Drayton Entertainment's Evolving Story

An award-winning, not-for-profit charitable organization, Drayton Entertainment produces the finest in live theatre at seven venues in southwestern Ontario. Each theatre maintains its distinct identity, but at the same time, combines the strengths and energy of all to provide an entertainment experience that is unparalleled.

The stage for success was first set in 1991, with the launch of the Drayton Festival Theatre. Under the tutelage of founding and current Artistic Director, Alex Mustakas, the theatre was an immediate triumph.

As popularity continued to grow, in 1997 a second stage was added in St. Jacobs – the Schoolhouse Theatre.

The King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene followed suit in 1999. Nestled within Discovery Harbour on Georgian Bay, the rustic theatre was a perfect complement with the venues in Drayton and St. Jacobs.

An icon in summer stock, the Huron Country Playhouse joined the Drayton Entertainment family of theatres in 2001. To commemorate its 40th Anniversary in 2011, the theatre completed a major renovation, expanding the intimate Huron Country Playhouse II auditorium.

Located in the heart of Waterloo Region’s Market District, the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse opened to instant acclaim in 2005 and operates year-round in this popular tourism mecca.

The newest venue in Cambridge opened to great acclaim in 2013 as the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge. In 2018, it was renamed the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge in recognition of the sustained support of local philanthropists John & Terry Hamilton. Situated in a historic downtown setting along the Grand River, the complex includes a 506-seat theatre alongside consolidated administration, production and wardrobe facilities for Drayton Entertainment.

Drayton Entertainment’s distinctive business model provides protection from the inherent fragility of the theatre industry, while providing an outlet for growth and prosperity. This has positive implications for artists, designers, sponsors, advertisers, and most importantly, theatre patrons – all of whom enjoy enhanced opportunities both on and off the stage.

By successfully balancing the competing demands of quality productions, fiscal responsibility, and community integrity, Drayton Entertainment has emerged as a true innovator and leader for arts and culture in Canada.

Professional Industry Associations

Drayton Entertainment is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and engages professional artists under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA). Drayton Entertainment acknowledges the generous support of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA).

The Musicians and Music Director/Conductor engaged for Drayton Entertainment productions are members of the Canadian Federation of Musicians and are performing in the jurisdiction of Central Ontario Musicians’ Association, Local 226 (Drayton Festival Theatre, Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre); London Musicians’ Association, Local 279 (Huron Country Playhouse); Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 (King’s Wharf Theatre).