The Grove Theatre celebrates $199,800 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant
On Wednesday, local MPP Laurie Scott, was at The Grove Theatre to hear more from its members about the work being done since receiving $199,800 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) last summer.
The grant was used to purchase outdoor-rated sound and lighting equipment and upgrade the amphitheatre to a marine-grade power distribution. Thanks to this work, audiences will enjoy continued production quality, reliability and safety from The Grove Theatre.
“The Grove Theatre has become a true gem in our community, a place where creativity comes alive and people come together to celebrate the arts,” said Scott. “This Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will help elevate the experience even further with upgraded sound and lighting, improved safety and reliability, and expanded opportunities for community use. I’m excited to see The Grove continue to grow and deliver unforgettable performances under the summer sky for years to come.”
Through this grant, The Grove Theatre is investing in permanent, outdoor-ready technical infrastructure to support its growing programming and community use. Previously, the organization relied on rented equipment not designed for outdoor conditions, leading to high costs, weather-related disruptions, and cancelled performances.
With this investment, The Grove will reduce cancellations, extend its season from April through October, and increase access to events such as student matinees, community performances, and local celebrations. The upgrades will also enhance the audience experience, improve accessibility, and create a safer, more efficient working environment for staff and performers.
“This investment is transformative for The Grove Theatre,” said Sean Cox, artistic director. “As an outdoor venue, reliable sound, lighting, and power are essential, not just for the quality of our productions, but for the safety of our team and the experience of our audiences. This support allows us to expand our season, reduce disruptions, and continue delivering professional, high-calibre performances while making theatre more accessible to our rural community.”
Located in Fenelon Falls, The Grove Theatre is an award winning theatre known for its unique “theatre under the stars” experience. Serving more than 10,000 audience members annually, The Grove presents a dynamic summer season of theatre and live music while also supporting community events, local artists, and cultural tourism in Kawartha Lakes.
