The Edge of the Woods Theatre Company creates and presents artistic work for, with and about members of the Muskoka/Parry Sound region. Our artistic mandate is threefold:

To provide the region with a venue for alternative theatre and live performance.

We present high quality performances by bringing together and employing established, emerging and newcomer artists and companies. We support and invite artists of all backgrounds, disciplines and traditions, to present their work in our community. We remain accessible to a wide audience by presenting affordable and entertaining performances in venues throughout the region.

To showcase and incorporate the region’s natural and artificial landscapes.

Through various site specific arts events, public spaces are celebrated and infused with theatre, dance, music, food and visual art. These events showcase the character of the region by using its history and geography as tools for artistic creation and as integral set pieces in their presentation. Through these events, audiences are invited to participate, explore and celebrate the creative spirit of their community and of themselves.

To provide Artistic Opportunities for the community.

We engage members of the community through free classes and artistic projects with professional local and national artists. We seek unexpected partnerships that foster creative expression, facilitate communication between various groups within the community and develop a greater appreciation for the arts.

History:

Edge of the Woods Theatre was created in November 2007. Huntsville resident Dan Watson and professional theatre artist Christina Serra were approached by the General Manager of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts Rob Saunders about bringing more alternative theatre to regions of Parry Sound/Muskoka. Through their collaboration and discussions, the Edge of the Woods Theatre Festival was born.

In July of 2008, the festival made its debut in downtown Huntsville. The 2-day event brought together over 200 spectators, 23 Professional and Community artists, and one giant moose puppet. Three professional clown based performances delighted audiences. The event set itself apart from other summer theatre festivals by its capacity for community engagement. Fourteen local artists of all ages developed and presented original pieces, and over 60 youth participated in various theatrical activities including stilt walking, puppet making and the construction of a giant moose puppet. In total, the festival affected over 600 people in the Huntsville area.