Exclusive three day event event showcases the future of Canadian comedy on stage
February 4, 2025 – Port Dover, ON | Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce the launch of its new Play Development Festival, a three-day exclusive event showcasing the future of Canadian comedy on stage. Taking place from March 3 to March 5, 2025, at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover, this festival will provide theatre lovers an opportunity to witness brand-new comedic works in their early stages and engage directly with the talented playwrights shaping the next generation of theatre.
Patrons will enjoy full read-throughs, followed by behind-the-scenes talk-back and feedback sessions where they can share their thoughts and insights with the creative teams. This festival is a rare chance to experience the evolution of theatre firsthand, meet the writers from our Play Development program, and be part of the creative process.
Festival Lineup:
- March 3rd (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) – Pinkerton Comes to Prospect by Jamie Williams
- March 4th (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) – Baby Steps by Matt Gorman
- March 5th (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) – Secret Service by Ephraim Ellis
“This is a thrilling new initiative for Lighthouse Festival, and we’re absolutely delighted to invite our audience into the exciting world of play development,” says Artistic Director Jane Spence. “Not only will our patrons get a first look at these incredible new works, but they’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the process of shaping the stories that will grace our stages in the future.”
By attending, theatre enthusiasts will be among the first to discover and support emerging voices in Canadian theatre. The festival will foster a vibrant, creative environment where patrons can connect with fellow theatre lovers, donors, and artists.
“As our new Play Development Festival, this is a landmark moment for Lighthouse Festival,” Spence continues. “We are committed to nurturing new talent, and this initiative is a major step in supporting fresh storytelling and ensuring the continued vibrancy of Canadian theatre.”
To secure a seat, a minimum $50 donation will grant access for one person and a guest. Contributions directly support Lighthouse Festival’s mission to foster new playwrights, fund creative development, and bring fresh voices to our stages. In addition, donors will receive a tax-deductible receipt for the 2025 tax year.
Join Lighthouse Festival in celebrating the future of Canadian theatre at this extraordinary event.
For more information or to make a donation, visit lighthousetheatre.com/play-development-festival/ or contact our box office at 888-779-7703.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410
Tasha Blake
Development Officer
tasha@lighthousetheatre.com
Office: (519) 583-1031 x 230
