Skip to main content

The Stirling Festival Theatre

This summer, as the well known local poet Al Purdy would encourage, head to the country north of Belleville. In particular, head to the village of Stirling. As you travel through the main street, enjoy the local creamery, the quaint shops and the family run restaurants. This village has the familiar and comfortable feel of a small, busy well preserved town. At the heart of this lovely little village is a gem, a local source of pride, a must to visit, the Stirling Festival Theatre.

As you approach you will notice the old façade of the theatre which is a reminder of times past. This historic edifice built in 1927 hums with history, a rich history, a varied history. The list of prior tenants includes a movie theatre, a police station, the public works office and even a jail! Nowadays it houses comparable characters – actors (the dressing rooms are the old jail cells), directors, volunteers and the like; a charming transition.

The stone entrance has the traditional theatre face, the French glass doors add to the glamour of the experience, and the wide hallway draws you in. As you step inside, know that you are in good company. Over 45,000 people attend the Stirling Festival Theatre every year, each looking forward to the rich experience the patrons have come to expect from this theatre.

Once inside, you ascend the wide hallway getting a glimpse and a synopsis of the performers for the evening by way of a wall of fame. At the end of the hall you will find the wonderful auditorium and you will be greeted with one of the many friendly faces you will see on your visit. The wide range of live entertainment means there is something for everyone of every age. Whether you enjoy plays, musicals or concerts there is something in the lineup for you.

Get yourself a ticket. Find yourself a seat. The layout of this theatre assures that you will enjoy a great view of the stage, wherever you decide to sit. Enjoy.
During the intermission of your show, be sure to head up to the Burrell Hall. This room has been actively housing community social activities since its inception in the late 20’s. The atmosphere is rich and the walls whisper of socials long-ago.
It is hard to believe, but at one point in time this building so full of local history was once headed for the wrecking ball. Thanks to a crew of dedicated Stirling residents, it was saved.

2010 is proving to be an exciting and new year for the Stirling Festival Theatre. After thirteen successful seasons, acclaimed artistic director Caroline Smith moved in a new direction with her work, and Claudia Staines has been brought in to resume the devoted efforts, adding new energy to an already rich, solid foundation. Claudia shares her experience and passion for quality theatre while staying true to the same commitments of the previous director. Claudia notes that this theatre “has always been blessed with a passionate and dedicated audience” and she intends to meet the excellent standards the patrons have come to expect from their theatre.

All this being on a smaller scale, this experience, this theatre, is truly remarkable. If there is one stop you need to add to your summer hit list, it is the Stirling Festival Theatre.





You can find this article in the Summer 2010 edition of County and Quinte Living Magazine.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

One Day I Saw Ty Conn

(This is being recalled from a very young mind...) When my father would begin telling a story from his childhood, he would begin with “When I was a little girl…” which would cause an uproar of high pitched objections from my sisters and myself. He would simply smile and continue on, as he now had our complete attention. I started this post at the beginning of November of this year when thoughts of my father return annually on the anniversary of his birthday. This story, however, is not about my father… When I was a little girl, I lived in a small house on Pine Street with my father, mother and three sisters. Ours was a busy, full house. Lisa was the oldest, very beautiful and very bossy. Pam was next, also very beautiful and we envied her fashion sense. I was the third in the line of my sisters, a middle child that cried a lot, made funny faces and was very comfortable at the centre of attention. My little sister, Joanne, enjoyed the status of being the baby in the family. She wa
16 comments
Read more

John Milton on Freedom of Expression

'Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.' In 1644 at the height of the English Civil War, John Milton penned Areopagitica , which is now known as one of history’s first impassioned defences to freedom of expression. Ironically, Milton never delivered this argument verbally, however there was no need, the message was clear; to allow freedom of speech in written form. John Milton may have been more concerned about religion and less with the politics of war; unfortunately, history has seen these two go hand in hand. Thanks to John Milton, and all who followed and fought for the right to freedom of expression. Thank you to all who exercise this right and provide the poetry, novels and the daily news which combined help to map out our history. On Time By John Milton Fly, envious Time, till thou run out thy race, Call on the lazy leaden-stepping hours, Whose speed is but the heavy plummet's pace; And glut thyself wi
5 comments
Read more

AJ Vandrie “Bringing the Outside In”

His work has been described as a ‘balance between two worlds’.   AJ Vandrie grew up in Northumberland Hills with his adoptive family. His background is composed of Ojiway/Chippewa and Irish heritage. He pursued his art studies at the White Mountain Academy of the Arts in Elliot Lake, a school, located in an isolated area in Northern Ontario, sought to combine First Nations and European approaches to art, which was a great fit for AJ. After his first year of studies, he suffered a personal loss, with the death of his birth father and mother who died within a sort period of time from one another. It was at this time that AJ began exploring the art style that he is known for today.   Widely considered Woodland School of Art, this style is synonymous with the artist Norval Morriseau , whose influence is evident in the works seen here. One can find definite similarities between these two artists; style aside, they are both deeply spiritual, sharing, through their art, pers
1 comment
Read more