Drayton Entertainment Announces Annual Arts Awards Recipients
February 7, 2023
Monday, February 6, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – With the highly anticipated 2023 Season approaching this spring, Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, has announced recipients of five special awards for their exceptional contributions to the charitable arts organization.
The awards have taken on new meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw Drayton Entertainment’s seven stages remain dark for more than two years.
Siobhan Lovejoy, Director of Finance, was presented with the Artistic Director’s Award for her 2021 efforts to support the stabilization of Drayton Entertainment’s operations during the height of the pandemic.
Drayton Entertainment’s entire Production Department was recognized for their exemplary contributions in 2022, which not only required the planning and realization of an ambitious playbill of 16 productions once COVID restrictions were lifted, but also the completion of the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy in Waterloo. The renovation of a former industrial space to realize 10,000 sq. ft. of new cultural infrastructure will serve the community by offering a range of programs for young people.
“We are so very fortunate to have such dedicated teams in each and every department of our organization,” says Mustakas. “Their work behind-the-scenes is essential in order to make live theatre happen.”
With over 400 volunteers contributing in excess of 30,000 hours annually, volunteerism is also equally important. Named after the organization’s first volunteer, the Jean Campbell Volunteer of the Year Award aims to recognize the service our volunteers dedicate to Drayton Entertainment.
Catherine Pettem and Gilllian Hoekstra, both of Cambridge, were recognized for their 2021 efforts to maintain engagement with volunteers and establish retraining programs for each theatre’s eventual reopening.
Susan Yungblut of Gowanstown was acknowledged for her 2022 contributions, which included recruiting and training fellow volunteers at the Drayton Festival Theatre.
“We couldn’t do what we do without this type of amazing support from each of our communities: Drayton, St. Jacobs, Penetanguishene, Grand Bend, and Cambridge,” says Mustakas. “We are excited to provide opportunities for new volunteers to get involved during the upcoming 2023 Season.”
Drayton Entertainment’s 2023 Season consists of 19 productions, on stage between April and December.
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at any theatre Box Office, or by calling toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
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