Author: Richard Young

A retired History and Politics high school teacher (1978-2008). Former Publisher/Managing Editor of The Beat Magazine (2009-2014). Freelance Writer. Proud Grandfather.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT THE PALACE THEATRE

by Richard Young

Support the Arts. Strengthen Community. Find Your Place.

At Palace Theatre Arts Commons (PTAC), we believe in the power of storytelling, education and gathering. Nestled in the heart of London’s Old East Village, we’re more than just a theatre — we are a BEING Place: a space for expression, reflection, connection and celebration.

When you sponsor PTAC, you join a vibrant cultural hub that welcomes over 12,000 patrons annually through productions, youth and adult education, community events and festivals. Your support helps bring theatre to life, nurtures emerging talent and keeps our doors open and welcoming to all.

We’re already seeing the impact of sponsorship: our community notices and supports the organizations that support us. Sponsoring PTAC is more than just brand visibility — it’s a meaningful investment in London’s arts scene and a powerful way to contribute to local community development.

✅ Elevate your brand with visibility across our productions, events and marketing channels.
✅ Engage directly with thousands of patrons, volunteers and artists.
✅ Support arts education and cultural programming that makes London a better place to live and work.

If you or your organization are ready to make a lasting impact in London’s arts community, let’s connect. Together, we can support the arts, strengthen our community and help even more people find their place at the Palace.

📧 Contact us today to learn more about sponsorship opportunities: palacetheatre.ca/sponsorship

SupportTheArts #CommunityDevelopment #LondonOntario #PalaceTheatre #BeingPlace #CorporateSocialResponsibility

Silver Spotlight Theatre announces its fourth production, Showtune.

by Richard Young

Silver Spotlight Theatre, London’s community theatre group for those 55+, has the Cast, Artistic Team, and Crew in place for its next production, Jerry Herman’s Showtune, opening at the Auburn Theatre in early December 2025.

“Jerry Herman made a name for himself as a premier composer for the Broadway stage with Hello Dolly, Mame, and La Cage Aux Folles. Each of these shows has a highly recognizable score with a common theme, imagining a brighter future. And what is needed more today than an imagined brighter future?” says Director Rick Smith. “It Only Takes A Moment, Open A New Window, The Best of Times Is Now, are but a few examples of his positivity in words and music. There are so many more heartfelt songs gathered in this revue that is a celebration of the works of one of the predominant composers of the classic Broadway musical.”

“We have assembled an Artistic Team, Cast, and Crew who share that optimism. These folks are fearless and open to trying new things. Some of these 55+ targeted cast and crew have been involved in previous Silver Spotlight Theatre Productions, and some are brand new to this company. It is encouraging to see the new faces of older people showing up and strutting their stuff. Their enthusiasm, eagerness, and bravery never cease to amaze.”

Rehearsals begin in August and continue until the show’s opening in December.

Co-founded by Art Fidler and Rick Smith in 2022, Silver Spotlight Theatre is a branch of London’s Musical Theatre Productions. It features and is produced by performers and staff 55+ with a mission of presenting full-scale Broadway musicals. Its three previous shows, Babes In Arms (2023), Grease (2024), and Into The Woods (2024) played to sold-out houses.

Showtune Is presented through a special Music Theatre International (MTI) arrangement. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by www.mtishows.com.

Media Inquiries: Richard Young, Community Outreach and Program Head, richardyoung51@rogers.com

A Night to Remember: Groovin’ for Good

by Richard Young

Other than the extremely loud thunderstorm around 2:00 am, I had difficulty sleeping last night after experiencing the fabulous SOLD OUT Groovin’ for Good variety show and fundraiser for the London Food Bank put on by The Artful Players at the Palace Theatre.

Blessed with an abundance of talent on the stage, the energetic group of performers (all of whom are 55+ years in age) put on a show for the ages. Solos, ensemble pieces, skits, vintage commercials, and sing-alongs covering the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s were all part of the show.

Moreover, the event raised over $10,000 for the London Food Bank!

BRAVO!👏👏👏👏

#theartfulplayers#groovinforgood#LondonFoodBank#atthepalace#varietyshow#communitytheatre#fundraiser

Who Are The Artful Players? – Matt Loop

by Richard Young

Who Are The Artful Players?

Meet Matt Loop, the Emcee for The Artful Players, May 15th, SOLD OUT, Groovin’ for Good variety show and fundraiser for the London Food Bank.

Matt’s first theatrical experience was in his Grade 13 high school show. “I wrote some sketches and got some laughs – and I was hooked,” he says.

“I have been in TV and Radio for over thirty-five years, even though I look in my early twenties,” says Matt. “I have been involved in community theatre since 1997 as an actor and playwright, chairman of the Brickenden Awards, and just finished a successful show with my sketch troupe Project G Force.”

Matt’s day job is the Afternoon Host on Jack 102.3 London.

“I am honoured and excited to be the Emcee of Groovin’ for Good,” says Matt.

Who Are The Artful Players? – Mariann Sawyer

by Richard Young

Meet Mariann Sawyer, the Sound Design/Board Operator, and self-proclaimed #1 cheerleader, for The Artful Players’ May 15th Groovin’ For Good variety show and London Food Bank Fundraiser at the Palace Theatre.

Mariann’s earliest theatrical experience was her annual visits to the Stratford Festival with her father, which gave her the theatre bug early on. Her first roles on stage were skits and improv in elementary school, and she eventually joined the Stratford community as a high school student.

“Since moving to London in 2014, I have been an active participant in many different production companies where my roles have typically been in stage management, costume design, producing, directing, sound, and video design,” says Mariann.

Mariann is a graduate from Fanshawe’s Theatre Production program.

Mariann thanks Toni Wilson for asking her to join Silver Spotlight Theatre and Stage Manage for Grease. “It’s been so wonderful to see the wonderful folks in SST and The Artful Players shine!” she s