Celebrating 38 Years of Theatrical Excellence in Atlantic Canada

Since its founding in 1987, Festival Antigonish has blossomed into one of Atlantic Canada’s premier summer theatres, proudly serving as a cultural cornerstone for both our community and the region at large. With a reputation for artistic excellence, a strong legacy of mentorship, and a commitment to community engagement, we have touched the lives of thousands—locally, nationally, and internationally.

Each summer, we gather some of the most talented artists from across Canada and beyond to produce award-winning theatre in the heart of Nova Scotia, attracting audiences from all corners of the globe and inspiring our local community to experience the world through live performing arts.

Our Vision and Mission

Festival Antigonish is the heart of our region’s cultural life. Through powerful, live theatre, we strengthen community bonds, inspire compassion, and foster social change. Each season, we enrich the lives of audiences by sharing Canadian stories alongside global perspectives, sparking essential conversations and bridging divides.

As a vibrant, inclusive space for artists and audiences, we celebrate the themes of community, identity, and belonging. With a commitment to diversity, feminist values, and mentorship, our productions champion empathy and connection, while our educational programs develop the next generation of voices.

Join us in making meaningful theatre that resonates deeply and inspires lasting change.

 Select Accolades

• Entering 38th season of Professional Theater in rural Nova Scotia.
• Record-breaking 10 Merritt Award nominations in 2023.
• Winner of the 2017 DEANS Tourism Award for Festivals and Events.
• Ranked by the Ottawa Citizen as one of Canada’s top 5 summer theatres.

A Lasting Legacy and Local Impact

Over the years, Festival Antigonish has been a cultural and economic anchor in Nova Scotia, bringing vibrancy and creativity to Antigonish while contributing to local tourism and the economy. As a registered charity supported by all three levels of government, we attract 6,000 patrons annually, with 40% visiting from outside the region. Our intimate, 220-seat Bauer Theatre on the St. Francis Xavier University campus not only serves as our artistic home but also a cherished community hub where people come together to celebrate the power of storytelling.

Some of Canada’s most recognized artists have been part of our family. Acclaimed actors, writers and directors like, Daniel MacIvor, Emmy Alcorn and Richie Wilcox got their start on our stage, as well as award-winning designers and stage managers; Judy Joe, Ingrid Risk and Zeph Williams.  We continue to support emerging voices and creators today through the Young Company, Academy and mentorship programs. These initiatives provide hands-on training in performance, design, and stage management, contributing to the growth of Canada’s theatre sector. 

FAST Forward:  Play a leading Role in Tomorrow’s Theatre

 As we look to the future, Festival Antigonish is dedicated to deepening our community impact, enhancing the Bauer Theatre, and building sustainable funding sources to ensure a vibrant legacy for years to come. Right now, our top priority is the Bridge the Bauer Campaign: a special fund that supports essential fire-safety upgrades at the Bauer Theatre and keeps programs running during construction. By investing in fire-safe doors, sprinklers, alarms, and access initiatives, your gift helps us keep the Bauer open and active today, while building momentum toward a future arts centre for Antigonish.

 Recent Milestones of Artistic Excellence and Innovation    

• First Theater in Nova Scotia to introduce Accessible Relaxed Performances (2017)
• Merritt Award-winning production of Little Thing, Big Thing is remounted by Neptune (2018)
• Canadian Premiere of Hope and Gravity by Michael Hollinger (2018)
• Canadian Premiere of Ben Hur by Patrick Barlow (2019)
• Launched our first culturally diverse Main Stage production with A Brimful of Asha by Asha and Ravi Jain (2019)
• Pivoted during COVID-19 to produce Hector the Spectre radio/podcast series (2020)
• Created outdoor immersive theatre in the forest at Keppoch Mountain premiering Robin Hood: The Great Escape(2021) and The Hobbit (2022). 
• 2023 sees a return to the Bauer Theatre and a Record-breaking 10 Nova Scotia Theatre Merritt Award nominations.
• Murder for Two co-production with Neptune toured to Thousand Islands Playhouse (2024)
• The Outside Inn co-presentation with Prairie Theatre Exchange (2024)
• Win Merrit Award for Best Ensemble for the New Canadian Curling Club (2024)

Benefits of Supporting Festival Antigonish

Your generous donation plays a vital role in not only bringing captivating stories to life on stage and creating unforgettable experiences for our audiences, but also: 

• Supporting the Bridge the Bauer fire-safety campaign, keeping the Bauer open and laying the groundwork for a future arts centre.
• Nurturing emerging talent and supporting established artist
• Exposing youth to the arts and ensuring access and participation for all age and experience levels
• Keeping theatre accessible for those experiencing financial and physical barriers.
• Providing the support to push artistic boundaries, offering more innovative and engaging theatre to the community
• Support job creation and volunteer opportunities, making a tangible difference in our community

YOUR GIVING IMPACT

Examples of how past donations have been used and what future donations could achieve.

• $25 – Helps provide a ticket to a Relaxed Performance or PWYC show for someone facing financial or sensory barriers.

• $50 – Contributes to new emergency signage or lighting that helps people exit the theatre safely.

• $100 – Supports sealing gaps and penetrations so fire and smoke cannot spread between key areas of the building.

• $200 – Helps upgrade one fire-rated corridor or door hardware to meet current fire-safety standards.

• $250 – Covers a full week of Academy classes for a child or teen while Bauer fire-safety work is underway.

• $400 – Brings in a guest instructor or artist to mentor students and community members during the transition period.

• $500 – Supports design, engineering, and project management needed to implement the fire-safety plan correctly.

• $750 – Helps maintain access programs like PWYC, Relaxed Performances, and community access passes during construction.

• $1,000 – Contributes to a sprinkler “zone” protecting the stage, backstage, or seating area in the Bauer.

• $2,000 – Helps replace older fixtures with energy-efficient LED and emergency lighting that improve safety and reduce costs.

• $2,500 – Supports specialized work such as upgrading fire-rated doors or adding new alarm and detection equipment.

• $3,500 – Subsidizes a block of tickets for schools and youth groups to attend a matinee during the Bridge the Bauer period.

• $4,000 – Provides several weeks of employment and mentorship for an emerging artist or production apprentice at the Bauer.

• $5,000 – Plays a leadership role in completing a key phase of the fire-safety upgrades (doors, sprinklers, alarms, or HVAC work).

• $10,000–$15,000 – A major gift that can underwrite a full section of sprinkler system, fire-rated corridor, or other critical fire-safety component, and will be recognized as part of your cumulative giving toward a future arts centre.

Together, We Can Make a Lasting Impact

With your support, Festival Antigonish can continue to serve as a vibrant cultural center where artists, audiences, and communities come together in the spirit of creativity and connection. Please Join us and play a leading role ensuring the theatre remains a beacon of artistic excellence, inclusivity, and inspiration in Atlantic Canada.

Festival Antigonish isn't merely a theatre; it's a vibrant hub of creativity, compassion, and change, where every performance, class and mentorship are testaments to the enduring power of the arts to ignite imaginations, nurture empathy, and transform lives. 

Your support has helped us become a more inclusive, accessible, and diverse organization.  Let's keep our vibrant community thriving together. Please join us on this beautiful journey.