This is about our commitment to you.

For over 35 years, Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre has been a pillar within the cultural landscape of Antigonish. We are proud of our history, and we are grateful for you – our community and our artists – who have built us and supported us through the years. 

Nearly three years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down live performances around the globe, and we had no idea what our path to reopening would look like. With tremendous support from the community, we took a giant risk and pivoted towards creating outdoor theatre immersed in the forest. For two summers in a row, we were delighted day after day, with audiences of all ages coming to Keppoch Mountain to enjoy Robin Hood: The Great Escape (2021) and The Hobbit (2022). The resolve of the artists to create theatre in these difficult and uncertain times was matched equally by the excitement of the audiences who were moved by the magic of live theatre.

Theatre brings us all together. Theatre builds community, inspires hearts and minds, promotes empathy, and sometimes pushes us beyond our comfort zones. It helps us celebrate who we are, where we have been, and what dreams and adventures lie ahead. Theatre creates the possibility for change.

Theatre is also a risky business, and we need your help for the years ahead. The pandemic is not over, and there are many logistical and technical complications involved in creating live performances where significant expenses have to be fronted months before rehearsals can even begin for a show. Public funding for the arts is scarce and costs are rising. In addition, we suffered a setback from numerous weather-related cancelations during the heat wave in the summer of 2022, which has left us without a buffer for the years ahead.

Please consider a charitable gift to Festival Antigonish at this critical time. Your donation will ensure that we can continue our path to recovery and bring more exciting live theatre to our community. All gifts are eligible for a tax receipt, and the funds raised go directly towards the shows you see on our stage and the artists who create them. 

With your support, our company has become more inclusive, our shows have become more accessible, our community partnerships have become stronger, and our programming has become more diverse. Award-winning theatre artists from across the country are joining our family and experiencing first-hand the vibrant and welcoming community of Antigonish. We have the privilege, and responsibility, of being the only professional theatre company in the region, and your financial help is vital to our success. All donations $20 and above will receive a charitable tax receipt in February or automatically if you donate via Canada Helps. Festival Antigonish Society is a registered charity as a not-for-profit organization under the Societies Act of Nova Scotia.

Thank you!

Did you know:

  • Postponing our 2020 season due to COVID-19 meant a loss of $200,000.
  • COVID relief programs from the government have covered just $10,000 (5%) of this loss.
  • 80% of our annual budget regardless of the season relies on ticket sales and donations. The fallout from our closure during the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating, and its impact will be long-lasting.

How You Can Help

Donate

All gifts over $20 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. The best way to donate is online (CLICK HERE). You can also send a cheque by mail to:  Festival Antigonish – Bauer Theatre l PO Box 5000 l Antigonish, NS  B2G 2W5 

Become a Monthly Donor

With a monthly gift of $25 or more, you can provide sustainable, long-term support for our operations. It’s quick and easy to sign-up here.

Subscribe to Our Season:

The savings are great, and you get first pick at seating when ticket sales go live each season. 

Purchase a Gift Certificate

We know many theatre-lovers are missing live performances right now. A Festival Antigonish gift certificate might just put a smile on their face!

Click here to order a gift certificate today.

Thank You For Being a F.A.S.T. Friend

As a theatre lover, you know what you are really supporting is not just the arts but also the health, vibrancy, and prosperity of our entire community. With your help, we will continue to create theatre, and support and enrich the cultural, social, and economic fabric of our region.

For questions or more information, please contact:

Sissie Wang
Administrator, Operations & Audience Relations
swang@stfx.ca
902-867-3954