From Yesterday to Today

Founded in 1976, ITOPA is a volunteer, non-professional community theatre company. ITOPA is run by a volunteer board of directors who are selected from the membership.

In 1976, a group of people began meeting to explore the possibility of setting up a community theatre. A set of by-laws was drawn up; a name chosen; a logo designed; and ITOPA was incorporated under the Charitable Organizations Act. The first show was a children's production called "Ready, Steady, Go". The first adult production was "Barefoot in the Park", directed by a professional with financial support from Theatre Ontario.

In the fall of 1980, ITOPA moved to its present location, Park Place Theatre, and signed a five year lease the following year. In the spring of 1983, ITOPA received a Wintario grant to cover one-third of the expenses to enlarge the stage and create work space backstage. The production "Waiting for the Parade" won the Adjudicator's Award at Festival that year. In January 1986, a major fund raising campaign was launched for making improvements to comply with legislation regarding safety standards.

In 1991, Park Place Theatre was purchased with assistance from the Ministry of Culture and Communication. More renovations were carried out, and in 1995 a new lobby was opened.

 

Become a member! Enjoy the benefits!

The Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts is a non-profit organization controlled by its members, who have full voting privileges and, therefore, determine its policies and direction. ITOPA members come from many different backgrounds: actors, directors, backstage crew, and cultural supporters. Some of those involved pursue theatre as a profession and some as a hobby. As a member, you are entitled to the following:

• Voting privileges at general meetings
• Eligible to hold office on the ITOPA Board of Directors
• Receive Spotlight newsletter (when issued) with notice of auditions and special events

Membership is $10 per year; however, first time cast and crew on an ITOPA production receive membership free for one year.

To become a member or renew your membership, email us at jgamea@hotmail.com
or send your name, address, telephone number, and a cheque for $10 to ITOPA, Box 304, Ingersoll, ON N5C 3K5.

To receive our newsletter please email us at jgamea@hotmail.com

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting is held late September every year at the Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts, 88 Thames Street South, Ingersoll, ON. The meeting agenda includes committee reports and the election of new Board Members. Anyone is welcome to attend; however, only ITOPA members are eligible to vote.

Please look for notices regarding the date of our next meeting in the Oxford Review.

Auditions