Thorold Theatre’s Annual General Meeting marked an important and encouraging moment for our company as we look ahead to the 2026 season.

We’re pleased to share that all members of our current Executive stood for re-election and were reappointed, providing the theatre with stability, continuity, and a strong foundation to build on. Community organizations thrive when people show up consistently — and we are fortunate to have an Executive team that is deeply committed to the work, the artists, and the community we serve.

We are equally excited to welcome new members to the Executive, bringing fresh energy, experience, and perspectives to the table. With these appointments, Thorold Theatre now has a complete Executive team, well positioned for an ambitious and creative year ahead.

Welcoming Our Executive Members

Victor Helms — Treasurer (and Acting Vice President)
Victor brings a rare and valuable combination of arts experience and business acumen. His theatre roots go back to the 1980s, when he worked with the Ontario Ministry of Culture supporting funding distribution to cultural organizations, and volunteered with programs at the then-new Roy Thomson Hall and various multicultural events.

Over the years, Victor’s passion for theatre has extended both onstage and backstage. Most recently, audiences will remember his acclaimed performance as Henry in The Spot, where his villainous turn earned thunderous applause at his character’s demise — a true compliment to his ability to fully engage an audience.

Professionally, Victor has a background in project management and financial analysis, and in his spare time he enjoys building things. As Treasurer, he brings precision, accountability, and care to Thorold Theatre’s financial stewardship, strengthening the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Tresa Rees — Member Without Portfolio
Tresa has been involved in theatre nearly her entire life, first stepping on stage at the age of three. Her love of performing, storytelling, and theatre-making continues today through her work writing and acting in murder mysteries with her own company, Cloak-and-Dagger Productions, raising funds for local charities.

Over the years, Tresa has worn nearly every theatrical hat imaginable: actor, stage manager, director, set builder and painter, costumer, prop master, and front-of-house volunteer. She has worked with numerous local theatre companies including Firehall Theatre, Peninsula Players, Something Something Productions, and Garrison Little Theatre. After some time away, she has happily returned to Thorold Theatre, where past productions include The Hound of the Baskervilles and A Murder Is Announced.

Tresa currently serves as Stage Manager for our Spring production of The Kitchen Witches and is passionate about helping Thorold Theatre grow while sharing the magic of live theatre with audiences and fellow artists alike.

Sophie Ellis — Member Without Portfolio (Producer)
Sophie grew up on stages across Canada, performing as a jazz vocalist, dancer, event host, and public speaker. After relocating to the Niagara region, she discovered Thorold Theatre through an online casting call for The Sweet Sounds of Murder, where she was cast as a jazz singer.

From her very first rehearsal, Sophie knew she had found her creative home. She joins the Executive with a strong background in event planning, performance, and production, and a passion for bringing high-quality, original, and joyful live theatre experiences to Niagara audiences.

As a Member Without Portfolio, Sophie is particularly interested in producing and has already expressed enthusiasm for helping lead future productions, including our June 2026 workshop production of Murder on the Air.

Carol Clifford — Member Without Portfolio (Legacy Member)
We are also pleased to welcome Carol Clifford to the Executive as a Member Without Portfolio. As a legacy member, Carol brings continuity, institutional knowledge, and a long-standing connection to Thorold Theatre’s history — a valuable voice as we balance tradition with growth in the seasons ahead.

A Community That’s Showing Up

The AGM also brought encouraging signs of momentum across the company. We’re delighted to share that 20 members renewed their memberships for the 2026 season already — a strong vote of confidence in the direction Thorold Theatre is heading.

With a full Executive team in place, growing volunteer engagement, and an exciting slate of productions ahead — including The Kitchen Witches this spring and the workshop production of Murder on the Air in June — Thorold Theatre is entering 2026 with optimism, energy, and purpose.

Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, put their name in, and help build something worth being proud of — together.

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