An online campaign to raise funds for the Talbot Theatre renovation project, in honour of out-going president Paul Davenport, has been launched with all faculty and staff receiving an email encouraging their participation in this special initiative.
Aiming to raise a $2.5 million in private funds, an online appeal to Western alumni is also planned for later this month, allowing an opportunity for all to support a renovation project to benefit not only students in music and the performing arts, but members of the campus and London community who will be able to enjoy the updated facility.
After 43 years, the landmark theatre will have improved acoustics, updated equipment, better electrical and sound systems, as well as new seating. The total cost is $5 million, with the university committing $2.5 million.
Offering her name to the project is Louise Pitre (BMus’79, DMus’06) who has made a career of performing on stages across North America – from London’s Grand Theatre to Broadway. But for Pitre, it all began as a student on the stage of Western’s Talbot Theatre.
Louise Pitre
It was 1979, and Pitre was in her final year of earning her music degree. She had planned to become a teacher after graduation, but all that changed when she got her first acting role in the Purple Patches play, Flicks, at Talbot Theatre.
“It changed my life forever. It gave me my passion and allowed me to see the dream – and then go get it,” says Pitre, who has starred in numerous theatrical productions, including her Tony-nominated role in Mamma Mia on Broadway.
To honour Paul Davenport’s 15 years as Western’s president and a champion of the arts, Talbot Theatre will be renamed the “Paul Davenport Theatre.”
Pitre says she has signed on to be the face of the Talbot Theatre campaign because it is one way to give back to the school that helped launch her career in theatre, and because she holds Davenport in high esteem.
“Mine is but one of countless stories about Western students who have discovered their love of music and the performing arts – professionally or personally – on the stage of Talbot Theatre,” she says. “It’s a jewel within our campus and it deserves our support.”
Pitre has known Davenport since they met in New York during her run on Broadway in 2002.
“He has a special affinity for music and the performing arts and he has been supportive of my career and many others. He is also a true performer himself. He deserves to have his achievements commemorated and publicly acknowledged.”
Donors can provide general support for the renovation, with any gift amount welcomed, or they can “buy a seat” in the newly renovated theatre for $1,000. Those who take part will be recognized by having their name engraved on a brass plate inset into the armrest of one of the new seats.
“A beautiful renovated performing arts space on campus benefits everybody – those who work there and those who learn there, as well as those in the broader community,” says Pitre. “Western has risen in profile over the last many years largely thanks to Paul Davenport and the theatre on campus should match the level of class the university has attained.”
For more information contact Carole Stinson, Campaign Director, at 519-661-2111, ext. 85696 or e-mail cstinson@uwo.ca.
