Why You Should Help Run Our Theatre
By: Erica Ehm [Kawartha Lakes Weekly Feature]
When I moved to Kawartha Lakes, I wasn’t just looking for a change of scenery. I was looking for connection. After decades in media, music, and entrepreneurship, I’ve learned that the most meaningful chapters of life are built alongside people who care deeply about something and are willing to dive in and do the work.
That’s what led me to the board of the Flato Academy Theatre.
I joined a few years ago, not knowing what to expect. I wanted to meet like-minded people involved in the arts, who understood that culture is about identity, economy, and community woven together. I was also curious. What does it take to run a theatre? The answer: more than you think. And exactly the kind of work that matters.
Joining this board has been one of the best decisions I’ve made since moving here. Not just because I’ve been able to use my background in marketing, storytelling, and music to give back, but because of the people. This group shows up.
As board member Bruce Hodges puts it, “this is a working board.” He’s right. This isn’t a ceremonial position. Unless the theatre significantly increases paid staff, board members are actively involved in operations, strategy, and growth.
He admits he was surprised by the level of involvement at first but sees the opportunity in it. “If we find the right finance-oriented board member, they could potentially own both finance oversight and strategic planning.”
In other words, your impact here is real.
That’s why this next phase of recruitment matters so much to the future of the theatre. As Bruce says, “depending on who reaches out, this will take the board to another new level.”
So who are we looking for?
Board member Jim Cassimatis says it best: “We’re looking for complementary skills to round out the board’s expertise: legal, business, facilities management, community and industry engagement.” Governance experience is helpful, but not required. What matters more is your willingness to engage.
“This is not an oversight board (just yet),” Jim adds. “Board members need to roll up their sleeves and contribute. A commitment of dedicated time will be required.” That might sound like a lot. It is. But it’s also what makes this experience so rewarding.
Jim, like me, was relatively new to the area when he joined. “I thought it would be a meaningful way to give back to the community,” he says. “The theatre is a local jewel, and there’s pride and purpose in helping make it a more meaningful contributor to the local community and economy.”
Board member David MacMillan brings 35 years in the music business to the team while Ayesha Mansur comes with an extensive theatre background. Robyn James marketing expertise has upped our game as well. Under the leadership of board chair Mike Piggott, there’s a clear vision for growth and sustainability.
Right now, we’re looking to add two to three board members with specific expertise: a lawyer for legal guidance, an accountant to support the finance team and potentially take on the Treasurer role, and someone with a facilities background, particularly in commercial HVAC, maintenance, or construction.
But the invitation doesn’t stop there.
If you’re interested in being part of the theatre but aren’t ready to commit to a board position, there are committees where your skills can shine. Programming. Production. Facilities. Even a bartending committee to help shape the audience experience. Human resources, labour relations, fundraising, there’s space for all of it.
And then there are the volunteers. The people greeting guests, scanning tickets, pouring drinks, helping audiences find their seats. The people who stay late to clean up, who sell raffle tickets, who show up because they care. That’s the energy that fuels our theatre.
Board member Rob Barg echoes the importance of strong expertise, noting that ideally, we need “a person who understands theatre, facilities, the arts, and who has a strong financial background.”
And from the operational side, General Manager Victoria Shepherd is clear about what makes an ideal board member: someone committed to the mission, who understands that efficient decision-making is critical to maintaining momentum. “This Board member will be unafraid to roll up their sleeves and dive in,” she says. “Most importantly, they will be unafraid to leverage connections for the betterment of the theatre.”
Because sustaining a theatre in today’s world takes relationships, advocacy and people willing to open doors, financially, professionally, and creatively.
So why am I sharing all of this?
Because if you’ve ever sat in our theatre and recognized how special it is, or wanted to be part of something that brings people together, this is your moment.
If reading this gets you excited, reach out to me to chat. Maybe we’ll end up working together. Ultimately, the future of the Flato Academy Theatre, the cultural heartbeat of Kawartha Lakes, depends on all of us willing to step up.
Interested in Joining? Email: board@academytheatre.ca
