Auditions will take place at the Algonquin Theatre on:

●       Sunday, November 8th from 10:00am–6:00 pm

●       Monday, November 9th from 5:00-9:00 pm

Call Backs are on Tuesday,November 10th from 5:00–9:00 pm

An information session about the auditions and production will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 6:00–7:00 pm at the HfA Studio.

Rehearsals begin Sunday, January 3, 2027 and will be held on Wednesdays (5:00–8:00 pm) and Sundays (12:00–4:00 pm). Performances run for seven shows at the Algonquin Theatre from April 9-18, 2027.

Audition Requirements

Auditions are open to actors ages 8 and up. Featured roles available include Annie, Oliver Warbucks, Miss Hannigan, Grace Farrell, along with supporting roles such as Tessie, Rooster and more. There are also numerous ensemble opportunities including a cast of energetic orphans of all genders and up to and including teenagers.

Registration for Auditions will open up online October 1^st at 10am and close on November 5^th at 12:00pm. Spots are first come, first served. Walk-ins will be accepted on audition days as time permits. Please note that all roles are non-paying.

About the Show

Leapin’ Lizards! 2027 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Broadway production of Annie!

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the 1982 film adaption was nominated for multiple Oscars. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.”

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations… and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

This exciting new community theatre production will be directed by Jocelyn Bell-Summersby, a local theatre artist who has over 30 years of teaching and directing experience, and who is currently directing the production of Come From Away coming to the Algonquin Theatre this December.

“Annie is a classic musical with such a big heart,” says director Jocelyn Bell-Summersby. “It offers so many great performance opportunities for kids and adults alike, and a story filled with positivity and determination: something that is so important to bring into the world these days.”

Now in its 16th year, this annual spring musical production is a collaboration between the Huntsville Festival of the Arts and the Rotary Club of Huntsville, celebrating the power of the arts to bring the community together.

The post Attention Actors: Open Audition For Annie: The Musical appeared first on Muskoka411.

• Ryde Community Co-op — Receiving $25,000 to offer new educational programs and social events, including monthly Lunch and Learns and a calendar of educational workshops that will provide participants with hands-on experiences and take-home projects.
• Parry Sound Family Health Team — Receiving $25,000 to bring immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences to Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients at the West Parry Sound Health Centre, providing meaningful engagement for seniors facing long hospital stays with limited access to activities.
• District of Muskoka — Receiving $24,999 to deliver SmartStart: Smartphone Skills for Older Adults, a series of smartphone education workshops across the District of Muskoka designed to help older adults confidently use digital technology in their daily lives.
• Town of Bracebridge — Receiving $24,794 to deliver its Senior Wellness & Intergenerational Connections Initiative, supporting healthy aging through three integrated programs: therapeutic aquatic programs for older adults with chronic conditions; accessible land-based fitness programs for veterans and rural seniors; and intergenerational electives that bring students and seniors together for shared learning and wellness activities.
• North of 50 — Receiving $7,030 to offer a series of social and educational activities throughout the year aimed at promoting healthy aging among a diverse population of seniors living in an underserved rural and remote area of northern Ontario.
• Township of Carling — Receiving $7,000 to enhance social programming for seniors by providing classes, equipment and supplies, while making recreational and social activities more accessible to seniors in Carling and the West Parry Sound area.

The post MPP Graydon Smith Announces Seniors Community Grants In Parry Sound–Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.

Lake of Bays Public Library has two Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower passes at each of their
Baysville and Dwight Branches available to library patrons. Each pass can be checked out for 3 days.

The pass will allow access to the following:
• Walk-up for one person
• One car (or regular sized vehicle that takes up a single parking space) and all vehicle
occupants
• One motorcycle
Upon arrival, users will need to show their card to the entrance gate attendant.
During peak fall colour season—between September 19 and October 25—you must book your date and time to access the Dorset tower at ahtrails.ca. Please use the three-digit number on the pass to complete your booking.

