4th Line Theatre is pleased to announce that on Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and John Ecker, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Heritage Trust, presented Maude Rose Craig with the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Youth Achievement Award. The award is given to innovative and exemplary young people who show the breadth of what is possible in the next generation of heritage — Ms. Craig integrates theatre and performance into her exploration of history. For her dedication, Craig received the Young Heritage Leaders Scholarship, toward her post-secondary education. The Young Heritage Leaders Scholarship is sponsored by Canada Life and the Ontario Heritage Trust. Ms. Craig was one of only two young people chosen from across the province for this award.

“I am so glad to join the Ontario Heritage Trust in celebrating this year’s exceptional award recipients,” states the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “It is more important than ever that we take the time to recognize the people who are working to preserve our heritage, build connections, and unite Ontarians.”

Ms. Craig, a grade 12 student at Lakefield College School, has volunteered countless hours at 4th Line Theatre as a performer, special event coordinator, production assistant, young company coordinator and front of house assistant. She has worked alongside professional artists, portraying several historical characters (including Hollywood legend Marie Dressler), honouring their memory and stories, in 11 main-stage plays and several play development workshops, since 2010. Plays she has appeared in include The Right Road to Pontypool, The Cavan Blazers, The Bad Luck Bank Robbers, Queen Marie, The Hero of Hunter Street and Who Killed Snow White?

“In her work as a young company coordinator, Maude Rose Craig has been a peer mentor to several young people,” explains General Manager Lindy Finlan. “She encourages and propels other young people to succeed as emerging arts and heritage performers and creators.”

In her work as a special event coordinator, Craig has assisted the organization in fundraising and event management, learning from professional arts and culture workers how to demonstrate the meaningful impact of preserving Canadian cultural heritage to various stakeholders. In summer 2023, Craig led the Seasonal Audience services team as Front of House Manager, where she was responsible for training a large team of volunteers and ensuring a comfortable, safe, enjoyable and accessible experience for audience members.

For 31 seasons, 4th Line Theatre has been bringing history to life on the barnyard stages of a rustic 5th generation farm in Millbrook Ontario, between Peterborough and Port Hope. Founded in 1992, this not-for-profit outdoor theatre company is committed to preserving our Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of environmentally-staged historical drama. As a local charitable cultural institution, 4th Line has developed and presented 42 original plays based on regional history and culture.

To learn more about how to get involved as a volunteer with 4th Line Theatre, visit www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

Photo: John Ecker, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Heritage Trust; Maude Rose Craig, 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Youth Achievement Award Recipient; the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. © 2024 Dahlia Katz.