Theatre Woodstock’s AGM reflects on 25/26 season success, looks ahead to future

Ben Shalley (left), pictured with technical director Chloé McGregor, received the Red Young Award for his contributions to the STAGES youth theatre program, most recently directing The Music Man Kids production. (Emily Stewart photo)

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

Theatre Woodstock held its annual general meeting at the Market Square Theatre on June 16, where the Board of Directors presented their reports reflecting on the past 2025/2026 season and looked ahead to the upcoming season ringing in 80 years of community theatre.

"As we look ahead to our 80th anniversary season, as well as hosting the Western Ontario Drama League Festival next spring, I can barely contain my excitement. We have so much to celebrate and so much to look forward to,” said President Emil Winjker. “Theatre Woodstock holds a very special place in the fabric of this community not only in Woodstock but within Oxford County as a whole."

There were a lot of accomplishments in the 2025/2026 season, which featured Deadline, Little Women, Jesus Christ Superstar, 39 Steps, and The Addams Family Musical. Throughout the season, 5,785 tickets were sold; a boost in ticket sales compared to the 2022/2023 year that sold 3,342 tickets. Theatre Woodstock’s run of Jesus Christ Superstar sold out its initial run and added two additional performances that also sold out.

They also received new moving lights and a projector, along with additional microphones as needed. While a performance of Deadline was cancelled amid an unprecedented power outage, patrons could either see another performance or receive a Theatre Woodstock gift certificate.

The Little Women production had an award-winning performance in Hanover, Ont. during the Western Ontario Drama League (WODL) Festival. Awards were presented to Rendall Lackenbauer for Outstanding Performance in a Major Role for his role as Laurie, Katie Raymond and Allison Enns for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role for portraying Amy March and Aunt March, and Karen Trick and Jeff Major for the parrot. Lauren Tucker also received a nomination for Outstanding Performance in a Major Role for portraying Jo March and Alyssa Dutton received a special adjudicator’s award nomination for best newcomer for her portrayal of Meg March.

Jesus Christ Superstar also earned the WODL Outstanding Sound Design and Execution award for Pete Dunbar, Michael Henley-Dunbar, and Nelson Simard’s work. The production also received nominations for Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Light Design (Pete Dunbar), Outstanding Costumes (Kristin Smit-Klein), and Outstanding Direction (Chuck Baxter, Lara Larmour, and Tanya Thompson).

"These recognitions are a testament to the extraordinary talent, creativity, and dedication found at our organization. Whether on stage, backstage, in the booth or behind-the-scenes, our members continue to demonstrate the high standard of excellence that Theatre Woodstock is known for,” said Shannon Wijnker, artistic director. “Beyond the performances themselves, this season was a testament to the countless volunteer hours, creative energy, and collaborative spirit that makes community theatre possible."

The evening concluded with awards presented to Ben Shalley, Tanya Thompson, and Maria St. Laurent for their dedication and contribution excellence to Theatre Woodstock.

The STAGES summer camp production of Madagascar: A Musical Adventure for Kids will begin on Aug. 4 and will run for three weeks before taking the stage from Aug. 21 to 23. Theatre Woodstock will kick off its 80th season with Dracula: A Chamber Musical from Oct. 16 to 25.

Auditions for A Christmas Story were held on June 21 and 22 and Avenue Q auditions went on June 27 and 28.

More information about Theatre Woodstock, including season subscription packages, can be found online by visiting theatrewoodstock.com. The latest updates can be found on the Theatre Woodstock Instagram and Facebook pages.