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'New era of programming' coming to Rotary Aqua Theatre

July 20 event under the stars will mark next phase at refurbished iconic structure that has hosted events on Orillia's waterfront for six decades
orillia concert band first to perform at rotary aqua theatre anne south
The Orillia Concert Band was the first group to perform at the newly refurbished Aqua Theatre. A new era of programming will be kicked off next Wednesday (July 20) at the lakefront venue.

NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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Residents are invited to join the City of Orillia and Rotary Club of Orillia on July 20, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. to kick-off a new era of programming at the Rotary Aqua Theatre with an evening of entertainment under the stars.

“The investment the City has made to improve the Rotary Aqua Theatre will help ensure the theatre, known for its wonderful acoustics and stunning backdrop, is around for another 60-plus years to host various events for our community and visitors,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “The City of Orillia is pleased to work with the Rotary Club of Orillia in its continued support of the building bearing its name.”

The City of Orillia has teamed up with Rotarians to host an evening of entertainment celebrating the Rotary Aqua Theatre’s rich history and its re-opening after a significant restoration. The evening will feature live music by Orillia’s Little Big Band, The Rama Boys Drum Group, and the airing of the Tragically Hip’s concert film, That Night in Toronto. For a full schedule of events, please visit orillia.ca/musicinthepark.

“Built in 1958, the Rotary Aqua Theatre was a wonderful addition to the City’s infrastructure, particularly along the waterfront. We are thrilled to see it brought back to life with the renovation over the past year,” said Rotary Club of Orillia member Jack Nolan. “The Orillia chapter of the Rotary Club is proud to have contributed to the Rotary Aqua Theatre’s initial construction and is looking forward to supporting further transformations to this iconic building in the future.”

After more than 60 years on the waterfront, the Rotary Aqua Theatre underwent structural repairs, façade improvements, and electrical upgrades. The total budget for the project, including building assessment and design, was $777,000 and was funded by the City of Orillia. The renovation was completed in June 2022, just in time for the busy festival season.

 Part of the City of Orillia’s suite of rental facilities, the theatre can accommodate music, dance, live theatre, film, fitness programs, and so much more. For booking information, visit orillia.ca/facilitybookings.

The Rotary Aqua Theatre is located within Couchiching Beach Park, on the shores of Lake Couchiching and opened in 1958 in response to the growing needs of the Orillia Kiltie Band and the band’s popular concert series. Thirty-eight Rotarians are recognized for having raised the $24,720 required to construct the original building in the 1950s.

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