The Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HfA) and the Rotary Club of Huntsville are now
accepting applications from creative, experienced directors for the 2026 Spring Musical, running April 10–19, 2026.

Now in its 18th year, the Spring Musical is a beloved community tradition that brings together performers, crew, and audiences from Muskoka and beyond. Past
productions have ranged widely in style and scope—most recently, Jesus Christ Superstar played to 2,376 audience members and featured over 70 local performers and crew of all ages.

How to Apply:
Interested directors are asked to submit the following:

• A cover letter stating the musical title(s) you are interested in
  directing, along with a brief synopsis and video links (if available). Please include more than one suggestion, as not all titles may be suitable or available.
• A current résumé highlighting relevant theatrical experience.
• Contact information for two arts-related references (e.g., theatre
  groups or productions you’ve previously worked with).

Submit your application by email to:
Dan Watson, Executive Director
Email: dan@huntsvillefestival.ca
Deadline: June 27, 2025

Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews, which will take
place during the week of July 7–9, 2025 (dates and times to be confirmed). Please note: this is a volunteer position.

For full application details, visit www.huntsvillefestival.ca

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Jesus Christ Superstar was the first musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, and has wowed audiences for over 50 years. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.”, and in addition to receiving countless awards and nominations, was made into a feature film in 1973.

Co-Directors Sherisse McGuey (formally Stevens), Kasey Stephan and Louis Tusz have brought together an incredible team of over 60 talented local performers, crew members and musicians. Lead roles in the cast include Ian Paul (Jesus), Serge Charlebois (Judas) and Bridget Lougheed (Mary). Full cast and credits can be found on the HfA website.

This year’s musical is particularly significant as Jesus Christ Superstar was the first musical to be performed at the Algonquin Theatre in 2005 after its opening, and this year’s production will contribute to the planned celebrations for the 20th anniversary of its opening.

“We were absolutely thrilled to present this production.” says Dan Watson, Executive Director of Huntsville Festival of the Arts Dan Watson. “There is a long tradition of community musicals presented by the Rotary Club, dating back to the 1950’s led by Jane Hutcheson and Dr. Lynn Sargeant. To present this musical now feels like a celebration not only of the opening of the Algonquin Theatre 20 years ago, but the incredible theatrical history of our town. You don’t want to miss it!”

Advance tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar are now on sale exclusively to HfA Members. The General Public can purchase tickets starting Wednesday, December 11th at 10am through huntsvillefestival.ca or by calling the Algonquin Theatre box office at 705-789-4975.

Ticket prices are $35.00 for adults, $29.75 for members, and $20.00 for youth (18 and under). Special prices (available only by calling the box office) are available for a family of four ($90) and for groups of 10 or more (only $30.00 per ticket).

Prices do not include HST.

Now in its 14th year, this annual spring Musical Production is a collaboration between Huntsville Festival of the Arts and the Rotary Club of Huntsville.

To purchase tickets, visit huntsvillefestival.ca or call 705-789-4975

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The Huntsville Festival of the Arts and Rotary Club of Huntsville are looking for experienced, creative directors who are interested in bringing their vision to life and creating theatrical magic on the Algonquin Theatre stage. The groups are looking for a musical that would involve a combination of adults and youth that would appeal to a family.

Now in its 16th year, the annual spring musical is an opportunity for community members from Muskoka and surrounding areas to make connections with others, develop their theatrical skills and to have fun. There have been a wide variety of musicals presented over the years, most recently Beauty and the Beast which sold out its run of 7 shows and featured over 50 local performers and crew members of all ages.

Applicants should submit their materials by email to: Hannah Naiman, Director of Programs, Education and Outreach with Huntsville Festival of the Arts at hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca

Potential directors are invited to submit the following:

• A cover letter stating the musical title(s) in which you are interested along with a synopsis and links to videos if available. (Please provide more than one suggestion, as all musicals will not be available or appropriate for the Huntsville audience.)
• A current resume highlighting relevant experience
• Names and numbers of two arts-related references, for example, theatre groups for which you have worked previously

Application deadline is July 21, 2023.

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.
Please note, this is a volunteer position.

Full application details can be found at www.huntsvillefestival.ca

The post The Huntsville Festival Of the Arts And The Rotary Club Of Huntsville Invite Applications From Directors For Their 2024 Spring Musical. appeared first on Muskoka411.

“We are pleased to make this commitment to our hospital as it will help each person in the community,” says Rob Saunders, who has been an active member of Rotary for the past 22 years. “You never know when you or your family may need the hospital, and we are happy to support our hospital today and into the future,” adds Saunders.

Annually, the club continues to invest in the healthcare of the community and has generously donated more than $360,000, which includes today’s pledge commitment. In addition to the Clubs annual support, other community organizations and service clubs are being asked to help.

