Theatre Collingwood Celebrates OTF Grant From The Province At The Porchside Festival

On Tuesday, Theatre Collingwood welcomed MPP Brian Saunderson to the Porchside Festival at the Sometime Inn for its performance of The Pairs. Before the performance began, MPP Saunderson formally congratulated the group on the work it’s done to enhance their popular outdoor performances since receiving a $18,700 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) last summer. Thanks to the grant, Theatre Collingwood was able to buy professional audio equipment, enhancing the quality and accessibility of outdoor performances across South Georgian Bay.

“I am pleased to see how this provincial funding has helped Theatre Collingwood enhance the Porchside Festival and increase access to live experiences in our community,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe–Grey. “Thank you to the dedicated team of staff and volunteers whose hard work makes this beloved event possible each year.”

The new equipment has not only elevated the production quality of this year’s 5th Annual Porchside Festival—running July 1–24 with 25 performances in porches, backyards, and waterfront locations—but will continue to serve Theatre Collingwood’s productions and programs throughout the year, improving accessibility and reach.
“We are deeply thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario for investing in our ability to bring professional live theatre to more people,” said Erica Angus, Executive Director of Theatre Collingwood. “This grant supports our mission to present high-quality performances in unique settings while making live theatre more inclusive and technically resilient.”

Theatre Collingwood’s Porchside Festival was launched in 2021 in response to pandemic-era restrictions and has since become one of the region’s most anticipated summer events, featuring top-tier Canadian artists in relaxed outdoor settings that invite connection, creativity, and community.

“The support of OTF means we can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional arts experiences that connect people and reflect the vitality of our community,” Angus added. The July 15th event highlights the importance of public investment in arts infrastructure and included remarks from MPP Saunderson, followed by a live performance from the musical group The Pairs.

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