Five Questions with Aultsville Theatre GM Brittney Waldroff

Interview by Jason Setnyk | Photo by Patrick Larose

Cornwall, Ontario – Aultsville Theatre, a spacious venue at the St. Lawrence College campus in Cornwall, has recently welcomed Brittney Waldroff as its new general manager. Waldroff, who joined the theatre earlier this year, brings a diverse professional background and a passion for the arts to her new role.

Having returned to the region with her family, Waldroff’s appointment marks a homecoming of sorts, as she had previously set foot on the Aultsville Theatre stage during her youth for dance recitals and the Kinsmen Music Festival. Although relatively new to the theatre scene, Waldroff’s connection to the venue and her wealth of ideas for its future make her an exciting addition to the team.

Prior to joining Aultsville Theatre, Waldroff held various positions at the Bruyère Foundation in Ottawa. This organization, comparable to Cornwall’s St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre (SJCCC), provides a range of health support services, including palliative care, rehabilitation, long-term care, and research. Over her five-year tenure, Waldroff served as the director of communications and philanthropy, director of events and community engagement, and director of grants. Waldroff’s extensive experience in managing communications, organizing events, and engaging with the community positions her well to lead Aultsville Theatre into the future.

Five Questions with The Seeker

1 – How does it feel to return to your hometown and take on the general manager role at Aultsville Theatre?

“To me, Aultsville Theatre has always been a place to create memories for the residents of Cornwall and surrounding communities. I’m proud to be leading a team dedicated to supporting the performing arts who continuously go above and beyond to bring magic to our stage. Growing up in the area I fondly remember many outings to the Theatre, and it’s been special seeing my son make memories here as well. I’m also grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from my new colleagues, our clients, and community.”

2 – Can you share some of your ideas for the future of Aultsville Theatre?

“We have many plans for the future of Aultsville Theatre, including investments in new sound, video, and other equipment to enhance the client and guest experience. These investments will allow us to bring back the Aultsville Film Festival and open the door for new partnerships in the future. We are also approaching the 50th anniversary of Aultsville Theatre in 2026, and I look forward to celebrating that milestone with our community.”

3 – What drew you to the theater industry, considering your previous experience in health care?

“Growing up, my mom was a PSW, and I loved getting to know her residents. At Bruyère, I found myself helping patients and residents to tell their stories to the community. This quickly became my favourite part of my role, even if it was often the most challenging. This role gives me the opportunity to help others tell their stories and showcase their talents through the performing arts, all while closer to home. So far, I’m loving every moment of it.”

4 – Aside from some experiences in your youth as a performer and as someone relatively new to the theater scene, what steps are you taking to familiarize yourself with the industry and ensure a smooth transition into your role?

“Over the years, I’ve worked with partners like Broadway Across Canada and smaller theatre groups to produce community events. These experiences left me confident that I knew the industry well enough to jump right in. Since joining the team, I have tried to be as present as possible, learning from my colleagues about the day-to-day as well as the seasonal changes in the industry. No day is the same as the one before, which is exactly how I like it.

5 – In what ways do you envision Aultsville Theatre contributing to the overall cultural landscape of the community?

“To me, there is something special about our space and its history, thanks to the many special moments that have taken place here. Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of bringing in shows that wouldn’t necessarily make a stop in Cornwall and hope to add more Francophone and Indigenous content to our events calendar. We are open to feedback on how we can best serve our community, and I encourage anyone with an idea to get in touch.”

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