Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts hosts 40th Anniversary Public Open House

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford’s Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts will open its doors for a free public open house on Friday October 2, 2026, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the theatre’s revitalization and restoration. The celebration marks four decades since the sold-out October 2, 1986, re-opening performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita.

“Forty years ago, our community came together to help bring this historic theatre back to life,” says Glenn Brown, Theatre Manager. “We’re proud to celebrate that milestone with an anniversary open house, showcasing rarely seen areas of the theatre and thank the community for its continued support.”

Community members are invited to the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 2. Staff will lead behind-the-scenes tours, share memories, and answer questions while guests explore highlights and rarely seen areas of the historic theatre. Video tours will be available for areas that are not accessible. Tours will conclude on the main stage with a reception and light refreshments. This is a drop-in style event with the final tours beginning at 8:30 p.m.

The work of preserving and enhancing this historic theatre continues today through the generous support of the Sanderson Centre Foundation and community patrons. This season, audiences will see the lower lobby transformed to reflect its original appearance from the 1919 Temple Theatre era. This project has been made possible through the support of the Brant Community Foundation, Stedman Foundation, and Sanderson Centre Foundation.

The City of Brantford purchased the building for $425,000 in 1986 to preserve Brantford's heritage and create a cultural centre for the community. A group of dedicated volunteers spearheaded a highly successful fundraising campaign with support from the community and local businesses to restore the Capitol Theatre. Over several years, the theatre was reborn with an authentically restored auditorium and improved services for guests and performers.

During the restoration, the theatre was renamed the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts in memory of the Sanderson family, whose support helped advance the restoration and many other local causes.

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Media Contact:

City of Brantford Communications and Community Engagement
519-759-4150 | communications@brantford.ca