Showplace Performance Centre

Showplace Performance Centre is a prominent cultural institution located in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Established in October 1996, the centre has become the regional hub for the performing arts, offering a platform for both local and touring artists to showcase their talents in a professional-quality venue. The centre's history is a testament to the community's dedication to the arts. Originally built in 1947 as the Odeon movie theatre, the building at 290 George Street was once a state-of-the-art cinema that opened with the mystery thriller "Green for Danger," and even screened the Royal Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten. The theatre received high praise from newspapers of the day. In 1979, the theatre underwent a division into two separate spaces and continued to operate under various ownerships until the Showplace Board of Directors purchased it in 1995. The architectural firm Lett/Smith was commissioned to transform the building into the 650-seat theatre that stands today. The extensive renovation process involved completely gutting and reconstructing the interior, resulting in the beautiful space known as Showplace Performance Centre. The success of Showplace is largely attributed to the community's efforts, particularly the volunteers who organized fundraisers, secured sponsorships, and sold naming opportunities. Of the $3.2 million needed for the project, $2 million was raised through these campaigns, allowing the mortgage to be paid off within just four years of opening. The Showplace Performance Centre's Board of Directors, chaired by Ken Doherty, along with other dedicated members, oversees the governance of the organization. The board plays a crucial role in maintaining the centre's mission to present and promote the performing arts, encourage community involvement, and inspire artists and audiences alike. Volunteers are the backbone of Showplace, contributing significantly to its ongoing success. They are involved in various roles, including ushering, ticket-taking, managing the lobby, working the box office, bartending, and running the coat check station. Volunteers are organized into teams, each led by a team leader who coordinates monthly assignments for shows and events. The centre offers opportunities for those interested in volunteering to join their teams, provided they meet certain requirements, such as computer skills for the box office or obtaining a Smart Serve Certificate for bartending. Showplace Performance Centre continues to enrich the cultural fabric of Peterborough and the surrounding area, celebrating the arts and fostering a vibrant community spirit. Its dedication to providing opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement has solidified its status as a cornerstone of the region's cultural life.