In a message to its supporters today, the Huntsville Theatre Company (HTC) announced that it is in search of a new home. It has been performing in Chaffey Hall under a rental agreement with the Lions Club of Huntsville.
“The HTC’s Board of Directors is grateful to the Lions Club of Huntsville (Huntsville Lions) for renting Chaffey Hall to us,” wrote the theatre company’s president, Veronica Leonard. “It has enabled HTC to give birth to a theatre company that has provided nearly 40 productions since its first production at Chaffey Hall in 2012. HTC has become the only theatre company in Muskoka providing year-round live theatre.”
She said that the Lions’ “new vision for the space will limit HTC’s ability to continue to provide the community with six productions a season and the Theatre is My Passion after school children’s program.”
Last year, the relationship between the Lions and the theatre company turned sour (see links to those stories below), which Leonard acknowledged in her release. “It is no secret that HTC and the Huntsville Lions have had issues with the lease and with maintaining an amicable working relationship. We tried working with the Lions to find a solution for the best use of Chaffey Hall, which would have allowed both organizations to continue to serve our community. Despite our efforts to work towards that solution, HTC feels this decision is the necessary next step as the company continues to grow.”
HTC will finish its 2016/2017 season at The Studio Theatre at Chaffey Hall with two productions. Mending Fences runs May 5-14; Reel Music runs May 19-20. The theatre company is currently looking for an alternate location for the Theatre is My Passion children’s program’s performance in June.
“We are excited to turn the page on this new chapter for HTC,” said Leonard. “We cannot wait to start looking for a new home that is completely ours.”
Related stories:
Drama at Chaffey Hall: the Huntsville Lions Club vs. the Huntsville Theatre Company
Lions Club president has his say in dispute with the Huntsville Theatre Company
Town moves forward with handover of Chaffey Hall to Huntsville Lions
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With 75 years (1941 to 2016) of serving the Huntsville Community behind us we do not need to justify
our position in Huntsville or further attempt to “Mend Fences” with a tenant of ours. The Lions Club’s stellar reputation speaks for its self. However, the current affairs with the HTC and Huntsville Lions Club requires the following comment to the unfinished business we have with with the Huntsville Theatre Company.
“The Huntsville Lions Club wishes the Huntsville Theatre Company (HTC) all good wishes and luck in relocating to a new facility.This Company serves Huntsville and environs well with their programs.Their intentions are good and we understand their needs may have expanded beyond the vision HTC had 2 years ago when their then Producer Jan Jacklin committed to a lease with us that expires in late 2019.
The HTC has been extremely fortunate to have received the welcome and generosity of The Lions Club and to call Chaffey Hall their home with their marquee installed over the front door.
Where else could they have found a group of volunteers who would provide them with such a perfect venue to meet their needs with all of the comfort and amenities included and yet be so close to the Huntsville town centre for $1000.00 per month for space with a property value of $2500.00 per month minimum ?
However, while they seek a new home the HTC and their directors and their former Producer who committed to a Commercial Lease for Chaffey Hall must remain responsible for the lease until termination in November 2019 or until such time a satisfactory termination agreement is reached.”
I will be at the next 2 performances because I enjoy community theatre and our town needs to keep it going.
Good luck
Lucille Frith
How ironic be the titles of the final two shows…”Mending Fences” as they face the “Reel Music”……
Good luck HTC in your quest for space………The old LCBO or Dollarama might be had for reasonable rent..and might kick start some interest in that eyesore area…who knows..lots of vacancies on Main east of Centre St…