THEATRE ONTARIO PRESENTS 2009 MAGGIE BASSETT AWARD TO ALEX MUSTAKAS

Theatre Ontario is thrilled to announce that the 2009 Maggie Bassett Award shall be presented to Alex Mustakas, founding and current Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. The award, which recognizes a sustained and significant contribution to the development of theatre in Ontario, is a worthy honour for a man who turned a tiny, virtually unused theatre in Drayton, Ontario into a vibrant theatrical company.

Alex first studied business at Wilfrid Laurier University and arts administration at City University in London, but returned to Canada to pursue his dream of “a small theatre of his own where he could touch the art and touch the artists.” From its first season in 1991—performing for an audience of 14,000—Drayton Entertainment has grown under his leadership to become the third largest regional theatre company in Canada and the seventh largest employer of professional actors in the country, drawing over 200,000 theatregoers each summer to its six venues.

Drayton Entertainment currently operates theatres in St. Jacobs, Drayton, Grand Bend, and Penetanguishene and has had an enormous economic and artistic impact on all the communities in which it is involved. “I really like to think that each theatre is indigenous to its community,” Alex has said, and his dedication to those communities has been exemplary.

Alex has also been actively involved with other theatre companies, sharing his business model and serving as guest director for productions at The Piggery Theatre in North Hatley, Quebec, Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Stage West in Mississauga, the Toronto Gilbert & Sullivan Society, and a number of productions with Kitchener-Waterloo Musical Productions, The Waterloo Regional Gilbert & Sullivan Society, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. He has served as President of the Association of Summer Theatres ‘Round Ontario. Through donations of tickets, venue and discounted rehearsal space, he has helped local charities, schools and community theatre organizations.

“In selecting Alex Mustakas to receive the award,” says Leonard McHardy, co-founder and owner of TheatreBooks, and chair of the Maggie Bassett Award jury, “we were overwhelmingly impressed by the understanding that Alex has of the importance of the role that theatre can have in a community in so many different ways. His commitment to theatre throughout the province has made it possible for Ontarians to participate in building healthy communities.”

“I have never viewed theatre as my job,” says Alex. “It’s so much more than that—it’s my passion. I am truly humbled to be recognized by my peers with this honour.”

The award will be presented to Alex on August 6th in St. Jacobs at the opening night of Drayton Entertainment’s production of Moon Over Buffalo.

The Maggie Bassett Award is presented to an individual who, over a number of years, has made a sustained and significant contribution to the development of theatre in Ontario. As Theatre Ontario's first employee, the late Maggie Bassett created a solid foundation for the organization by launching the Professional Theatre Training Program, Summer Courses, and the newsletter. Her love for the arts held no barriers between community, professional or educational theatre. Maggie was also a fine director and actress and performed at Tarragon Theatre, Huron County Playhouse, and at the Alumnae Theatre. For many years, she attended all regional festivals. She was known for her warmth, humour, sparkle and the sincere encouragement she bestowed on those around her. This award is for dedication to theatre beyond the call of duty. The award is a stunning bronze statuette entitled "COURAGE", designed by Rita Tuckett and sculpted by Ronald Thom.

Past recipients of the award are Ken Watts, Elsie Thomson, Jean Roberts, Herbert Whittaker, Heather McCallum, Herman Voaden, Dennis Sweeting, Jack Medhurst, Jack Blacklock, Sandy Black, Patricia Beharriell, Wilf Pegg, Virginia Reh, Lib Spry, Wayne Fairhead, Richard Howard, Dusty Miller, Kay McKie, Beth McMaster, Sandra Tulloch, Jeff Burke, James Alexander, Ron Cameron-Lewis, Angela Rebeiro, Kim Renders and Yvette Nolan.

Read more about the Maggie Bassett Award at www.theatreontario.org.