On Friday, Theatre Sarnia hosted a performance of The Nutcracker by Great Lakes Dance Academy at the Imperial Theatre. Before the performance, local MPP Bob Bailey met with the team at Theatre Sarnia to celebrate a $16,300 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) which funded the implementation of a permanent storage solution for the organization’s portable dance floor.
"I'm extremely pleased that Theatre Sarnia has been able to invest in this important storage solution thanks to a grant from the Ontario Government's Ontario Trillium Foundation," said Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia—Lambton. "Theatre Sarnia continues to be an important cultural hub for our community, this investment will help to ensure Theatre Sarnia's dance floor remains in great shape for years to come."
Awarded in June 2024, the grant funded the replacement and creation of a permanent storage solution for the organization’s portable dance floor. This new storage solution will increase safety for performers and extend the floor’s useful life, ensuring a secure and sustainable resource for the local arts community .Theatre Sarnia’s initiative demonstrates its commitment to supporting local artists and providing safe and high-quality facilities for the performing arts. The improved storage system is a crucial upgrade, benefiting not only Theatre Sarnia but also the numerous organizations and groups that use the theatre.
“This grant is a tremendous support for Theatre Sarnia, ensuring that performers have a safe environment to hone their craft,” said Brian Austin Jr., Executive Director of the Imperial Theatre. “We are grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the provincial government for recognizing the importance of our work in the community.”
Theatre Sarnia has been a cornerstone of Sarnia’s arts and culture scene for over 90 years, enriching the community with a wide variety of performances and educational programs. Its home, the Imperial Theatre, is a hub for local talent and hosts numerous cultural and community events each year. For more information about Theatre Sarnia and upcoming events, visit www.imperialtheatre.net.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Theatre Sarnia deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come."