Press Release: Experience Ontario 2026 Supports Theatre Orangeville’s Summer Young Artist Festival

‍ORANGEVILLE, ON – Theatre Orangeville is pleased to announce that it has received nearly $20,000 in funding through the Province of Ontario’s Experience Ontario 2026 program in support of its Summer Young Artist Festival throughout July and August.

Delivered through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Experience Ontario supports in-person festivals and events that encourage people to discover communities across the province, connect through shared experiences and contribute to local economies.

Theatre Orangeville’s Summer Young Artist Festival creates opportunities for young people to develop their skills, collaborate with professional theatre artists and experience bringing a production from rehearsal to the stage. At the same time, the Festival brings families, audiences and visitors into downtown Orangeville, contributing to the vibrant arts and cultural experiences that attract people to the community and support local businesses.

This summer’s Festival began with Theatre Orangeville’s Young Company production of Into the Woods, which was warmly received by audiences in July. The celebration continued with KidsFEST in Alexandra Park, presented in partnership with the Downtown Orangeville BIA, bringing families together for a free morning of live entertainment, creative activities and hands-on opportunities to engage with the arts. The Festival continues this August with the Young Artists Company production of Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, bringing another group of emerging performers to the Opera House stage.

“Programs like our summer Young Company musical and drama are about so much more than putting on a show,” said Jennifer Stewart, Artistic Director of Theatre Orangeville. “They give young people a place to discover what they’re capable of, build confidence, take creative risks and experience the incredible feeling of creating something together. Support from Experience Ontario helps us create these opportunities, while at the same time, inviting audiences to experience the remarkable talent of the next generation.”
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“Our government is proud to support local events and festivals in Dufferin County that foster community connections and support our local economy,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “The funding for Theatre Orangeville’s Summer Young Artist Festival and Young Company programs exemplifies the significant contributions arts and culture programs make to the community, and the unforgettable experiences they create.”

Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery is a fast-paced and inventive take on Sherlock Holmes’ most famous case and the final Young Company production of Theatre Orangeville’s 2026 Summer Young Artist Festival. Tickets and performance information are available through Theatre Orangeville.

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About Experience Ontario

Experience Ontario is a provincial grant program supporting in-person festivals and events across Ontario. The program helps event organizers create experiences that attract visitors, encourage participation in communities and contribute to local economic activity.

About Theatre Orangeville

Theatre Orangeville is a non-profit professional theatre company whose artistic vision guides every aspect of what we do. To enrich the community with a high quality, professional theatre experience, that showcases the development of new Canadian works; to provide youth with unique opportunities to transform their lives through the performing arts; to provide vibrant, engaging and creative opportunities that grows the cultural experience through community partnerships; and nurture diversity, promote acceptance and celebrate all abilities.

Media Inquiries

Marketing Department
Theatre Orangeville
marketing@theatreorangeville.ca