About Your Chester Playhouse

Land Acknowledgment

We are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded land of the Mi’kmaq People. The area where the Chester Playhouse is situated is known as Meneskwe’k, which roughly translates to “the marshy place”. We honour the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, and we would like to pay our respects to the Elders, past and present, as we continue to work in our community toward reconciliation on a daily basis. We are all treaty people.  This practice, of acknowledging the original inhabitants of this land, is itself an Indigenous practice.  We offer it to affirm our commitment to learning and working towards a more equitable world, and to invite you to join us on this journey.

Bringing Community Together Since 1938!

Since 1938 friends, families and visitors to our community have been gathering at 22 Pleasant Street in Chester to experience movies, music, theatre and community events. A supportive and generous community has kept this jewel alive and thriving as an important arts venue on the south shore of Nova Scotia.

Our People

Our people empower the Chester Playhouse. Learn more about our team, board, and upcoming job vacancies.

Our History

Learn more about our 80+ year history including the significant milestones along the way,

FAQ

Looking for tickets? Need information on our accessibility efforts? Check out the FAQ.

By The Community, For the community

The Chester Playhouse serves the Municipality of the District of Chester, and beyond. Operations are carried out by a small staff with oversight by a volunteer, community-based board of directors.

We are operated by the community for the community. Board members come from the immediate area and broader region so that we can be effective in linking local knowledge with opportunities to build programs that will strengthen the Playhouse.

The Vision, Mission, and Mandate of the Playhouse set the framework for our programs, events, and community engagement.

Our Vision

We are valued as artistic and community leaders, and as an integral part of our vibrant, culturally rich region.

Our Mission

To offer and promote cultural experiences which engage our community, and to operate a welcoming, accessible, arts facility.

Our Mandate

The Chester Playhouse Society is mandated to:

  • Source, present, and promote 

                     o Live theatre  

                     o A range of music performances

                     o Film and other cultural experiences 

                     o Educational and participatory opportunities for youth and adults 

  • Mentor and train aspiring arts professionals 
  • Collaborate with community partners 
  • Engage the citizens of Chester Municipality and area, as well as others who seek shared cultural experiences 
  • Sustainably equip, operate, and maintain the Chester Playhouse as a facility that integrates technology and leverages its potential.  
 
 

Annual report

The Chester Playhouse Society holds its Annual General Meeting in March. Click the links to read our 2023 AGM Report and 2023 Financial Statement