Coming Soon…

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - 4:15pm at The Grove Theatre Box Office

Stagecraft & Strategy: The Production Manager’s Role in Theatre

Allison Bjerkseth, Production & Facilities Manager at The Grove Theatre will take us on a behind-the-scenes journey through the chaos, creativity, and coordination that bring stories to life. Explore how production management bridges logistics and imagination — turning vision into reality and making the impossible possible, night after night.

To attend this event, RSVP (link below) by November 21, 2025.

The Grove Guild RSVP – November 25, 2025 | 4:15 p.m. Event

October 2025

Meet Luke Hockett: The Grove Theatre’s 2025/26 Technical Director

Luke is a native of the UK, and a well-seasoned pro who's delivered productions across Europe. He spoke about his diverse training leading up to his 6-month apprenticeship in Toronto which later drew him back, to Fenelon Falls, to join The Grove as Technical Director for the 2025 season. 

Lukes’s position with The Grove has him working behind the scenes, so it was interesting for us to meet a new face. His friendly and seemingly easy-going manner seemed perfect for his role as Technical Director. He liaisons with other Grove directors, such as Christy & Sean, also working with production managers and designers (such as Allison Bjerkseth, whom we will meet later this month). Luke’s job entails advising on, overseeing, and executing all technical needs of the amphitheatre for all Grove performances, as well as working with the kid’s drama camp and visiting guest artists. He’s the point man responsible for bringing each show to life through lighting, sound, staging and special effects in an effective, timely and safe manner. 

Also, Luke supervises the building of installations on set, and he’s responsible for routine maintenance on lighting, sound, and rigging equipment that enhance each show. He mentioned he supervises some odd 14 staff and crew members to bring each show to life. He manages production budgets with the designer’s visions in mind. Luke emphasized that his position entails a lot of problem-solving, making last-minute decisions, and being able to pivot at any given time. He gave us examples of technical issues that arise with lighting: last season a spotlight had an issue—the theatre had to manage with only one spotlight meaning the technician on that spotlight had to listen to both sets of cues to execute his role. Sounds complicated. An example Luke gave us of a small sound hiccup is when a mic stops working; he must have a backup on hand and ready. If a string breaks on an instrument he must have one in reserve. On stage this summer, when Sophia sprained her ankle mid-season and the cast had to go back to rehearsals, he oversaw the adjustments made for a wheelchair on set, which meant changes had to be made in lighting and sound. In other words, glitches happen. So next season, when we see Luke sauntering around the lobby area there’s a good chance it’s been a smooth production! 

Luke is the first to arrive before each performance to check that all technical equipment is functional and safe. During performances he monitors each technical element to make sure everything is well coordinated and running smoothly. Luke’s the last to leave each night making sure all equipment is shut down and safely protected from the elements. It sounds as though Luke must be a conscientious guy!

There’s more—Luke must manage day-to-day variables of executing proper light and sound in response to weather, humidity, the time of day, and the landscape. For example, trees absorb and deflect sound waves. Performers voices can vary in the above conditions. Other factors such as working in an open-air theatre, the number of theatre goers in each audience, and the type of performance (the “relaxed performance” of Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story catered to a wider audience for those with sensory differences as well as for young families) all impact the theatre’s technical needs. Weather disturbances must also be taken into consideration; it was Luke’s call to cancel shows due to extreme heat and rain over the 2025 season. Luke certainly has an adaptable role at The Grove. 

Luke stated clearly that the Grove’s investment of new equipment has made the sound quality easier to navigate and adjust for various conditions. He expressed gratitude towards donors who donated to the Light Up The Grove Campaign for the purchase of equipment that was better suited for an outdoor environment, making his job smoother. 

It’s fair to conclude that the Grove’s movers and shakers are a cohesive group that work well together in planning, co-ordinating, preparing and executing all the demands of the theatre, both expected and unexpected! In closing—it’s also fair to summarize that Luke job is that of a super-supervisor. He oversees and monitors so many moving pieces. Since he’s coming back for The Grove’s 2026 season he must have done a fantastic job. On the flip side, The Grove must be a desirable company to work for as Luke is coming back for the 2026 season! 

Luke Hockett - 2025/26 Technical Director

September 2025

Greetings from The Guild!

Our September Grove Guild event was a resounding success, filling The Grove Box Office with theatre-goers eager to hear from award-winning director and actor Sean Cox, Artistic Director of The Grove Theatre. We’re grateful to Sean for his inspiring and entertaining presentation!

Sean shared his journey from California’s theatre scene to Fenelon Falls, and a serendipitous meeting with his wife, Christy Yael, which inspired a shared vision that led to founding both Intrepid Theatre Company in San Diego and later The Grove Theatre. Today, Christy serves as Executive Director while Sean leads as Artistic Director, together guiding The Grove’s creative vision.

In his talk, “Building the Grove Season,” Sean offered a behind-the-scenes look at how each summer season takes shape. He highlighted the energetic 2025 “Rock ’n’ Roll” season, featuring Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and three other crowd-pleasing tribute productions—each brought to life by its own creative team.

Sean also gave a sneak peek into The Grove’s 2026 Season, programmed earlier this year, with casting already underway (including dancers!). Auditions begin this month in Toronto, and audiences can look forward to a theme of FUN!—led by Monty Python’s Spamalot!

Though The Grove shines brightest in summer, Sean reminded us the theatre is always alive with planning, design, and rehearsal work year-round.

We hope you will join us again, October 28 at 4:15pm at The Grove Box Office for our next Guild session featuring Luke Hockett, 2025-26 Technical Director, who will share insights into the technical side of theatre magic.

Sean Cox, Artistic Director of The Grove Theatre

The Grove Guild: Engage. Educate. Entertain

We’re excited to invite you to become part of something new and inspiring—The Grove Guild, an initiative to connect more deeply with those who believe in the power of live theatre!

Grove Guild Events take place on the last Tuesday of each month at 4:15pm

To contact The Grove Guild, please email: guild@grovetheatre.ca