Key For Two
Directed by Rob Faust

The Elgin Theatre Guild is very grateful for a $200,000 gift in June  from the Estate of Dorothy Palmer to pay for renovations to our Princess  Avenue Playhouse.

The theatre has used this generous donation in three main areas: long-term preservation of the building and its heritage elements for future generations; adding to the versatility of the venue; and improved audience experience.

The roof is being done and the stained glass windows re-leaded to  preserve  the heritage building.
Stage curtains, lighting upgrades, better sound capabilities and electrical upgrades, plus a performance trust fund will add to the versatility of the space and allow more music acts to use the facility.
Renovations to the lobby and a newly paved parking lot will make for a better experience of audiences for years to come.

More importantly, the comprehensive renovations will relieve the board and other volunteers of one of its principle pre-occupations,  maintaining an aging building. With major work taken care of, the board will be more  able to indulge its chief pleasure, creating a theatre and arts hub that  builds on its 44-year history of the Elgin Theatre Guild, and expands the arts offerings  to the community.

The board of directors and volunteers of the Elgin Theatre Guild are  most grateful to the benevolence of Mrs. Palmer and the confidence shown by her trustee in making this gift.

About Mrs. Palmer:
 A graduate of St. Thomas Collegiate Institute, Dorothy Palmer taught elementary school children in Eden, Sparta, and at Myrtle Street School in St. Thomas. An accomplished pianist and singer, she particularly enjoyed her role as a music instructor in the schools and as a member of church and community choirs. Mrs. Palmer lived her whole life as a resident of Elgin County. She died in June 2010.

Statement from the trustee of the Dorothy Palmer estate: 
In June 2011, an agreement was reached between the Guild and Andrew Gunn, Trustee of the Estate of Mrs. Palmer, to refurbish the Princess Avenue Playhouse in St. Thomas. “It is exciting to know that the people of St. Thomas and surrounding area will soon have the opportunity to attend plays and concerts in a freshly updated facility,” Mr. Gunn commented. “I am confident, knowing how much Dorothy enjoyed live music and theatre, that this is a very appropriate project for the Estate to support. The Playhouse will have a fresh look and will be well used by the community for many years to come. It is truly exciting to support this project.”