The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower closes for the season on Monday, October 26 and reopens in the spring.

About the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower
Owned and operated by the Township of Algonquin Highlands, the Dorset Scenic Lookout
Tower is located off Highway 35 just north of the village of Dorset.

The original tower was built in 1922, was 25 metres high (82 feet) and used as a fire lookout tower until 1961. The current tower was built in 1967 and is 30 metres high (100 feet) and was erected for visitors to enjoy the view.

Annually, more than 10,000 vehicles (60,000 visitors) will pass through the gates. In the peak Autumn season, it is not unusual for more than 600 vehicles to visit the tower in a single day.

Visitors are welcome to climb to the observation deck, which is 142 metres (465 feet) above Lake of Bays, and enjoy the view from the tree-top lookout as well as ground level lookouts.

Facilities include picnic sites, restrooms, a tourist information kiosk, gift shop and a hiking trail.

The post Borrow A Free Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower Pass At Haliburton County Or Lake Of Bays Public Library appeared first on Muskoka411.

Born and raised in Orillia, Gordon Lightfoot remained closely connected to the City throughout his celebrated international career, often returning to his roots to perform at one of his favourite places, the historic Orillia Opera House.

“Gordon Lightfoot never forgot where he came from,” said Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac. “He took every opportunity to return home and share his talent with the community that he loved. We are grateful to the Estate for entrusting these items of personal and historical significance so that his enduring contributions and impact can continue to be celebrated for future generations.”

In 2023 the City established the Lightfoot Working Group to explore opportunities to preserve, celebrate and share the history of Gordon Lightfoot and to submit a proposal to the Lightfoot Estate outlining the City’s desire to receive memorabilia to recognize his legendary accomplishments and his lifelong ties to the City. Donations from the Estate include a portion of Lightfoot’s record collection, awards, furniture, photographs and other items from his childhood that help tell the story of his life, career and deep roots in Canada and Orillia.

“The Lightfoot Estate is pleased to facilitate this gift to the City of Orillia to further the ability of Gordon’s home community to preserve not only Gordon’s musical legacy but to highlight Gordon’s personal contributions to both his hometown and the wider Canadian community.” -The Gordon Lightfoot Estate Trustee.

The City will assess opportunities to preserve and showcase the collection through public displays, partnerships, educational programming and community engagement. Together these efforts will celebrate the life and achievements of Gordon Lightfoot, his remarkable contributions to music, and his everlasting connection to the community he proudly called home.

The post City Of Orillia Receives Donations From Gordon Lightfoot Estate Preserving His Local Music Legacy appeared first on Muskoka411.

One of Canada’s premier adventure race organizers since 2010, Contour Adventures founder and event director Bob Miller has built Wilderness Traverse into one of Ontario’s most respected endurance challenges. The event is known for showcasing rugged Canadian Shield terrain, remote lakes and rivers, and strategic route choices that reward teamwork, navigation and perseverance. The Algonquin Highlands region is well suited to a backcountry race where reaching the finish line is a major accomplishment.

Area residents may cross paths with adventure racers throughout the region. Supporters, fans and locals can find where teams are going at www.wildernesstraverse.com with real-time online tracking and event updates.

EVENT QUICK FACTS

• What: Wilderness Traverse Adventure Race

• When: September 25-27

• Where: Host site: Lions Camp Dorset, Algonquin Highlands Region, Ontario. (The full course is secret until race day).

• Who: 53 teams of experienced adventure racers and committed endurance athletes (three or four racers per team) from Ontario, Quebec, and beyond.

• Format: Non-stop trekking, mountain biking, canoeing, and map-and-compass navigation

• Distance/Time: More than 150 kilometres and up to 30 hours

• Info/Tracking: www.wildernesstraverse.com

The post Adventure Racing Returns To Ontario’s Algonquin Highlands Region appeared first on Muskoka411.

Led by the MCLT, the event included remarks from a range of partners and special guests, including Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock, followed by an official groundbreaking ceremony where representatives took part in the symbolic first shovel turn.

