Business Excellence: Gateway Theatre takes centre stage as Association of the Year

On Thursday evening, Gateway Theatre was honoured as Association of the Year at the Richmond Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Awards. From the performers and production teams who bring productions to life, to the programs that welcome everyone into the arts, Gateway Theatre exemplifies the power of community engagement and artistic expression. Gateway Theatre’s remarkable volunteer program offers meaningful opportunities for community members to give back while learning valuable skills.

Their children’s programming fosters creativity and confidence, laying the foundation for the next generation of artists and community leaders. In addition, the theatre’s commitment to inclusivity shines through in their outreach to seniors, new immigrants, university students, and diverse audiences across Richmond. The Richmond Gateway Theatre Society was incorporated in 1982 to run the City of Richmond-owned facility called The Gateway Theatre.



Under a long-term agreement with the city, the society manages the building, which comprises a 540-seat MainStage, an 85-seat studio, a rehearsal room, plus administration and production space. In recent years, Gateway Theatre has been adopting a radical new vision in its programming and initiatives, challenging long-held assumptions about professional theatre and who it serves by cultivating a variety of community-driven initiatives in addition to its traditional performances. Gateway has turned its venue into a creative hub for collaboration and community building, currently led by Barbara Tomasic, executive artistic director.

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