The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium launched its 40th season on Thursday with an anniversary event.
The celebration focused on venerating the building as an iconic Thunder Bay landmark, with a history that has embedded itself in the consciousness of performers, staff, and event-goers alike.
“Everybody has a memory here, whether it’s in a chair or on the stage, it doesn’t matter,” says Ted Vaillant, the artistic director for the Roy Coran Big Band.
Vaillant has a long history with the auditorium, going back to before its opening. He was part of an O Canada performance before the building had even finished construction, and has been in many performances at the venue since then.
Vaillant was one of several figures recognized at the anniversary event for their connection to the auditorium.
The Community Auditorium still has staff members who have worked at the venue for its entire 40-year run.
“Like they say, if you love what you do for a living, you never work a day in your life. And that’s how I feel,” remarks Rob “Sven” Jensen, head carpenter and stage manager for the auditorium.
Jensen has been at the auditorium since day one, as has Joe Szabo, the technical and lighting director for the venue.
The sons of both Jensen and Szabo have now joined their fathers in working at the auditorium.
“There’s nothing like working with your own family, teaching you on the trade that you got into, and they’re interested in it, which makes me proud,” says Jensen.
In keeping with the historical theme of the day, the anniversary event involved a dance number that attempted to recreate the first-ever performance at the auditorium.
The Community Auditorium’s first-ever performance was a mime dance by Fay Gleeson, who owns the Fay Gleeson Dance Centre. Meaghan Tofinetti, who teaches dance at the centre, choreographed a reimagining of the original performance as a chance to honour Gleeson.
Tofinetti says that when the building was first constructed, there were doubts that it could fill seats and justify its existence. “I think we’ve more than proved over the last 40 years that this building is not only sustainable, but it’s absolutely necessary for our community,” she says.
The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium will be hosting a free Community Showcase on October 29 featuring Sara Kae, the Lockyer Boys, the Fay Gleeson Dance Centre, and All the Daze Productions.
