Volunteer Spotlight: Focusing on some of our star performers who donate hundreds of hours of their time
April 15, 2024
Drayton Entertainment wouldn't be a success without its more than 500 volunteers across seven venues. All of them play a leading role every season, and we think they deserve a round of applause.
Throughout the year, hundreds of volunteers donate their time, talent and enthusiasm, and we're so grateful for their generosity and commitment. In 2023, they contributed 21,000 hours, and the financial value of that is estimated at over $522,500.
This National Volunteer Week, meet some of the selfless community-minded individuals who help to put smiles on audiences' faces.
Ron Ellis
I’ve been here since 1991. We have three or four shows each year, and I’m probably there for three hours a day, for five days, so put that all together!
It’s impossible to talk about volunteerism at Drayton Entertainment without mentioning former municipal councillor Ron Ellis. He was Volunteer #1 at the place where it all started in 1991, Drayton Festival Theatre.
Susan Paisley and Fran Miller
What I really like about volunteering is, generally, everybody who comes into the theatre is happy to be there.
Sisters Fran Miller, who lives in Waterloo, and Susan Paisley, from Kitchener, have been volunteering with Drayton Entertainment for several years. They share how they got started, and why they find it so fulfilling.
Michael and Louise Cox
We think that theatre is a very important part of any community’s culture, and if you can find a way to keep it alive, it’s a very good idea.
Between them, Cambridge residents Michael and Louise Cox have clocked hundreds of volunteer hours with Drayton Entertainment over the past couple of years. The couple explain how they got their start, and why volunteering is so important to them.
Sylvia Malgadey
Number one, it gives me something to do. But number two, and probably way more important, is I meet so many wonderful people, and I’ve made so many new friends.
Sylvia Malgadey competed for Team Canada in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The Conestoga resident is still quick on her feet as a Drayton Entertainment volunteer, which sometimes includes dancing with members of the audience.
Marilyn Pollard and Tom Pollard
I like to see people enjoy themselves. When you sit there and you see them laughing and smiling, it’s very rewarding.
Marilyn Pollard and her oldest son, Tom Pollard, make a formidable team. Marilyn lives in Wallaceburg, and Tom calls London his home. Together, they volunteer at both Huron Country Playhouse’s theatres, racking up hundreds of hours each year.
Catherine Pettem
99.9% of the people are coming in there to forget about what’s going on around the world and just immerse themselves in the entertainment we’re providing.
Catherine Pettem has lived in Cambridge off and on for over 30 years, and she’s been a part of Drayton Entertainment for more than a decade. During that time, she has amassed an astonishing number of volunteer hours and helped enhance the experience at shows for thousands of audience members.
Wendy Larmand
I absolutely love it because you're meeting people. I really enjoy doing it. It's very rewarding.
Midland resident Wendy Larmand logged nearly 360 hours as an enthusiastic King's Wharf Theatre volunteer last year alone, ensuring that patrons have the best possible experience. One of our most prolific volunteers shares why she finds it so rewarding.
Visit our Volunteer page to find out how you can join Drayton Entertainment's family of volunteers.
In the News
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More Than Words: Rock of Ages gets nostalgic for the era-defining image of 80s musicA raucous celebration of iconic bands hits the stage in this '80s-set rock n’ roll musical this summer.
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Rock of Ages turns it up to 11 in a hymn to the era of excessAre you ready to rock? Hardcore audiences squeeze into their acid-washed jeans to worship the loud and proud ’80s.
April 18, 2024
Volunteer Spotlight: Ron EllisIt’s impossible to talk about volunteerism at Drayton Entertainment without mentioning former municipal councillor Ron Ellis. He was Volunteer #1 at the place where it all started in 1991, Drayton Festival Theatre.
April 17, 2024
Volunteer Spotlight: Catherine PettemCatherine Pettem has lived in Cambridge off and on for over 30 years, and she’s been a part of Drayton Entertainment for more than a decade. During that time, she has amassed an astonishing number of volunteer hours and helped enhance the experience at shows for thousands of audience members.
April 16, 2024
Volunteer Spotlight: Marilyn Pollard and Tom PollardMarilyn Pollard and her oldest son, Tom Pollard, make a formidable team. Marilyn lives in Wallaceburg, and Tom calls London his home. Together, they volunteer at both Huron Country Playhouse’s theatres, racking up hundreds of hours each year.
April 15, 2024
Volunteer Spotlight: Sylvia MalgadeySylvia Malgadey competed for Team Canada in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The Conestoga resident is still quick on her feet as a Drayton Entertainment volunteer, which sometimes includes dancing with members of the audience.