All.Together.Now : APRIL

All. Together. Now. Campaign

Courtesy of Melissa Novecosky, Shaw Associate Director

Theatre of Medicine is getting a lot of love in the media these days. Alexis Milligan (Shaw Movement Director) and Dr. Glen Bandiera (one of our board members and an emergency room physician) are the co-creators of the program. Born out of Alexis’ work on Whole Person Communication and Dr. Bandiera’s work with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada the program is an accredited continuing professional development skills course for physicians. 

We’ve known that the tools of artistic practice can improve communication for awhile now, but it’s nice to see the excitement about the program grow in the broader community.

Here’s a sample of some of the great press about the program – 

How theatre can improve human connection in medicine. Ontario Medical Association, Jessica Smith. March 31, 2026

Shaw Festival’s Theatre of Medicine uses arts to teach physicians essential skills. Niagara Falls Review/The Standard/The Tribune. John Law. April 6, 2026

Shaw Festival program in Niagara-on-the-Lake uses theatre to reshape medical training. Senso Magazine, Sergio Mourato. April 9, 2026

Newstalk 610-CKTB. Niagara in the Morning, Steph Vivier. April 9, 2026

Alexis Milligan talks about the Theatre of Medicine Program. Ludwig-van.com, Anya Wassenberg. April 16, 2026.

Shaw Festival program uses theatre to train health care providers. NOTL Local, Sharon Burns. May 4, 2026.

Shaw Artists’ Village Update – (or) It’s the Final Countdown (I know you hummed the music in your head after your read that)

We’ve headed into the final stretch of construction for Wings 300 and 500 – otherwise known as Visitors’ Residence and The Burton Centre for Lifelong Creativity. We’re about a two and a half weeks away from occupancy and things are changing quickly. In the Visitor Residence the floors have been installed, the first coat of paint is complete in most areas, and a lot of the millwork has been installed. Countertops are going in at the beginning of May and bathrooms are being finished. Still left to go is the millwork for the beds and all the finishing. 

In The Burton Centre for Lifelong Creativity, dry wall is nearing completion, and floor leveling is being finished in preparation for the installation of the flooring. The Village Hall and studios are all getting a nice sprung floor. There’s also lots of work happening in the Village Hall to prepare for public presentations. 

In the rest of the campus, we are working our way through the deficiencies and installing signage. Outside, the flashing and small roofs have been completed, and snow guards have been installed on the roof. There is still more work to be done on the roofs, but it’s coming along.  

At the beginning of May we began two phases of asphalt paving. Phase 1 includes the front driveway loop, parking lot, and additional parking near wardrobe. We are also adding some parking spots near Wing 100. I learned a new construction word recently – milling – which is process of removing material from surfaces. In this case we’re using a milling machine to remove the old asphalt in preparation for the new paving.  

PLEASE NOTE – from May 4-19 all onsite parking is NOT allowed and pedestrian access is limited. Please stick to the sidewalks and clearly marked routes. You will still be able to enter Wardrobe from the main entrance. Phase 2 follows May 19-25 and will include the rear delivery driveway and fire route and entrance to wardrobe will be from the front driveway loop.  

As always, if you have any questions, or want more information, please let me know. As we head towards opening weekend, I’m excited to celebrate everyone’s hard work so far this season!

Cheers,

Melissa