“The Florence Street development, through the collaborative efforts of the MCLT, the Town of Huntsville, the District of Muskoka, and Provincial, Federal and local partners, represents an important milestone in addressing a shortage of affordable housing in Huntsville,” said Mayor Alcock. “When these homes are completed, they will provide far more than shelter. They will be places where memories are made, neighbours become friends, and people experience the sense of belonging that comes with having a place to call home.”

As part of its Strategic Plan, the Town recognizes the need to identify solutions to the housing needs of the community and work with community partners to create attainable housing options. Through its housing needs assessment and housing action plan, several initiatives were identified and implemented to proactively explore opportunities and remove barriers to the creation of more affordable housing units.

“Access to housing is fundamental to the future of a strong and resilient community,” said Denise Corry, CAO, Town of Huntsville. “At its heart, this project is about people — creating more opportunities for individuals and families to have a safe and secure place to call home. Reaching this milestone has taken vision, persistence and collaboration from the MCLT, the Town, other levels of Government and many partners who continued to find ways to move this project forward. Today, we are not simply breaking ground on buildings — we are creating homes, opportunity and a stronger tomorrow for people within our community.”

The Town of Huntsville has and will continue to work with partners to find solutions for housing needs in our community. The Town donated 7.5 acres of land towards this project and waived permitting and development fees. Phase one construction of the Florence Street development is anticipated to begin in October and is expected to conclude in December 2027, with occupancy available for January 2028.

The post Partners Break Ground On New Affordable Housing Development In Huntsville appeared first on Muskoka411.

“The latest EQAO scores from TLDSB are outstanding and are a direct reflection of the dedication of our students, as well as the relentless commitment of our educators and support staff,” said Chair of the Board, Colleen Wilcox.

“Over the past five years, TLDSB students have made considerable progress which is evident in these scores,” added chief executive officer, Wes Hahn. “We routinely consider EQAO data, along with other information, to support decisions made to support student academic achievement. When we look at the continual improvement of these scores, we can see that TLDSB students are on the right track, and this is something we should all be proud of.”

Below are the mathematics results:

• Mathematic scores have continued to grow in Grades 3, 6, and 9 over the last five years.
• Grades 3 scores improved, with a 24 percent increase over the last five years in TLDSB. These scores continue to be above the provincial results overall in the same timeframe.
• Grade 6 scores also improved, with a 15 percent increase in TLDSB over the last five years.
• Grade 9 mathematics scores have fluctuated, but overall, have seen an increase of seven percent over the last five years.

“We know that academic achievement in school is directly linked to post-secondary success – EQAO assessments give us one more assurance on how well TLDSB students are doing,” shared Dawn Sudsbury, superintendent of learning for Elementary Curriculum Services. “The elementary panel results are impressive, and we are seeing how clear, explicit instruction given by teaching staff is contributing to student achievement across all grades.”

Below are the reading and writing results:

• In Grades 3 and 6 reading and writing, all scores have significantly increased over the last five years and are greater than the provincial results.
• The Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School’s Literacy Test (OSSLT) scores have been holding steady over the years, and while they are three percent under the provincial average, we are seeing a five percent increase over the last five years.

Please see the table below showing the past five years of the TLDSB EQAO results.

More information on EQAO results can be found on the EQAO Interactive Dashboard, or specific TLDSB results can be found on the School Board Profile.

What is EQAO?

EQAO data provides an independent snapshot that shows whether students are meeting curriculum expectations in reading, writing, and mathematics at key stages of their education, informing improvement at the individual school, school-board, and provincial levels. Students in all publicly-funded schools in Ontario are required to write the EQAO assessments of reading, writing, and mathematics in Grades 3 and 6, while students who take Grade 9 mathematics are required to write the assessment at the end of their semester of study. The OSSLT measures whether or not students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9, and is usually written during their Grade 10 year.

