we know you will shiver with antici…pation!!
Ingersoll theatre of Performing Arts presents 7-10 Split, oct. 10 – 19.
Strike up some laughs with 7-10 Split by Michael G. Wilmot!
When wild ideas, big personalities, and a few gutter balls collide, you’ve got a comedy that’s guaranteed to keep you laughing from the first frame to the last. Don’t miss this community theatre gem that’s all about friendship, fun, and the unexpected turns life throws our way.
Show Dates: October 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 & 19, 2025.
shut the door improv presents the wurst brats, oct. 7.
Join us Tuesday, October 7th, for the debut of The Wurst Brats, the newest STFD Masterclass graduates hitting the stage for the very first time!
These fresh improv talents are bringing the heat with an hour of juicy, short-form comedy that’s guaranteed to have you rolling.
From the Shut The Front Door Improv Masterclass Program, this is your chance to catch the next generation of performers serving up live, unscripted hilarity right before your eyes.
Don’t miss it, come out for live laughs and support local improv!
monday night trivia at the morrissey house, oct. 6.
westland gallery, the roots of wisdom, continues until oct. 25.
This exhibition is a must-see in person. New landscapes and wildlife paintings by these two incredible artists will be on display until October 25th! Preview the full exhibition today at www.westlandgallery.ca.
this week at the london public library.
scoring the silence: composing a new score for a silent thriller, oct. 8 at the palace theatre.
Presented by the YAPCA (Young Artists Pre-College Academy)
Scoring the Silence: Composing a New Score for a Silent Thriller
Experience the art of silent cinema re-imagined through powerful new music.
Join acclaimed composer and conductor Scott Good as he shares the creative process behind his two-hour original score for the 1924 silent horror classic The Hands of Orlac (to be performed in full on October 31 at 8:30 PM at Metropolitan United).
Featuring recorded film excerpts on the big screen and live performances by YAPCA faculty and students, this engaging session offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of film, music, and imagination.
The event also includes the world premiere of The Somnambulist (The Sleepwalker) — a haunting new work composed especially for this occasion.
Perfect for music lovers, film fans and the culturally curious alike.
This public event will run from 6:00-7:00 – doors 5:50
This is the twenty-first in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we interview Elizabeth Durand, co-founder and Artistic Director of Theatre Aezir.
Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why?
Theatre Aezir was co-founded in 2017 by Elizabeth Durand, David Bogaert, Rob Deman, and Olaf Plotzke. Our last show before COVID in 2019 was Falling: A Wake. When Theatre Aezir came back in 2023, I was the remaining co-founder, and I decided to change the company into a professional company. We became a non-profit and a registered charity in 2024.
Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both?
We are a professional company and registered charity with a mandate to expand our services into educating actors and theatrical professionals.
Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?
Theatre Aezir is a theatre production company without a home theatre, so we use various spaces based on the needs of the play. We have used the Auburn Developments Stage, Procunier Hall, outdoors at the Guy Lombardo Pavilion, and the gym at First Baptist Church.
Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose?
Theatre Aezir is a professional live theatre production company located in London, Ontario, and serves London and the surrounding counties. Positioned between the region’s large-scale productions and mid-sized community theatre, Theatre Aezir fills a vital gap in London’s theatre scene. We are theatre artists committed to presenting audiences with a diverse selection of engaging and thought-provoking performances by playwrights from across the city, the nation, and around the world.
Theatre Aezir’s Motto is “Theatre that makes you think.” Our mission is to create theatre that challenges the intellect, excites emotion, and confronts the present. Quirky, edgy, and provocative.
(Pictured: Theatre Aezir co-founder and Artistic Director, Elizabeth Durand.)
Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid Staff?
Yes, we have a Board of Directors and paid part-time staff.
Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme?
At this time, we are still planning 2026.
Q. What show(s) will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Tell me a little bit about each.
Coming This Fall:Disastrous Dates. Delightful Theatre. Serious Training. This Fall, it’s Dating Games — and it’s not just a show.
This November, Theatre Aezir invites you to laugh (and cringe) your way through Dating Gamesby Garth Wingfield — a night of five hilariously awful dates, brought to life by some of the most promising emerging talent in London.
But here’s the twist: Dating Games is more than just a comedy. It’s also a hands-on, full-throttle training initiative for the next generation of theatre professionals.
Early-career directors will be responsible for a short play, supported every step of the way by an experienced mentor.
Ten+ local actors will dive into an intensive week-long skills workshop in breathing work, vocal production, diction, and character analysis — the kind of rigorous, pro-level training that usually only happens behind conservatory doors.
Our design team — including professional lighting, sound, and stage management — will bring their A-game.
Performances: November 6–16, 2025, evenings at 8:00pm, matinees at 4:00pm First Baptist Church, 568 Richmond Street.
Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it?
London needs another venue for independent theatre companies. If London had another space that was technically adequate and reasonably priced, more production companies would create more theatre.
This is the twentieth in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we profile St. Marys Community Players.
.
Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why?
St. Marys Community Players (SMCP) is a vibrant not-for-profit community theatre group that has been illuminating the stage since its inception in 1974. Over the decades, SMCP has blossomed into one of the premier amateur theatres in Southwestern Ontario, captivating audiences with its diverse array of productions, from classic plays to contemporary performances.
Theatre in St. Marys began in the late 1940s with Rev. Parsons’ staging of *The Desert Song*. This production relied on the efforts of over 60 volunteers who created costumes from old drapes, curtains, and sheets, embodying community spirit and resourcefulness.
Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both?
SMCP is a not-for-profit community theatre
Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?
The Town Hall Theatre in St. Marys.
Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose?
Our Motto: The best in each of us, nourishing all of us. This guiding motto encapsulates the essence of our collective ambition; we believe that theatre is not just an art form but a vital community connector.
Our Mission transcends merely putting on plays. We strive to offer compelling live theatre productions that engage the broader community on multiple levels—inviting audiences not only to enjoy the performances but also to actively participate in the creative process. At SMCP, we cherish the involvement of community members of all ages and backgrounds. We actively encourage new members to join our ranks, whether they seek the spotlight or prefer the behind-the-scenes magic. Our group thrives on a spirit of creativity and fun, and we are always ready to support your individual interests, whether you aspire to act, direct, or work on technical and production teams, such as lighting, sound, set design, or costume creation.
Join Us: Whether you are a passionate performer, a budding playwright, or someone who simply enjoys the thrill of live theatre, SMCP welcomes you with open arms. By joining our community, you contribute to local culture and help nurture the artistic spirit that fuels our passion for live performances. Together, let’s create unforgettable theatre that leaves a lasting impact on our community.
Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid staff?
The nine-member board includes the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Q. What show will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Tell me a little bit about it.
Canadian playwright Norm Foster’s comedic play, Hilda’s Yard, directed by Costin Manu and produced by Marie Stevens and Stephen Brockwell. Set in the 1950s, the play follows the Fluck family as they navigate the challenges of everyday life. When their two adult children unexpectedly move back home, Hilda and Sam Fluck are dealing with a full house again. As the family members come to terms with their new living arrangements, they must confront their struggles and relationships. Filled with humour and heart and in typical Norm Foster form, Hilda’s Yard explores the complexities of family dynamics and the enduring bonds that hold them together.
Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it?
St. Marys Community Players continues to reach out to our local, neighbouring theatres, building relationships and connections, piggybacking on our collective successes and sometimes mistakes. We aim to shift away from the competitive nature of the southwestern Ontario community theatre scene and establish a support group for all local community theatres.
Debussy – Second Arabesque
The Beat Magazine 2025 