Palace Theatre Arts Commons: More Than a Meeting Place — A Being Place in Old East Village by Melissa Parker If you’ve ever wandered down Dundas Street in London’s Old East Village and passed the big marquee at 710, you’ve seen it: the historic Palace Theatre. Maybe you’ve stepped inside to catch a show, or maybe it’s still on your list. Either way, what you’ll find behind our front doors is more than just a stage and some seats. It’s something deeper — a Being Place. A Being Place doesn’t just welcome you in for a night. It invites you to stay, to connect, to contribute, to be — your full, authentic self.
A Place to Learn and Grow The Palace is home to the London Youth Theatre Education (LYTE) program, where kids and teens learn more than just lines and choreography — they learn teamwork, empathy and the joy of expression. But the learning doesn’t stop there. Adults grow too — through workshops, talkbacks, volunteering and the quiet confidence that comes from being part of something meaningful. A Place to Feel Moved Live theatre has the power to stir something inside you. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re crying and before you know it, you’re clapping so hard your hands hurt. That’s the magic of the Palace. It reminds us what it means to connect. To feel. ºSo yes, the Palace is a theatre. But it’s also more than that. It’s where history and creativity collide. Where friendships blossom and stories come alive. Where you’re not just welcome to attend — you’re welcome to belong. At Palace Theatre Arts Commons, we’re not just a meeting place. We’re a Being Place.
A Place Where Stories Live On The Palace Theatre has been standing for nearly a hundred years, starting as a movie house in 1929. Generations of families, artists and audiences have walked through these doors. It’s seen silent films, local productions, youth theatre, fundraisers and standing ovations that echoed down the aisles. And the best part? It’s still going. You can feel that history when you walk in — the past lingering in the main theatre, the lobby and our converted black box theatre. So many stories have taken place here, and there are so many more to come. A Place to Find Your People There’s something about the Palace that brings people together. Volunteers who’ve never stepped in a theatre find themselves part of the heartbeat of a s production. Friends meet here, families gather, strangers become castmates and neighbours become collaborators. It’s not just a theatre. It’s a hub. A place for anyone who believes in creativity and community. A Place to Be Yourself No one’s asking you to be perfect — only to be real. This is a place where expression is celebrated, not judged. Where your voice matters, your story counts and your quirks are part of the charm. Here, people discover sides of themselves they didn’t know were there. A shy teen becomes a confident stage manager. A first-time playwright sees their words come to life.
And there’s a spot here for you. Learn more at palacetheatre.ca
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Old East Villager July-August 2025 • Page 9
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