History of Northumberland Players

From entries in the Eastern Ontario Drama League, to performances at Harbourfront in Toronto, to the establishment of the dynamic Youth Theatre, the Northumberland Players have succeeded for forty-three years in providing second-to-none community theatre and entertainment.

Over two hundred and seventy musical and dramatic productions have been presented at the Firehall Theatre, Victoria Hall Concert Hall, the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre and the Best Western Plus Inn & Convention Centre among other locales. Each has contributed to the excellence of the performing arts in Northumberland.

May the Northumberland Players continue to make everyone proud to be part of such a creative cultural institution.

Timeline

  • 1976

    The history of Northumberland Players begins with an initial meeting at an old farmhouse in late summer of 1976. Several fledgling and veteran actors, directors, and producers were primarily interested in providing as many opportunities as possible for the community at large to enjoy theatre. Numerous gatherings followed at various homes in the surrounding area to plant the seeds for the subsequent birth of the Northumberland Players.

    Next came the questions: What plays would be chosen? Where would the plays be performed? Where would the money come from? Where would sets be constructed? Since the Players were homeless and penniless, such challenges seemed insurmountable, but this group of budding thespians was undaunted. As a result, each founding member contributed $20.00 to start building sets in basements. With a borrowed truck, the first sets were transported to Cobourg Collegiate West. The inaugural comedy, Don't Drink the Water, was an immediate hit and even went "on tour" to Brighton High School . . . and to think the initial budget was $400.

  • 1977

    October 31, 1977, Northumberland Players incorporates!

  • 1978

    Five more productions ensued, thanks to local fundraising by ardent volunteers and sponsors, as well as a generous grant from the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture.

  • 1981

    The Concert Band of Cobourg joined ranks with the Players and continued to accompany NP's annual musicals with its phenomenal pit band.

  • 1983

    The Youth Theatre had become part of the roster during its eighth season. After a touring troupe of young professionals performed in Cobourg, the NP Board of Directors was inspired to establish a local and viable youth theatre that has never looked back.

  • 1985

    By 1985, Northumberland Players was still homeless. They had been successful in accessing rehearsal and production venues in places like the Cobourg Armouries, the Cobourg Legion Hall, the Cobourg Motor Inn, Northam Restaurant, the Town Hall Court House, Cobourg Collegiates East and West, as well as local churches, to name a few.

    Furthermore, thanks to a few town grants, Northumberland Players acquired the Henley Arcade at a dollar per year rental. The Arcade was renovated by the Players to house costumes, sewing and fitting space, plus storage for make-up, props and wigs. Today, the Town of Cobourg, Victoria Hall, and Cobourg's Best Western remain integral partners of the Players, along with the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre in Port Hope.

    The Players struck gold when the Town of Cobourg granted the group a twenty-year lease at two dollars per annum for the use of the historic Second Street Firehall, a heritage building protected by Ontario Heritage Trust. The principal user of this facility would be the Players.

    The Firehall interior was renovated to fulfill the dream of the members of the Northumberland Players. Ministry grants, private business sponsorships, private donations, and local fundraising events involving the dedication of many volunteers made this possible. The Town of Cobourg continues to maintain the exterior of the building and the fundamental structure of the Firehall.

    For 30 years, tireless volunteers who support the Players and contribute their skills and time for the love of the theatre maintain the interior of the building, now suited to the operation of a community theatre.

  • 1986

    By now the Players had presented fifty-one comedies, dramas, and musicals enjoyed by audiences throughout the county and beyond. Meanwhile, enthusiastic amateur and experienced members were continuing to come out for set, costume, and make-up, design, stage managing, and publicity seminars, as well as acting, producing, and directing workshops. Such participation led to exploring and implementing innovative ideas and new ventures.

  • 2015

    The Second Street doorway at the Firehall was improved to provide a theatre entrance.

  • 2020-2021

    The COVID-19 pandemic forces the postponement of many productions, and reviews and upgrades of the health and safety protocols in place for our performance venues.

  • 2022

    The space adjacent to the Costume House is leased to house our set building, painting, and props workshops. This new, large, climate controlled space is very exciting!

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