Victoria Playhouse Petrolia Announced as 2017 OCAF Grant Recipient

Victoria Playhouse Petrolia (VPP) has been named a 2017 OCAF grant recipient. The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) aims to increase cultural tourism by providing investments to assist Ontario organizations to develop, promote and present events and attract new tourists and visitors to cultural events.

The VPP will use the $50,000 OCAF grant to extend its marketing for the 2017 season to a more widespread audience across Ontario. Planned marketing initiatives include print, online, radio and television promotion. In 2016, the VPP attracted more than $4.6 million in visitor revenue. Through the OCAF grant, increased tourism will generate increased revenue for the local economy. To date, the VPP attracts 40,000 guests annually to the region.

Co-Artistic Director David Hogan expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunities the grant will provide. "We are so proud to celebrate our Canadian season and welcome new patrons this summer, thanks to the generous OCAF grant. With it, we are able to appeal to patrons across the province and ultimately give people the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful town and its amazing theatre."

MPP for Sarnia-Lambton, Bob Bailey sent his well wishes upon hearing the news. "Congratulations to the Directors, staff, and volunteers of the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia on being selected as an OCAF grant recipient! As a longtime fan of the VPP I can't wait to celebrate the 2017 season and Canada's 150th Anniversary with everyone at the theatre this summer."

Tickets are on sale now at www.thevpp.ca or by calling the box office at 1-800-717-7694. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday with both matinee and evening options available.

ABOUT VICTORIA PLAYHOUSE PETROLIA

Co-Artistic Directors David Hogan and David Rogers bring the best talent summer theatre has to offer to the beautiful town of Petrolia, ON. Celebrating Canada all summer long, the 2017 season includes: Fiddler on the Moose (May 2-19); The Birds and The Bees (May 30-June 17); Happy Together 1967 (July 4-23); Folks Like Us (August 1-12); Portia (August 15-27); and Rockabilly Swingtime (September 5-24).