The arts are alive in Amherstburg and as the new year dawns, it is vital that we recognize how beneficial they are to our town, and how continuing to expand our arts community is integral for Amherstburg’s continued growth.
In recent years, Amherstburg has seen a boom in the arts. With festivals like Open Air and Uncommon bringing artists of all mediums to the downtown core, many artistic disciplines in the town are thriving. However, there is one artistic medium that still needs to be explored: theatre. As a theatre artist who was raised in Amherstburg, but had to leave to pursue the stage, the absence of theatre has long been evident. Yet, in corners of social media, murmurs of theatre are often present. In online groups, rumours that the building across from Hotel STRY was purchased for a theatre ran rampant and were met with both praise and objection. Concerns about parking and increased traffic were raised, while others spoke on the potential economic impact for the downtown core. What was plainly clear, however, was that theatre seemed to be the one art form residents recognized as missing from our artistic landscape.
When looking at other Ontario towns like Amherstburg, many have thriving theatre communities. Port Stanley, with a population significantly less than Amherstburg’s, hosts the Port Stanley Festival Theatre, which offers a full theatre season and playwright development festival, drawing thousands of patrons every summer. Further north, Niagara-on-the-Lake welcomes almost 325,000 patrons to the Shaw Festival each year, making it a major economic driver for the region. And while both of these towns have an existing history of theatre that lends to their success, Amherstburg has the capability to do the same.
Our gorgeous waterfront views, vibrant downtown core, and small historic-town charm makes Amherstburg a fertile ground for artistic endeavours. Our history alone offers numerous untold stories that can be brought to life on stage. Few communities can boast such a rich, historic backdrop, with centuries-old buildings and stories rooted in the War of 1812 and the Underground Railroad. Add to that Amherstburg’s walkable downtown, thriving restaurants, boutique shops, scenic parks, and an existing flow of visitors regularly drawn by festivals and heritage tourism, and the foundation is firmly in place.
But concerns over parking and traffic are not the only challenges facing the intrepid theatre creator. A lack of traditional venues may be an issue if one thinks of theatre in its most conventional form. As it stands, there is no traditional theatre venue in Amherstburg. Unconventional venues, however, aren’t out of the ordinary: theatre can be found in all shapes and sizes. Encore Productions (Rum Runners Tour) recently mounted a theatre production that opened to a sold-out audience: Whiskey and Wit (written and performed by Heath Camlis), an historic, theatrical whiskey tasting at Hotel STRY. Their next Amherstburg venture, Sins and Spirits (written and performed by Rebecca S. Mickle), will be a walking ghost tour of downtown Amherstburg that blends theatrical storytelling with local history and thoughtfully collected ghost stories. We must also consider the fact that Amherstburg has already seen success in unconventional theatre: take, for instance, the talented re-enactors at Fort Malden and other historic locations in town. What is historical re-enactment if not theatre? These productions, which merge history and theatre, are vital for an historic town like Amherstburg.
However, there may also be more conventional venues on the horizon. The proposed amphitheatre in the expanded King’s Navy Yard Park presents an opportunity not only to bring musical talent to town, but theatrical productions as well. Outdoor summer theatre would attract audiences from across the region while stimulating the downtown core — because nothing says summer like dinner, ice-cream, and live theatre just before the sun sets.
Of course, it’s not just the location that makes the theatre, it’s the people. Amherstburg has no shortage of creative talent to draw from. Norm Ross – town crier and retired principal and drama teacher – is not only a champion of local history, but of local theatre.
“Amherstburg’s unique history can be celebrated through theatre, as live presentations keep our stories alive,” Ross says. “Presentations at festivals, open-air events, heritage celebrations, and along the waterfront offer opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”
For Ross, the value of theatre extends beyond the stage: “Some people may perform and explore creatively, while others reflect or celebrate our cultural and historical identity,” he explains. “Experiences for people, especially youth, cannot be quantified. The curiosity and creativity generated by live performance simply cannot be equaled.” Ross also notes that a thriving arts culture brings tangible benefits to the town as a whole. “A vibrant art scene draws visitors, enriching the local economy. Expanding our arts platform provides exciting opportunities, enriching experiences, and a bridge between our history and our community.”
Joanna Vermeulen, a recent Amherstburg transplant who spent her professional career working in some of Canada’s most prominent theatre spaces, shares Ross’ sentiment. Vermeulen has worked with major festivals like the Shaw Festival, and was involved with several large-scale Toronto productions, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Mamma Mia!. She spoke about the profound impact that theatre has, not only economically, but on the people who participate in it. “It blows me away how much of an impact performing theatre and taking part in theatre has on a community,” Vermeulen says. She also emphasized the importance of involving children in theatre at an early age. “The skills you learn through theatre are skills that serve you well in adult life. The impact theatre has on children’s lives is such a high percentage. It’s really worthwhile.”
Vermeulen also pointed to the wealth of creative talent already present in Amherstburg. She spoke not only of those who – like Ross – actively worked in the arts, but also community members who may not yet see themselves as part of the theatre world. Since joining the Golden Age Club, Vermeulen has met many people whom she describes as “movers and shakers.” She believes that these people could make invaluable contributions to productions, from dancers and actors, to costume designers and other behind-the-scenes creatives.
After working in professional theatre across Ontario, Vermeulen is confident in Amherstburg’s potential. “Theatre would really enrich this town,” she says, her belief rooted in not only decades of experience, but also a deep appreciation for the community she now calls home.
Still, the question remains: how do we accomplish a feat such as this? The answer is simple: community. Building a thriving theatre culture doesn’t require one single organization or grand gesture. Theatre begins with artists, businesses, educators, leaders, and residents working together to support initiatives in whatever form they take. Collaboration is the essence of theatre. Pop-up performances, outdoor summer shows, readings in unconventional spaces, and collaborations with existing festivals can lay the groundwork for a sustainable theatre presence that can be expanded on and enriched for years to come. When a community believes in its artists, attends performances, and values creativity as essential rather than optional, theatre flourishes naturally.
Investing in theatre and the arts isn’t just about entertainment. It’s about keeping our young talent here, giving them a chance to grow and thrive without leaving home. It’s about attracting visitors year-round. It’s about adding another layer of life and vibrancy to a town that already has so much to offer. And with the expansion of the King’s Navy Yard Park, proposed amphitheater, and a community overflowing with creativity, perhaps it’s time to consider adding theatre to Amherstburg’s ever-growing community landscape.
