Von Ayres Cultural Centre

Jeanne Gordon Theatre RENTAL RATES $20 /hour Non-profit groups: $15 /hour

Jeanne Gordon Theatre Features: - Sound/lighting booth - Stage diminsions:    25 1/2' wide x 21-1/2' deep     3' above theatre floor - Screen Dimensions:    20' wide x 9' high - Auditorium Dimensions: 44'x 40' - Bar area with fridge & sink - Heating / Air conditioning - Handicapped Accessible - Elevator - Excellent accoustics

The Jeanne Gordon Theatre accommodates 190 (seating capacity of 150) for performances, seminars, workshops, reunions, parties, wedding receptions, showers, etc. The theatre was renovated in 1997 thanks to grants from Dow Chemical Canada Inc. and the former Wallaceburg Town Council.

The Von Ayres Cultural Centre names the complex which is home to the Wallaceburg & District Historical Society, the Frank Murdock Sports Hall of Fame, the Wallaceburg Little Theatre and the Wallaceburg and District Council for the Arts .  The Von Ayres Cultural Centre was the home of the Wallaceburg Hydro office from 1925 to 1982.

A well-known musician, Estel Von Ayres (1892-1990) began his musical career at the age of 12 as the choir director of First Baptist Church, Wallaceburg.  Known as "Mr. Music", he staged many musical productions such as Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, organized and directed the Wallaceburg Kiltie Band, formed the Wallaceburg High School Band and Glee Club and led the Wallaceburg Chapter of S.P.E.B.Q.S.A. (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America).  Of special note is the fact that the first person to use the theatre when it opened in March 1927, was E. Von Ayres who directed a 50-voice choir and a 30-piece band.

The Wallaceburg & District Museum, the Allan Mann Educational Hall and the Frank Murdock Sports Hall of Fame occupy the ground floor while the Jeanne Gordon Theatre is located on the the top floor.  Drama, musical events, fine arts displays, drama camps, cabarets, art camps, Tae Kwon Do classes -- even pet obedience courses --are presented throughout the year. The Tae Kwon Do classes are instructed by Yvonne Franssen, former olympics bronze medallist.

Von Ayres Cultural Centre 505 King Street Wallaceburg, Ontario N8A 1J1