a place to perform - a home for the arts

We've been talking about an arts centre in Haliburton County for a long time -- a place for concerts, plays, recitals, dance, opera, musicals, film festivals, workshops, and masterclasses.  And a rehearsing home for community groups -- for our multiple choirs, theatre companies, wind ensembles, folk bands, opera studio, dance schools and growing chamber orchestra.  A venue large enough for our growing arts community and acoustics that let you hear a pin drop.

Let's build the dream together. 

where we are today ...

Many performing arts groups in Haliburton County use the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion.  It is the largest stage in the county and has the largest seating capacity of any venue (approx 210) - and tiered for easy viewing of a performance.  Plus, it has stage lighting, modular floor risers, AV equipment, a sound booth, change rooms, ample parking, a grand piano and more.  

It is located in the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (Trillium Lakelands District School Board) and subject to some restrictions and limitations.  For instance, the management agreement between the NLPAP and the TLDSB states that the school has priority in bookings for the space.  There is no consession booth and no access to a kitchen, and thus intermission drinks and snacks are limited in what a performing group can bring in and setup in the lobby.  Also, due to school rules, no liquor can be sold or consumed on property.

While good for a theatre experience, the NLPAP is not ideal for acoustic performances due to the lack of acoustic shell.  The stage is also proving too small for large ensembles such as the Highlands Chamber Orchestra and the Highlands Wind Symphony.  The lack of a pit also means that opera and musical performances require the musicians to be situated to the side of the stage, close to the audience front rows. Finally, the NLPAP does not have a sprung floor, making for less than ideal conditions for dance from ballet to hip hop to contemporary.

Some groups also use the highschool music room for rehearsals, which is conveniently located next to the NLPAP.  Though if there are rehearsals or performances booked in the theatre, or if the school is closed for a PD day, or due to inclement weather, the music room is not available for use.

where we want to be ...

The arts community would like a facility that provides space for both theatre and recital hall experiences.  A place that provides or includes:

• affordable space for community organizations and also attract professional performers

• administration space for arts groups

• a dedicated rehearsal space that is acoustically separate from the performance hall

• space for music, bands, theatre, opera, dance and motion picture mediums.

• a lobby, consession/lounge area and kitchen for a full "night out" experience

the HHAC Foundation's core drive ...

MISSION

HHACF is a not-for-profit charitable organization, dedicated to providing a purpose-built professional-level facility for a range of performing arts activities and audiences from within Haliburton County and beyond.

VISION

To create an artistic environment that enriches the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Haliburton county and beyond.

VALUES

• Sustainability

HHACF strives to provide prosperity and longevity of the building in order to support cultural vibrancy, social equity, economic prosperity and environmental responsibility in the community.

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity (EDI)

HHACF strives to provide an environment that is inclusive, nurturing, welcoming, and safe for all. This includes but is not limited to tenets of accessibility, diversity and equity.

• Community Enrichment

HHACF strives to provide an environment for engaging, inspiring, educational, and shared experiences, which meet and enhance the lives of residents and visitors alike.

• Creativity

HHACF strives to be forward-thinking, resourceful, innovative and original in providing a creative environment for the community.

• Collaboration

HHACF strives to work with others who share our values and engage in our vision.

• Educational

HHACF strives to provide an environment for educational experiences.