Hosted by EQAO: Webinar for parents/guardians on the 2025–2026 EQAO results

Date: Tuesday, October 6
Time: 6 p.m.

In this live webinar, EQAO will present the results of the 2025–2026 Grade 3 and Grade 6 assessments of reading, writing, and mathematics; the Grade 9 assessment of mathematics; and the OSSLT Test.

The session is approximately 45 minutes, followed by a live questions and answer period with EQAO staff.

Complete the EQAO Webinar Registration Form to secure your spot.

The post TLDSB Progressing Well With 2025-2026 EQAO Assessment Scores, School Board Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

Improvements and enhancements to Huntsville’s transit services as of October 1 will include:

• Fleet expansion – we’ve purchased two new buses. One will be for regular transit and one for on-demand service.

• Regular transit routes will be split into east and west loops, and both buses will run simultaneously. This will shorten the full route cycle to one hour, reduce wait times, and increase reliability for users.

• The addition of a second bus for on-demand service will prioritize accessibility but still be available to the general public.

• New stops have been added for broader coverage and to include more popular destinations and improve passenger accessibility and safety. There are also changes to some current stops.New stops:
  • • • Brookside Crossing/Chaffey Township Road
      • Campus Trail/Earls Road
      • Chaffey Hall
      • Cann Street
      • Riverside Church
      • Community Living Huntsville
      • Main Street West – Ontario Northland bus stop

Existing stops that have been removed or modified:

• • • • Florence Street/Lorne Street moved to Florence Street/Centre Street
      • Town Hall (removed)
      • Cann Street/Chaffey Township Road (removed)
      • Lakewood Park (removed)
      • Pine Glen School (removed)
      • McCulley Robertson Recreation Park (removed)
      • Glen Cliffe (removed)

• We’ve expanded hours for regular transit and added on-demand service on Saturdays. As an added benefit, riders will now be able to schedule their on-demand requests for same day pick up.

• Regular transit: Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays: 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• On-demand transit will now be available on Saturdays in addition to the current schedule, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Coming soon! Automated announcement systems will be installed to advise riders of upcoming stops which will improve accessibility and awareness.

In addition to these important service improvements, the public will see a new look for our transit fleet! We’re introducing a new brand for Huntsville Transit including a formal logo that will be updated on the buses, bus stop signage, maps, and brochures. This will make Huntsville Transit an easily recognizable public transit system and bring consistency and improved customer experience.

Under the pillar of Balanced Growth, these changes support the Town’s strategic plan objectives of identifying opportunities to improve Huntsville’s transit system as well as supporting the creation of more active transportation infrastructure to foster safe, car-free mobility.

“Over the last several years we have seen ridership numbers continue to increase in Huntsville, providing us with a need, and an opportunity to improve transit services for the community,” says Jordan Schmidt, Director of Operations for the Town of Huntsville. “These service improvements mean a more efficient transit system for the community, address the changing and growing needs of current users and continue to attract more riders. This launch is also an important milestone in working towards a more accessible and greener Huntsville.”

In July 2025 Town staff presented the Huntsville Transit Expansion and Optimization Plan to Council, outlining opportunities to enhance transit services through route optimization, fleet expansion, increased service levels, and associated capital and operating investments. Phase 1 of the plan was approved including the purchase of two additional transit buses and service enhancements intended to improve mobility and accessibility throughout the community.

Capital and Operational Costs of the Expansion

The two new buses were purchased with 67% of the cost funded through grants, and the remainder funded through the Transit Reserve and Town Capital Replacement Reserve.

Any transit stop infrastructure upgrades will be costed, and funding phased through future transit capital forecasts and capital budgets, after being brought forward for Council’s consideration.

The operational impact of implementing expanded hours, stop modifications, updated signage, and expanding the transit fleet is forecasted to be approximately $142,000 for 2026 and is being funded through the Transit Reserve and Working Funds Reserve.

The estimated 2027 net levy impact is approximately $368,000 which will be further refined as grant allocations are confirmed and updated ridership data is obtained.

