Beyond the Ticket

Don't get us wrong - we absolutely love putting on shows, from local theatre groups to tribute artists; it's what we do best! The excitement of watching the magic of live performance unfold on stage is the heart of who we are. But the Fergus Grand Theatre has so much more to offer beyond the spotlight - whether you're here to enjoy a performance, connect with others, or expand your cultural horizon, there's always something happening within these walls.

Just Play is the theatre's annual contribution to Ontario Culture Days, held every September. This free event is open to everyone: actors, singers, dancers, anyone with a talent to share, big or small, no previous experience necessary. With three shows throughout the day at 10am, 2pm, and 7pm, and spots filled on a first-come, first-served basis, this event is about making the stage available to everyone. You don't have to audition, you don't have to pay anything, and your friends and family can come and see you perform for free. Come on out and Just Play!

Interested in being a part of the next installment of this event? Fill out the application form, and we'll be in touch!

Picture of the stage with the curtains closed

Every year The Fergus Grand Theatre runs a 12-week training course for aspiring theatre technicians. Geared towards ages 16+, the course provides the knowledge and skills required to become Approved Technicians at the Fergus Grand Theatre. Topics include: Safety, Lighting, Sound, Projectors, Scenic Elements, Stage Management, and Industry Best Practices.

Upon completion of this course and the required safety certifications, students may begin working as an apprentice with current technicians and eventually become an Approved Technician themselves!

Please contact us for more information or register now for the next round of classes.

World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27th. Here at the theatre we always do something (usually free) to mark the occasion.

In 2023 we presented George Bernard Shaw's "Dark Lady of the Sonnets." This little play about a fictional encounter between William Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth I was written by Shaw in the early 1900's to underline the importance of public support for the performing arts. The plays message was just as relevant when it was written as it is today.

In 2024 we presented scenes from upcoming productions by the Elora Community Theatre and the Centre Wellington Children's Drama Club. Both companies were back again in 2025, this time joined by students from a winter acting class at the Victoria Park Senior's Centre.

And every year on World Theatre Day we recognize the outstanding contributions of someone in our community to the performing arts with the Lis Pieper Award. Like Lis herself, many of the winners of this award are people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for decades, building sets, sewing costumes, writing grant applications, producing entire shows on shoestring budgets, doing whatever needs to be done to make theatre happen in our community.

Presented in conjunction with the World Theatre Day (March 27) festivities hosted by the Fergus Grand Theatre, the Theatre also hosts a 10-Minute play contest during November and December in the previous year, and submissions for 2026 are now open.

Now in its third year, the contest aims to showcase the creative talent of playwrights and performers within the community and beyond - bringing together local artists, theatre enthusiasts, and the wider community to celebrate the power of theatre in a dynamic and innovative way.

Call for Submissions

Aspiring playwrights are invited to submit their 10-minute plays, with the contest theme "The New Plan" - whatever that means to the playwright. The contest is open to all Canadian residents, and all genres of spoken drama are allowed, except musicals, and there is no fee to submit.

Contest Rules and Restrictions:

Only one submission per playwright is permitted.
All submissions must be suitable for an all-ages performance.
Submissions must also be available for performance and not be previously published or produced.
Submissions must contain no copyrighted material not released for use.
Submissions must be approximately 10 minutes in length (about 10 pages) and written in Standard Play Format, and in English.
The use or assistance of artificial intelligence (i.e., generative AI) is strictly prohibited. Plays written in AI will be disqualified - the work must be your own..
Submissions should have a maximum of four characters and require minimal technical support.
The deadline for submission is December 24, 2026

Plays must be submitted using the submission form below in PDF format. Winning plays will be selected in January of 2027, and will receive a staged reading as part of the Fergus Grand Theatre's World Theatre Day Event (Event Date TBD).

Submit Your 10-Minute Play

If you have any questions about the contest or require any clarification, please reach out to our Theatre Coordinator.

Happy writing!

After you've got your tickets, take a look at the bottom of your order confirmation. That's where you'll find a list of local businesses that will offer you a discount on things like dining, accommodations, and hospitality on the the day of the show if you show them your tickets. Please support local, and help us keep downtown Fergus thriving!