A Message from the Festival
A message from Brian Kipping – President of the Highlands Summer Festival
Love is in the air
We’re celebrating Valentines Day with these great love stories that were nurtured at the Highlands Summer Festival. We hope these tales will make your day!
Covid concerns place
2021 season on hold
Press Release January 31, 2021
In the continued uncertainty of safety around Covid-19, it is with a heavy heart that the Highlands Summer Festival will postpone our 2021 season. The decision was made amid growing uncertainty about the Covid-19 restrictions that could continue in July and August. “The health and safety of our patrons, talented actors and volunteers has always been our utmost priority, and we want to ensure that when the community is next able to gather for the quality productions we’re known for, it is with confidence and celebration”, Artistic Director Scot Denton stated.
“It is with reluctance that we make this announcement,” said President Brian Kipping. “This is not where we wanted to be following last season’s closure. Our first concern, however, is for the safety of our patrons and staff,” he reiterated. Kipping noted that the lack of predictability of the restrictions on public gatherings leaves the organization with little choice.
However, the shuttering of the traditional season does not mean the popular Haliburton theatre company will be inactive in the coming months.
“We are exploring the possibility of hosting our Early Stages program, if conditions allow,” Scot Denton indicated. “Watch for announcements as we get closer to the summer.” Early Stages in a highly popular four-week intensive theatre education program for young people aged 10 to 14.
Denton said there are also plans in the works for more virtual presentations. “Following on the heels of our very popular ‘Memories’ video, we have several initiatives in the works that we’ll release on our website.” (www.highlandssummerfestival.on.ca)
“Patrons who have left their tickets with us will have them honoured for the 2022 season,” Kipping stated. “We will respect that commitment when we are allowed to step back into the theatre and onto the stage.”
Kipping also paid tribute to the many people in the community who responded to the company’s donation request a month ago. (see details below) “Even though there have been no performances, we have ongoing expenses, and these donations help to keep the Highlands Summer Festival alive and ready to go when conditions allow. Thank you for your support.”
Bridging the Gap
As we attempt to make a plan for the 2021 Highlands Summer Festival season, we can’t help but look back on this past summer and the moments missed in the darkened theatre by restrictions imposed by the pandemic. But planning continues and we are moving forward with caution – hopeful that we can bring live theatre to you once again, when it is safe to do so.
As the fall began, we were forced to take a closer look at the financial situation of the company. When the season was cancelled, Highlands Summer Festival was blessed with the generosity of our loyal patrons. Some chose to donate the value of the season passes and tickets they had purchased, others decided to simply move their 2020 passes to next season on our promise they would be valid in 2021. Both of these actions helped the company function through a dark period and we are so grateful to all. As we examine our projected costs to gear up for next summer against the potential revenue, we see a shortfall of $16,718. We have researched various grant opportunities for a company such as ours, however many are not a match for Highlands Summer Festival.
We need your help to bridge the gap. We know how important Highlands Summer Festival is to our community, and so we are turning to our fellow theatre lovers for support. As a registered charity, all donations are tax deductible for the year in which they are given. If you are able, there are several way you can donate: on-line at our secure website at highlandssummerfestival.on.ca/season-pass/ (click on the button below); by calling the box office at 705-457-9933 or toll free 1-888-457-9933; or you can mail your cheque to Box 938, Haliburton, Ontario, K0M 1S0. We hope you can assist us as we keep ourselves in a position to bring live theatre and music to the Haliburton Highlands once we can keep you safe as we gather together again.
Thank you in advance for your ongoing support and we are all looking forward to seeing you at the theatre next summer.
Sincerely,
Brian Kipping
President
PS: Be sure to view our “Memories” video below, celebrating 20 years of the Highlands Summer Festival. I know you’ll enjoy seeing some of the people who were part of our community theatre company.
20 Years of
Highlands Summer Festival
Memories
At the Highlands Summer Festival we have been making memories for 20 years. We are looking forward to making them for many more seasons to come. We invite you to have a look back at some of our favourite moments – we hope this brings back memories of your favourite shows.
We’re looking forward to creating many more memories for you as soon as we can. Until then, please share this with someone who might enjoy it. And let us know about your favourites.
Highlands Summer Festival Photo Contest Continues
Visit our Backstage Pass Blog for the latest contest. https://www.highlandssummerfestival.on.ca/backstage-pass/
TD Waterhouse 2018 Curtain Talks
Once again this year, the Highlands Summer Festival was pleased to present “Curtain Talks”, sponsored by TD Waterhouse. After selected performances, the audience was invited to stay to talk to the cast and crew of the production. We will be offering TD Waterhouse Curtain Talks during the 2018 season. See the Calendar on the Tickets Page for the schedule and view the ones already recorded below.
Romeo & Juliet
July 8: https://vimeo.com/279747935
Not Quite Sherlock with Chris Gibbs
Cliffhanger
Weimar to Vaudeville
The Dining Room
TD Curtain Talks From Past Seasons
Please click here to enjoy the Curtain Talks from our past seasons as recorded by Sticks and Stones Media.
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Front of Line service when you make a donation
When purchasing your tickets, please consider making a donation to the Highlands Summer Festival one of the most vibrant community theatre companies in Ontario. As a not-for-profit registered charity, we will provide you with a receipt which you can use for income tax purposes. The more than 150 artists and volunteers who make the annual Highlands Summer Festival season happen are heartened by endorsement of their efforts through the purchase of season passes. However, additional funds are needed to ensure the continued viability of the company.
Your donation has additional benefits for you, including front of line ticket ordering priority, recognition on our website and in the program and the satisfaction of supporting one of Ontario’s outstanding summer theatre companies. Note: donations are receipted for the tax year in which they are received.
See you at the theatre
Brian Kipping
President
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