“With our $100,000 commitment to the hospital, we hope others will join us by making a donation or pledge,” says Len Ross, Incoming President, Rotary Club of Huntsville. “What do you say? Are you up for the challenge?” adds Ross.

Rotary Club of Huntsville has been a loyal supporter of Huntsville Hospital Foundation since 1988.

“The generous $100,000 pledge from Rotary will help purchase urgently needed medical equipment. As our community continues to grow, so does the need for our hospital,” says Foundation CEO, Katherine Craine. “We’re thankful for the decades of support from Rotary and appreciate the Club’s continued investment in our hospital,” adds Craine.

To learn more about the Rotary Club of Huntsville, visit: rotaryclubofhuntsville.com/

To learn more about Huntsville Hospital Foundation and to join Rotary in supporting your hospital, visit: huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca/

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Rotary Club of Huntsville, the Rotary Club of North Muskoka and the Rotary People of Action Huntsville Club joined forces to give Chrysalis Huntsville a much-needed makeover. Muskoka Women’s Shelters and Services/Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group (MWAG) operates two 24-hour anti-violence crisis shelters for abused women and their children. Muskoka Interval House is located in Bracebridge and Chrysalis in Huntsville. Chrysalis also offers supportive transitional housing units for vulnerable women.

“The community will begin to see the three Rotary clubs in Huntsville coming together more often,” said Jennifer Jerrett, President of the Rotary People of Action Huntsville Club. “Rotary International would like to see members of all three service clubs share successes of local collaborations. Together is just better.”

Over the last five months, through pandemic shutdowns, members catching Covid, and snow and sleet, the three clubs managed to remove of all the carpet in the first floor hall and replace it with a durable vinyl flooring. The ceiling and walls received a fresh coat of paint and amazing artists in the community donated art for the walls.

“Starting over and establishing a healthy, violence-free life is unique to each woman’s journey. The Rotary Club’s generous contribution of replacing the flooring, a new coat of paint and beautiful art for the walls was instrumental in providing a fresh welcoming safe space for the residents of the Chrysalis apartments,” said Ruth Holloway, program manager of Muskoka Women’s Shelters and Services.

“This was such an amazing project not only for all three Rotary clubs but also for Chrysalis,” said Mary Rashleigh, past president of the Rotary Club of Huntsville.

“This was an amazing opportunity to work side by side with our fellow Rotarians and all for a fabulous cause, right here in our community,”  said Suzanne Willett, president of the Rotary Club of North Muskoka.

Also assisting with the project was Bin There Dump That Muskoka, Refined Kitchen and Bath, and Sunbelt Rentals, who all stepped up to ensure the project had little to no costs.

“We are happy to say this project is now complete and we are on to our next,” said Jerrett.

Rotary People of Action Huntsville is a service club located in Huntsville. They can be found at peopleofactionhuntsville.com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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“We wanted to create a fun family event that could be carried out in a pandemic safely and at the same time showcase our amazing topography” said Sharon Wallace, Rotarian and event co-chair.

The funds raised from the event support Community Living Huntsville’s new campaign Rev Up Independence, their current initiative to replace their accessible cube van. Proceeds also support the important work of Muskoka Victim Services who work closely with first responders and community partners to provide short-term crisis intervention support and connect people with appropriate long-term community supports.

“We are so excited to have such a successful first year and be able to raise so much money for these charities. These two charities change people’s lives one person at a time,” said Anita Gleeson, Rotarian and event co-chair.

Participants were sent 20 riddles which they had to solve. The riddles took them to hidden gems in our community, beautiful tranquil places off the beaten path. Registrants journeyed around north Muskoka discovering places they may not have been or been to in a while. While they took in the spectacular views they had to take selfies as proof, they found their destinations.

The rally was enjoyed by both visitors and residents with enthusiastic feedback: “Taking part has felt like being tourists in our own town!” “We had a blast this weekend and visited some pleases for the first time though we’ve lived here for ages.”

Prizes were awarded from Algonquin Outfitters, Winners and other community partners.

The post Rotary Club Of Huntsville Road Rally/Scavenger Hunt Raises Over $11,000 For Charity appeared first on Muskoka411.

Participants will be given 20 riddles to off the beaten path gems: beautiful and tranquil places in our community. Solve at least 10 riddles, drive to the revealed location, take in the spectacular view and take a group selfie.Pit stop partners will provide specials to all participants for “refueling” along the way.

Great event for locals, out of town guests, and visitors alike. There will be 3 levels of riddles: challenging, easy and if required the actual hidden gem location. Upload photos to win great prizes including gift certificates from Winners, Algonquin Outfitters and our pitstop partners.

Tickets are $35 for a car, $25 for a motorcycle.

All proceeds support vulnerable people in our community through Community Living and Muskoka Victim Services.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rotary-road-rally-scavenger-hunt-tickets-162575536807?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

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