Upcoming Special Events

Indigenous Community Night - Wednesday, February 26 at 7:30PM

• The Secret to Good Tea performance at 7:30pm
• $20 Indigenous Community tickets
• Post-show reception including:
  • presentation from Eagle Flight Singers with dancer accompaniment
  • food from My Grandmothers Kitchen
  • moderated post-show discussion with Janet Antone and Christin Dennis
• “in partnership with the London Arts Council through Indigenous London Arts”

Past Special Events

THE SOUND OF MUSIC: London Black Community Night

On December 12, 2024, guests joined us for The Sound of Music, followed by a special reception in the Drewlo Lounge, hosted in partnership with the London Black History Coordinating Committee. Attendees enjoyed sweet treats and a post-show chat with company members, including Janelle Cooper (Mother Abbess) and Music Director Alexandra Kane. They provided a deeper understanding of the show and their roles in creating this spectacular production. Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word!

WELCOME WALL MURAL CELEBRATION

On September 27, 2024, Community members, artists, special guests from Oneida Nation of the Thames, and Grand staff gathered to celebrate Michael Cywink’s Welcome Wall mural located in the Main Lobby. This event included a performance from Sisters in Spirit Drumming Group, speeches, a Q&A with dancer/choreographer Montana Summers, and traditional Indigenous food served by My Grandmothers Kitchen. The evening finished with guests supporting a proud member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames community who was a cast member in the Grand’s High School Project Matilda the Musical!

The Grand is proud to partner with London Arts Council’s (LAC) Indigenous London Arts (ILA) in the hiring of Janet Antone as Indigenous Community Consultant as we work towards our on-going commitments to Truth and Reconciliation.

SONGS UNSUNG, STORIES UNTOLD

On May 1. 2024, patrons, artists and music lovers gathered to celebrate, explore, and learn more about the influence of Black artists on early rock 'n' roll. This special post-show event featured award-winning actor, musician, playwright, music director, and sound designer, Beau Dixon, and Norma Coates, Associate Professor, Don Wright Faculty of Music and the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, who explored the roots of rock ‘n’ roll in blues, gospel, and R&B.
 
 

JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENT - Sunday February 25, 2024 - 2:00 p.m.

On February 25, 2024, community members joined together for the world premiere performance of Jordi Mand's play, In Seven Days. Following the matinee, attendees enjoyed a reception upstairs in the Drewlo Lounge, featuring light food and a thought-provoking panel discussion. Special thanks were extended to Jewish London for their collaboration on this event.

LONDON BLACK COMMUNITY NIGHT
Co-hosted with London Black History Coordinating Committee on January 21, 2023. The event brought over 100 new patrons to see Controlled Damage at the Grand. Guests attended a pre-show reception, catered by YaYa's Kitchen, and engaging discussion with London-proud playwright, Andrea Scott.

MURAL PARTNERSHIP
In February 2023, in collaboration with the Muslim Resource Centre, the Grand was home to a beautiful youth-created mural, reflecting the refugee experience of many newcomers to London. Muslim youth and families were encouraged to attend a performance of HOMES: A Refugee Story.
 

"OUR IMMIGRATION STORIES"
With the London Public Library and LUSO Community Services, "Our Immigration Stories" event took place on February 18, 2023 at Beacock Library branch. HOMES: A Refugee Story author Winnie Yeung and 6 special guests with lived immigrant/refugee experiences, came together with over 50 members of the community to discuss HOMES: A Refugee Story and share in culture and community. 
 

THAMES BLUEWATER METIS COUNCIL

On March 25, 2023, in partnership with Thames Bluewater Métis Council, 120 Métis folks were welcomed into the Grand Theatre to enjoy a traditional Métis meal, a performance of Rubaboo, and a pre- and post-show reception with speeches, prayers, and in interview with creator Andrea Menard. 

Other Grand Theatre Community Engagement Events (2023/24)

2023-2024 Season Community Engagement Events:

• London Proud Market & Open House - July 23, 2023
• Teacher Appreciation Night (High School Project) - September 17, 2023
• District School Board Reception - September 21 2023
• HSP Alumni Event (to celebrate 25 years!) - September 23, 2023
• London Emerging Artists Event - October 13 2023
• Newcomer Day - October 14 2023
• CANOO pre-reception - October 17th 2023 
• Korean Society Post-Reception (With Guest Speaker Eunju Yi)  - October 21 2023
• LiberAsian Post-Show Talk with Ins Choi - October 28 2023
• Holiday Wish for Kids - November 21st 2023