Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, announced this evening the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge will be renamed the Hamilton Family Theatre in recognition of the sustained support of local philanthropists John & Terry Hamilton.
The new name will take effect for the 2018 Season and is an exciting benchmark for family philanthropy in Cambridge.
Shiplake Properties assumed the original naming rights for the theatre in 2013, as a brand extension of the Dunfield Retirement Residence, a $30 million modern senior retirement living complex located in the Saginaw Parkway and Light Drive neighbourhood. The Toronto-based company sold the building to Revera last summer, and it was subsequently renamed Granite Landing. The naming rights did not transfer with the new ownership.
With Shiplake Properties no longer operating in Cambridge, Drayton Entertainment and its angel investor were able to come to swift and amicable terms on an exit strategy, Mustakas confirmed.
“This has been a tremendous partnership based on mutual respect, professionalism and synergy for the past five seasons,” says Mustakas. “We will be forever grateful to Shiplake for making such a major investment in the cultural life of Cambridge during these formative years. Because of this vital contribution, we are equipped to embark on a new chapter of our story, with long-term supporters who are committed to integrating arts and culture for the enjoyment of future generations.”
The Hamilton Family initially contributed $500,000 in 2013 during the theatre’s inaugural season, in exchange for naming the auditorium. They have since pledged another $500,000 to assume the exclusive 20-year venue naming rights, valued at $1 million.
“We are humbled to be the beneficiary of visionary donors like John and Terry Hamilton, who recognize the value arts and culture bring to the community,” says Neil Aitchison, President of Drayton Entertainment’s volunteer Board of Directors. “Their involvement and support will continue to enhance and enrich the cultural landscape of Cambridge and Waterloo Region.”
“We are blessed with a cluster of arts and culture that is rapidly evolving and creating a significant impact on the economy and enhancing our quality of life,” says John Hamilton. “We believe such innovation should be celebrated, which is why we made the decision to increase our support and recognize Drayton Entertainment’s vital contribution to our community.”
The theatre is owned by the City of Cambridge and leased for 50 years to Drayton Entertainment. The new name for the 500-seat facility was approved at a council meeting earlier this evening.
“This is a tremendous gift, and will undoubtedly inspire future private sector support for a myriad of worthy causes in the City of Cambridge – from healthcare to education to social services,” says Mayor Doug Craig. “Such gifts significantly enhance the economic, cultural, and social fabric of our great city. The Hamiltons are true community champions.”
Because the Hamilton family has increased their support to a new level, Drayton Entertainment is now open to seek a new corporate or individual sponsor for the auditorium naming opportunity. Since opening in 2013, Cambridge’s cultural facility routinely attracts an annual audience exceeding 100,000 for live theatre programming alongside community events and other artistic exhibitions.
About Drayton Entertainment
Drayton Entertainment is an award-winning, not-for-profit charitable organization (12591 1313 RR0001) operating seven live theatrical venues in five unique Ontario locations – the original Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Huron Country Playhouse and Playhouse II in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs, and the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge (formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge).
This organization’s sustainable theatre model has emerged as a powerful force for culture and tourism in Ontario, and has been recognized by the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario as well as the Ontario Innovation Excellence Awards. Drayton Entertainment is recognized by the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association as the 6th largest employer of its members in Canada. Drayton Entertainment does not receive funding from any level of government for annual operations.
2017 Season: Any Dream Will Do All Shook Up | Beauty and the Beast | Death of a Salesman | Harvest | Honk! | Jonas and Barry in the Home | Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | Kings and Queens of Country | Lucky Stiff | Marathon of Hope: The Musical | Million Dollar Quartet | Office Hours | One For The Pot | Rock of Ages | Singin' In The Rain | The 39 Steps | Thoroughly Modern Millie
Photo: Terry and John Hamilton.
2017-07-11
Cambridge: Dunfield Theatre Cambridge will be renamed Hamilton Family Theatre