Robertson excited to lead Bank Theatre group

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — Corey Robertson always wanted to circle back to his theatre roots.

The University of Windsor alum performed with the University Players while at school and still has the theatre bug, as he’s performed in numerous productions over the years.

Many will remember him from his time as program director and on-air personality at CHYR 96.7 in Leamington. He spent 18 years in the radio business before taking the lead marketing and communications job with Security One, where he’s been for the past 10 years.

The North Bay born Robertson was recently elected President of the Bank Theatre at the group’s annual AGM.

He takes the helm from outgoing President Ursula Tiessen, who has served her term but remains involved as Past President.

“She’s a great colleague to rely on for advice and experience,” he said of Tiessen.

Robertson has been a part of the Bank Theatre Board of Directors for about three years and he’s also spent time performing on stage with their theatre company, The Sun Parlor Players.

His resume with local organizations includes seven years with the Leamington District Chamber

of Commerce, where he was also President of the Chamber for two of those years. He has sat on the board for the theatre and also sits on the marketing committee for the Erie Shores Health Foundation.

Corey Robertson with The Bank Theatre banner. Robertson was recently elected President of the group at their annual meeting.

Photo submitted

He’s been a big proponent of bringing broadband internet to rural communities in Ontario and supported such local organizations as the Wheatley Optimist Club, Leamington Minor Baseball and South Essex Community Council, among many others.

With the COVID-19 pandemic virtually shutting down the performing arts world, Robertson is confident that the Bank Theatre can rebound once they get the green light.

“There is a vision and plan in place,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of triggers ready to pull once we get the word.”

Robertson expects that there will be a limited opening once the time comes, with launches of Dale’s Friday Coffee House and the Monarch Café, both providing musical entertainment.

“When the time is right, we’ll be ready,” he says.

The Sun Parlor Players were in the midst of rehearsals for The Fly Fisherman’s Companion when COVID shut them down.

“We’ve got the rights secured for five theatrical performances going forward,” he said.

On tap when the group can resume are ‘Five-Alarm’, ‘The Odd Couple’, ‘Waiting for the Parade’ and ‘A Christmas Story.’

Robertson will direct A Christmas Story when COVID restrictions are lifted.

“We would have been in rehearsals right now for A Christmas Story,” he said. “We had it slated for this coming holiday season.”

He’s proud of the hard work put forth by not only the board of directors for the Bank Theatre, but everyone involved in the arts community in Leamington.

“Leamington is often overlooked, but there is an incredible pool of talent from the performing arts community here,” he said.

As for the future, Robertson is confident that the group will rise above the COVID when all is said and done.

“The performing arts industry is one of the hardest hit by COVID, but we will adapt,” he said.

The need for performing arts is great and as Robertson says, “That’s how a community tells its story.”

He will have a lot to accomplish during his one-year term as President, but welcomes the opportunity to see the vision through and get things back to a ‘near’ normal.