When Peterborough’s Showplace Performance Centre opened its doors in October 1996 as a regional venue for the performing arts, there were skeptics who predicted an abbreviated run for the new kid on the block.
Fast forward to earlier this month and Showplace’s joyful celebration marking 30 years of providing a state-of-the-art home for local and touring artists alike, be they singers, musicians, actors or dancers. To say what has transpired at 290 George Street North has been a success would be an understatement.
General manager Scott Lale came on board in October 2023, bringing to Showplace two decades of experience in theatre operations and management. Like his predecessors, he has since worked to ensure the non-for-profit enterprise remains viable while serving the wide-ranging arts interests of audiences. That work includes ensuring local artists feel as welcome as big-name acts.
Lale agrees many don’t view a performance venue as a business – something that’s far from the truth as Showplace strives to remain viable.
Lale says besides watching the election closely, noting city support of the arts has been, and remains, important, he will continue his attempt to meet what has been an ongoing challenge.
For more information on the Showplace Performance Centre, including a complete listing of upcoming shows through the holiday season, visit www.showplace.org.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
