The long-running summer of free performances at the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre on the grounds of Traill College will draw to a close on Aug. 20 with a free community event presented by New Stages Peterborough.
Final night of short works and local artists
Summer Soiree, which begins at 7 p.m., will bring together a number of performers to present new short works in an outdoor, amphitheatre setting. Among the artists scheduled to appear are Beau Dixon, Kate Shur, Kerry Griffin, Kate Story and Bill Coleman. New Stages artistic director Mark Wallace will also take the stage as part of the programme.
- Beau Dixon
- Kate Shur
- Kerry Griffin
- Kate Story
- Bill Coleman
- Mark Wallace (New Stages artistic director)
The event closes a summer in which New Stages supported four shows at the amphitheatre. The series offered free music and theatre to residents and visitors, making the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre a hub for outdoor cultural activity over recent weeks.
“The mix of presenting artists and disciplines is off the charts.” — Mark Wallace, New Stages artistic director
What this means for Peterborough's cultural scene
Free, accessible programming such as the amphitheatre series helps sustain the city's arts ecosystem by providing performance opportunities for local artists and drawing audiences into the downtown/college precinct. New Stages' involvement in multiple productions this summer represents an investment in outdoor public programming, signalling the company's interest in reaching audiences beyond conventional theatre spaces.
Organizers say the Summer Soiree also marks a revival of an amphitheatre performance tradition at Traill College. That continuity contributes to a sense of place for both Trent University students and Peterborough residents, who have increasingly sought mixed-use cultural events in public spaces.
Looking ahead
While the Summer Soiree wraps up the free outdoor season, New Stages is already turning its attention to the coming theatre year. According to the company, its 2026-27 season is approximately 75 per cent sold out, indicating strong local support and demand for staged work in the city.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Aug. 20 |
| Time | 7 p.m. |
| Location | Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, Traill College |
| Admission | Free |
| Presented by | New Stages Peterborough |
For audience members, the event represents an opportunity to see short-form works from a variety of local practitioners in an accessible, outdoor setting. For artists and arts organisations, it underscores the value of site-specific and community-oriented programming in maintaining Peterborough's cultural vitality.
As New Stages progresses into a strong-looking 2026-27 season, the Summer Soiree stands as both a celebration of recent collaborations and a public-facing reminder of the continuing role live performance plays in the city's urban fabric.
Attendance is free; residents and visitors are encouraged to arrive early for seating and to respect any site or university guidelines in place for outdoor events.
