The Festival Hall Consortium, representing the City of Pembroke, Town of Petawawa, and Township of Laurentian Valley, is thrilled to announce the exciting appointment of Kitchissippi Productions as the new management company for Festival Hall @ L’Équinoxe. This transition follows the retirement of Rick Wharton from Eventure Entertainment, who dedicated 13 years to managing the beloved venue.
Kitchissippi Productions, led by the passionate and experienced Dorian Pearce, is ready to bring a fresh, dynamic vision to the iconic venue. Pearce, who grew up performing on the Festival Hall @ L’Équinoxe stage, has a deep connection to the space and its community. With a wealth of expertise in event production and community engagement, Kitchissippi Productions is committed to continuing the venue’s rich tradition of hosting concerts, theatre, comedy, dance, and community events. But that’s not all! New initiatives are on the way, including exciting youth workshops, summer theatre day camps, and enhanced technical capabilities to attract high-profile hybrid and touring events.
Petawawa Councillor Murray Rutz, Chairman of the Festival Hall Committee, couldn’t be more excited about the future.
Pearce is equally enthusiastic about the opportunity. “Festival Hall has been a huge part of my own story, and I’m beyond excited to lead it into a new era,” he said. “Our team is committed to creating a vibrant, welcoming space for the arts—a place where the entire community can come together, create, and celebrate. We can’t wait to bring fresh ideas and new energy to the stage!”
Rutz welcomed Pearce to the Festival Hall family, emphasizing that Dorian’s background and passion make him the perfect fit to carry the torch forward.
Kitchissippi Productions will work closely with Eventure Entertainment throughout December to ensure a smooth transition. The new management officially begins on January 1, 2025. Stay tuned for exciting updates and announcements in the coming weeks for those looking to book the venue or purchase tickets for upcoming events. A new era of arts and entertainment is on the horizon at Festival Hall @ L’Équinoxe!
(Written by: Emma Butler)