Celebrate 80 years of Theatre Woodstock with a Night in the Spotlight

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

Theatre Woodstock will celebrate its 80-year legacy of Oxford County community theatre ahead of the upcoming season.

Theatre Woodstock, previously known as Woodstock Little Theatre, will host A Night in the Spotlight to celebrate its 80th anniversary on Sept. 26 at the South Gate Centre, starting with cocktail hour at 6 p.m. The evening will also feature a buffet dinner, cash bar, and performances from the upcoming Dracula: A Chamber Musical, and from the quartet of the widely successful 2024 Cinderella musical production featuring Kennedy Wilson, Stephanie MacDonald, Becky Tanton, and Maegan Hansen. Volunteers will also create a display featuring items outlining Theatre Woodstock’s history.

Liz Wismer-Van Meer, publicity coordinator for Theatre Woodstock, told the Echo there were plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary, but they were shelved thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled to finally celebrate with our patrons, performers, volunteers and supporters,” she said. “This is an opportunity to not only celebrate but reflect on Theatre Woodstock's 80-year history of award-winning live theatre, and the community it has created: friendships, partnerships, artistic experiences, and artistic expression.”

Theatre Woodstock’s 80th anniversary also celebrates the many members of the organization over the years, some who spent most of their lives with the community theatre group.

“They started acting as children, continued through high school and post-secondary, into adulthood and retirement - for some, there are multiple generations that have acted with Theatre Woodstock. Celebrating this milestone is one more special memory to carry with them,” said Wismer-Van Meer.

Wismer-Van Meer is also thankful for everyone who shaped Theatre Woodstock over the years.

“Community theatre relies on folks who are dedicated, compassionate, driven and talented; Theatre Woodstock (Woodstock Little Theatre) has been blessed to have the best of the best for 80 years,” she said. “TW has received several accolades and awards over the years, which speaks volumes to the phenomenal people who have given their time on and off stage over the past 80 years.”

Early bird tickets are still available for $70. Anyone who bought an early bird ticket is entered in a draw for a chance to win a subscription pass for the 2026/2027 season. Tickets will be $80 after the early bird deadline. To purchase tickets, visit www.theatrewoodstock.com, visit the box office on 22 Reeve St., or call 519-537-2582.