HANOVER – The Hanover Community Players (HCP) participated in a recognition event during the Hanover Volunteer Fair on June 17.
MPP Paul Vickers was on hand to present HCP with a certificate from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, recognizing the $28,000 grant the group received in 2024.
It allowed HCP to purchase lighting to enhance production values, wireless communication for better safety in the theatre and booster seats to enable children to get a better view of the happenings on the stage.
“Recognition time is a wonderful occasion for any one or any group,” HCP officials stated in a release.
Along with Mayor Sue Paterson and April Marshall from the town of Hanover, HCP chair Randy Corfield accepted the certificate.
Board members Lynn Jollymore, Marg Poste, Linda Manchester, Sam Los and Rebekah Walker were also present for the informal ceremony.
“Behind the scenes HCP has been very busy,” officials stated.
A Community Betterment Fund will be set up through Community Foundation Grey Bruce with the goal of presenting scholarships to students and support for those attending theatre courses, etcetera.
“Work is still in the beginning stages but they hope to have everything in place for 2027,” officials stated.
In the spring of 2026 HCP will be hosting the Western Ontario Drama League Festival.
The Western Ontario Drama League was established by D. Park Jamieson in 1932 to unite community theatre groups in Western Ontario.
It covers an area from Burlington west to Sarnia and Welland, and north to Tobermory and has over two dozen member groups.
The Western Ontario Drama League exists to:
- encourage, assist and promote community theatre;
- convene an annual theatre festival; and
- provide education in theatre arts.
“The festival hosting is a huge undertaking but it will bring many visitors to town,” officials stated.
Live theatre productions will be showcased and adjudicated to determine the best production.
Similar to the Hollywood Oscars, awards will also be given to individuals and groups from the festival as well as from out of festival adjudications – HCP has had a number of nominations and a few winners in this category over the years.
The School of Rock cast has been chosen, and the production will open Nov. 28 with a cast of over 30.
The drama camp opens July 28 in the theatre and community hall.
Spaces are available for nine to 13 year olds.
A winter event is in the works and a spring play will light the stage, opening on April 24.
“HCP is going to be very busy – your support, as usual, keeps the completely volunteer group alive,” officials stated.
They are still in need of volunteers to help within the administration as committee members, looking after a number of activities.
Contact HCP at info@hanovercommunityplayers.ca for volunteer opportunities.
