History of Burns Wharf Theatre
1981 - David Smith, past principal of Assiginack Public School, envisioned the conversion of an historic warehouse on the Manitowaning waterfront to become a fully operational theatre. He entered into discussions with the Sudbury Theatre personnel about a possible summer theatre program in Manitowaning. A decision was made to try a five-year experimental program to see if such a concept was feasible.
1982 – The Sudbury Theatre Center, in conjunction with local interests, presented “Babes in Arms”. The play was presented in the lower level of the building in very primitive conditions. Plans were drawn up by S.T.C. for the development of a basic theatre on the first floor.
1983 – The theatre’s second play was presented, still on the lower floor. Plans were drawn up for the second floor to be renovated in order to house the theatre.
1984 – The Canada Works Program renovated the upper floor of the building. The stage was built along with risers and tiered flooring for seating. Additional roof supports and steel beams in the lower part of building were included in the renovations. A third play was presented to the local audience.
1985 – Dressing rooms were included on the first floor to accommodate actors.
The theatre group presented its fourth production.
1986 – Washrooms and showers were installed and town water and sewage was connected to the building.
After 1986 the theatre had limited use until the present incarnation of The Burns Wharf Theatre Players.
1982 – The Sudbury Theatre Center, in conjunction with local interests, presented “Babes in Arms”. The play was presented in the lower level of the building in very primitive conditions. Plans were drawn up by S.T.C. for the development of a basic theatre on the first floor.
1983 – The theatre’s second play was presented, still on the lower floor. Plans were drawn up for the second floor to be renovated in order to house the theatre.
1984 – The Canada Works Program renovated the upper floor of the building. The stage was built along with risers and tiered flooring for seating. Additional roof supports and steel beams in the lower part of building were included in the renovations. A third play was presented to the local audience.
1985 – Dressing rooms were included on the first floor to accommodate actors.
The theatre group presented its fourth production.
1986 – Washrooms and showers were installed and town water and sewage was connected to the building.
After 1986 the theatre had limited use until the present incarnation of The Burns Wharf Theatre Players.
Evolution of The Players
The present Burns Wharf Theatre company was the brainchild of Marilyn Wohlberg, a retired music teacher in Manitowaning. In 2007, she approached several individuals to see if they were interested in being involved in a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’. With a few leads secured, she then approached David Smith to see if he would direct. In May, 2008, with a cast of 29, the sights and sounds of musical theatre once again graced the stage at Burns Wharf after a long hiatus.
With the incredible success of ‘Pinafore’, The Burns Wharf Theatre Players became an official entity in 2009. A committee was formed with co-chairs Marilyn Wohlberg and Peter Baumgarten, secretary, Christianna Jones, treasurer, Elwood Wohlberg and supporting people, Chris Mara, Deb Robinson and Margit Alberti. The committee is responsible for the general administration of the Players and ensuring that the company is on sound financial footing.
The Burns Wharf Theatre Players have presented ten successful shows, including HMS Pinafore, Broadway and Beyond, The Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe, The Mikado, The Gondoliers, Ruddigore, The Sorceror and The Baker's Wife.
With the incredible success of ‘Pinafore’, The Burns Wharf Theatre Players became an official entity in 2009. A committee was formed with co-chairs Marilyn Wohlberg and Peter Baumgarten, secretary, Christianna Jones, treasurer, Elwood Wohlberg and supporting people, Chris Mara, Deb Robinson and Margit Alberti. The committee is responsible for the general administration of the Players and ensuring that the company is on sound financial footing.
The Burns Wharf Theatre Players have presented ten successful shows, including HMS Pinafore, Broadway and Beyond, The Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe, The Mikado, The Gondoliers, Ruddigore, The Sorceror and The Baker's Wife.