Our Story

Canada’s best, onstage and under the stars.

Each year, County Stage brings together a company  of remarkable artists in one of the country’s most extraordinary places.

Based in Prince Edward County, we create high-calibre professional theatre for the people who live here and those who come to experience the County. We believe theatre can bring people together, deepen our connection to one another and contribute to the cultural life of our community.

ROOTED in the County

County Stage Company was founded in 2006 as Festival Players of Prince Edward County. Since then, we have welcomed  wonderful Canadian artists to stages and gathering places throughout the region, building a strong connection with local audiences and cultural visitors.

Today, professional repertory theatre is at the heart of our work. Our artists live, rehearse and perform in Prince Edward County over an extended period, creating a true ensemble and becoming part of the community in which the work is made.

Our summer repertory season remains at the centre of our work. We are also developing carefully planned fall programming  allowing audiences to experience County Stage beyond the summer while ensuring that our growth remains responsible and sustainable.

Our VISION

County Stage envisions Prince Edward County as a nationally recognized destination for exceptional professional repertory theatre, where artists thrive, audiences gather and theatre enriches community life throughout the year.

OUR MISSION

County Stage Company produces high-calibre repertory theatre, champions Canadian voices and creates meaningful shared experiences through an ensemble-based approach that brings people together. We engage residents, welcome cultural tourists, nurture artists and contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the region.

Our Mandate

County Stage creates, presents and develops professional theatre in Prince Edward County. We work to make our performances welcoming and accessible, support Canadian artists and stories, and gradually build opportunities for youth and emerging artists.

Our Values

• Excellence

  We are committed to high artistic and professional standards in everything we create.

• Respect
  We care for our artists, staff, audiences, partners and community. We value open communication, fairness and the needs of the people who make the work possible.

• Community

  We are deeply connected to Prince Edward County and committed to being a meaningful resource for the people who live here.

• Collaboration

  We believe strong theatre grows from trust, generosity and ensemble-based practice.

• Inclusivity
  We work to reduce barriers and welcome diverse voices, experiences and communities in our organization, our artistic practice and on our stages.

• Rural Vitality
  We believe professional theatre can contribute to the cultural identity, economic strength and year-round vitality of a rural community.

Looking Ahead

County Stage is entering its next chapter with a clear focus: strengthening professional repertory theatre as the foundation for everything that comes next.

Over the coming years, we will continue to deepen our summer repertory season, build a thoughtful shoulder-season presence and explore new opportunities for Canadian work, youth engagement and emerging artists. We will pursue this growth carefully, ensuring that each new step is supported by the resources, people and partnerships needed to do it well.

Banner photo: Beau Dixon, Frank Cox-O’Connell, Hailey Gillis, Raha Javanfar, Andrew Penner in The Shape of Home 2022. Photo: Sarah Kirby