Important notes 

Updated route maps and additional information will be available to riders on buses in advance of the changes taking effect October 1.

Transit stop signs will be installed prior to October 1 and updated with new signage displaying route maps and schedules in the coming weeks. Until then, the public are asked to view the updated stop locations, times and map on our website at huntsville.ca/transit.

Printed copies of the maps are available at Customer Service at Town Hall, the Canada Summit Centre and the Huntsville Public Library.

The post Huntsville Preparing To Roll Out Transit Expansion, Optimization And Branding appeared first on Muskoka411.

Brassard brings more than 30 years of experience in the fire service, including nine years as Fire Chief for the Town of Gravenhurst. Most recently, he served as Interim Fire Chief for the Town of Huntsville and the Town of East Gwillimbury.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Larry to Muskoka Lakes,” said Mayor Peter Kelley. “His experience and leadership will be a valuable addition to the department during this transition, and we look forward to having him work alongside our dedicated team.”

As of September 28, 2026, Brassard will serve as Interim Fire Chief while the Township undertakes recruitment for a permanent Fire Chief.

The post Township Of Muskoka Lakes Welcomes Larry Brassard As Interim Fire Chief appeared first on Muskoka411.

For most new residents, moving to Muskoka in August means settling in just in time to catch the tail end of the summer season. But for Kent and Kim Robinson, their move north came right in the middle of orchestrating Canada’s largest celebration of books and reading.

As the Co-Executive Directors of The Word On The Street (WOTS) Toronto, the husband-and-wife duo spends their days programming a massive footprint of Canadian and Indigenous authors for a festival that draws thousands to the downtown core. Now, they are bringing their deep literary passion to their new home in Muskoka.

“We moved to Muskoka in August, but our connection to the area goes back much further,” the Robinsons shared. “Our family has had a presence here for more than 20 years, so making Muskoka our home feels like a very natural next chapter for us.”

The couple brings a powerhouse combination of cultural programming and event production to the region. Kent has been a driving force behind WOTS’s evolution for more than 13 years. A lifelong science fiction and fantasy reader, he parlayed an early love of graphic art into a dynamic career spanning branding and media production as the Founder of Propagation Media.

Working alongside him, Kim brings over 20 years of heavyweight event experience, having previously shaped initiatives for Women in Film & Television Toronto and the Toronto Screenwriting Conference. A devoted horror fan who loves a book that keeps her up at night, Kim has spent the last decade helping expand the festival’s accessibility and national footprint. Together, their shared mission is clear: celebrating and amplifying Canadian and Indigenous storytellers, who they firmly believe are among the best in the world.

Despite the fast-paced demands of producing a massive Toronto-based festival, the couple has already begun embedding themselves in Muskoka’s vibrant arts scene.

“We already love the area and have been thrilled to discover just how strong and vibrant the literary community is across Muskoka,” they noted. They have spent their rare downtime exploring the region’s independent hubs, specifically highlighting Second Story Books and CornerHouse Books in Rosseau, Cedar Canoe Books in Bracebridge and Huntsville, and The Shipyards in Gravenhurst. “It has been exciting to see the enthusiasm for books, authors and local literary culture throughout the region. There is a real sense of community around these bookstores, and we look forward to becoming more connected to it.”

With the Word On The Street festival taking over Toronto’s David Pecaut Square this weekend, the Robinsons are looking forward to a well-deserved reset once the stages are finally packed away.

“After the festival wraps, we hope to take a little vacation time and enjoy more of what Muskoka has to offer,” they said. “The timing could not be better. We are especially looking forward to experiencing Muskoka in the fall, when the area is at its most beautiful with the fall colours, and having a bit of time to explore, read and discover even more of the literary community that we are now lucky to call our own.”

The Word On The Street Toronto runs this weekend, September 26 and 27, at David Pecaut Square. To view the full schedule of free events and author appearances, visit toronto.thewordonthestreet.ca.

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