Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Kicks Off 40th
The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium (TBCA) is turning 40, and it's still our place to applaud. Today, the region's largest performing arts centre officially launched its 40th anniversary season, marking four decades of music, memories, and community. The celebration featured a live performance, the premiere of a new commemorative video, and the announcement of a historical display, all designed to honour the people and stories that have shaped this iconic cultural venue since its doors opened on October 16th, 1985
. “The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium is a cornerstone for arts and culture within our community,” said Andrew Edwards, Acting General Manager of the TBCA. “For forty years, audiences from not only Thunder Bay but from across Northwestern Ontario have come together to experience countless live performances, from concerts and comedy to dance, theatre, and everything in between. This season, we're celebrating it all, and everyone who's ever taken their seat in our beautiful theatre or stepped onto our stage.”
The launch event opened with a touching tribute to the TBCA's origins. Dancers from Fay Gleeson Dance Studio recreated the very first performance ever held on the TBCA stage: a mime dance choreographed and performed by Fay Gleeson herself at the 1985 gala opening. The recreation not only honoured Gleeson's legacy, but also her dedication to support community arts in Thunder Bay. The celebration also featured remarks from TBCA Board President Jason Perrier, and local dance instructor, Maeghan Tofinetti, whose personal connection to the venue spans nearly four decades
. “I realized recently that since 1986, I've stepped onto this stage every single year of my life,” said Tofinetti, now a dance educator, choreographer, and mother. “It's a special place, a second home for so many of us. My family has been part of the TBCA for generations, and it's a space where the community has always come together to celebrate, perform, and belong.”
Guests in attendance also witnessed the raising of a 40th Anniversary flag, symbolizing both the milestone achievement and the continued growth of the TBCA as it enters a new era. The accompanying anniversary video, featured heartfelt interviews with longtime staff and community members including local musician Ted Vaillant, who performed O'Canada on the roof of the building during the Topping Off Ceremony, and Joe Szabo, a lighting technician who has worked at the TBCA since day one.
“The topping off ceremony is a traditional last beam on a building ceremony, and I got asked to put some brass players together. I always bragged that I was the first person to play at the auditorium, even if it was on the roof before they put the walls up. It was exciting—I knew that the significance of the building,” explains Vaillant. “This place defines who I am,” said Szabo. “I've worked here for forty years, and when people see me, they say, ‘That's Joe from the Auditorium.' It's not just a job, it's been my life. And every time the crowd rises in applause, I feel proud knowing this place belongs to all of us.”
Since opening its doors, the TBCA has hosted millions of guests and thousands of performances, including world-class artists, touring productions, and community traditions like The Nutcracker. It remains one of the finest acoustic halls in Canada, with 1,500 seats, state-of-the-art technical capabilities, and a reputation for excellence that has made it a destination for both artists and audiences. In 2023, the TBCA transitioned to become a stand-alone non-profit organization, operating independently from the City of Thunder Bay. This shift allows the venue to forge new community partnerships, diversify funding, and ensure its continued sustainability for generations to come.
“We're entering an exciting new chapter,” added Edwards. “As a community-owned and operated venue, we're more focused than ever on connecting with the people we serve and ensuring that live performance remains accessible, inspiring, and alive in Thunder Bay.” Over the coming year, the TBCA will host a full slate of anniversary programming to mark the milestone, including:
• Community Showcase – October 29, 2025: A free event was held to thank the community, featuring local performers Sara Kae, Lockyer Boys, Fay Gleeson Dance Studio, and All the Daze Productions. • TBCA Movie Nights- Various dates: Classic family films shown on the big stage, starting tonight with Hocus Pocus, followed by Rocky IV and Home Alone. • Some Kind of Christmas Show- December 21, 2025: The return of a local holiday tradition and community favourite that captures the spirit of the season with local performers and activities. Also a free event by donation. • Major artist announcements and surprises: Expected throughout the year. • New historical lobby display: To feature memorabilia, and tributes to the artists and audiences who have defined the TBCA's legacy. (Stay tuned for unveiling)
• The TBCA 40th Anniversary Auction: Own a piece of the performance, and take home TBCA history. This 40th anniversary fundraiser supports the future of live performance in Thunder Bay and keeps the lights shining bright. Bid on iconic memorabilia and artifacts from the artists and moments that made the TBCA a cultural landmark, with all proceeds supporting the next act. (Launching soon online!) Community members are invited to join the celebration by attending anniversary events, sharing their personal #MyTBCA memories on social media, and visiting the venue throughout the season to experience the many performances planned in honour of this milestone year.
Stay tuned for updates by following the TBCA's official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
