Theatre Antigonish

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Celebrating a Legacy of Community Education, and Artistic Excellence

A Theatre with Deep Roots in Education and Community 

As Theatre Antigonish and the Bauer Theatre at St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) celebrate their 50th Anniversary, we reflect on the extraordinary legacy built over the past five decades. More than just a theatre, Theatre Antigonish is a community hub, a learning platform, and an incubator for creativity. It has played an integral role in the lives of students, faculty, and Community members while shaping the artistic and cultural landscape of Antigonish and beyond.  

In its half-century of existence, Theatre Antigonish has become synonymous with inclusivity, mentorship, and the transformative power of theatre. As we look ahead, your support is vital in ensuring that this legacy continues to grow, nurturing future generations of artists, scholars, and community members. 

History and Legacy

Theatre Antigonish’s roots run deep at StFX, intertwining with the university’s commitment to student development, artistic expression, and community engagement. Since its inception, Theatre Antigonish has produced hundreds of plays, providing countless opportunities for students and community members to learn, perform, and contribute to the arts. This deep connection between the theatre and the community has fostered a unique artistic culture in Antigonish, and today, it remains a vibrant part of local and national theatre landscapes. 

From The Lion in Winter to  The Glace Bay Miners Museum , Theatre Antigonish’s productions have spotlighted works that provoke thought, celebrate culture, and tell important stories. Collaborations with local artists, faculty, and students have created an enduring cultural impact, bridging the university and the broader community. 

Educational Impact

Theatre Antigonish’s contribution to education at StFX is unparalleled. For students, the theatre is an invaluable extension of the classroom—a place where they can apply their learning in practical, creative ways. Courses across disciplines, such as English, Education, and Psychology, integrate theatre-related projects into their curricula. Students not only gain academic knowledge but also develop essential life skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and public speaking. 

 Student Experience and Growth

Current students reflect the profound impact that Theatre Antigonish has had on their university experience: 

 “The Bauer Theatre is a place you can call home. In my first year of university, I was overwhelmed and worried about finding my people. When I auditioned for a play at the Bauer, I was immediately treated like family and made friendships that I know will last for years.”  – Matt Luers   

 “Theatre Antigonish provides a space for students to grow creatively, find community, and build lasting connections with other students and community members. It also creates incredible opportunities for students to be mentored by theatre professionals. My time at Theatre Antigonish has unequivocally been the best part of my StFX experience.”   –  Abby Fraser   

Shaping Careers and Futures

11% of the 54 ‘Noted Alumni’ on the STFX Wikipedia page are Actors. 18.5% are either actors, directors or musicians.  

Theatre Antigonish has been the foundation for many distinguished alumni who have gone on to successful careers in the arts and beyond. The experiences they gained in acting, production, and creative collaboration during their time at StFX have been essential in launching their careers. 

  • Larry Lamb: An English actor, best known for his role as Archie Mitchell in BBC’s  EastEnders , Larry honed his acting skills while studying at StFX. He performed with Theatre Antigonish in productions such as  The Lion in Winter  (1973) and  Medea  (1974). His time in Antigonish paved the way for his professional career, including performing at Canada’s prestigious Stratford Festival. 
  • Seamus O’Regan: Former co-host of CTV’s  Canada AM  and current MP for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl, Seamus performed in  The Servant of Two Masters  (1989) and  Communication Problems  (1990) with Theatre Antigonish. These early performances laid the groundwork for his future in public speaking and broadcasting. 
  • Mary Jane Lamond: A renowned Canadian folk musician, Mary Jane worked on the production side of 11 Theatre Antigonish shows between 1990 and 1994 while studying at StFX. Her experiences in costume design and production have influenced her approach to performance and artistry. 
  • John Ralston: An accomplished actor with a long career in film and television, John Ralston began his journey with Theatre Antigonish in productions like  Godspell  (1982),  Othello  (1982), and  The Boyfriend  (1983). His time at StFX helped develop his passion for acting, which led to a successful career in both theatre and television. 
  • Emmy Alcorn: Actor, writer, and Artistic Director of Mulgrave Road Theatre, Emmy’s involvement in nine Theatre Antigonish shows between 1973 and 1990 helped launch her long-standing career in Canadian theatre. Nancy Regan says the theatre opened a new world to her. According to her website, her career included 15 years as host of CTV Atlantic’s Live at 5; as an actor on stage and TV and film productions; a podcaster and author. 

    Recent StFX Grads Making Their Mark 

    Theatre Antigonish continues to nurture talent that thrives both locally and nationally. Recent StFX graduates who have pursued professional careers include: 

    • Devon Side Walker: After completing a B.B.A. in Management & Leadership in 2020, Devon became a freelance producer at South Shore Summer Theatre in Mahone Bay. His involvement with Theatre Antigonish and the X Dance Society during his time at StFX ignited his passion for theatre production. 
    • Emma Vickers: A talented performer, Emma graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Jazz Studies and went on to train at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. She has since returned to Antigonish to perform with Festival Antigonish, receiving a Nova Scotia Merritt Award nomination for Outstanding Performance in  The Adventures of the Little Girl and the Wind  (2023). 

      A Legacy of Community and Belonging 

      Over the past 50 years, Theatre Antigonish has become a cornerstone of the Antigonish community, creating a space where students, faculty, and local residents can come together to share stories, explore new ideas, and form lasting connections. Productions such as  Listen to the Wind: A Journey in Schizophrenia  and  Hector the Spectre Steals the Show  have reflected the local culture and the shared experiences of the community. 

      Theatre Antigonish also takes a leading role in addressing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) issues through performances like  Slut: The Play  and  This Is For You, Anna . These productions spark meaningful conversations and reflect the theatre’s commitment to creating an inclusive space for all. 

      Thank you for considering a gift to Theatre Antigonish. Together, we can build on 50 years of artistic excellence and community connection, ensuring a bright future for the next 50 years. 

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