06/24/2026
In this photograph you can see a man dressed as a sailor, however, he is no ordinary sailor. He is actually an actor performing a play in Scugog in 1915! Scugog is home to a storied history when it comes to theatre performances. Port Perry’s very own townhall theatre, but it has not always been a theatre! Built in 1873 with the construction being led by Joseph Bigalow. Starting as a townhall, the performance space has changed identities many times, it was used as a firehouse, roller rink, and even an undergarment factory. 100 years into the building’s history in 1973 the building was nearly lost to time, destined to be paved over to become a parking lot. A group of local citizens banded together to prevent the building from being demolished. After persistent work, the abandoned site was leased out to become the theatre that we know and love today!
The performance arts still have a very important place in Scugog. Port Perry Academy of Performing Arts offers lessons and classes, and they even put on live performances! The Scugog Choral Society has been performing musicals in town since 1976! Here on the Scugog Shores site we also have performances. Theatre on the Ridge, a local theatre company founded in 2013, has a large outdoor theatre tent where you can experience their performances surrounded by the history of Scugog! Have you experienced any local theatres in town? Or know about the history of Townhall 1873 Theatre? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear!
