Our

History

Hudson Village Theatre (HVT) is the brainchild of Ms. Heather Markgraf, a Hudson resident as well as a theatre educator and practitioner. She began the enterprise in 1993 as a summer series that took place in a tent. Despite inclement weather and bothersome insects, the seasonal event continued outdoors until 1999.

Hudson Train Station in the early years

Heather Markgraf putting up the tents (circa 1993)

Hudson Train Station in the early years, Heather Markgraf-Lowe putting up the tents (circa 1993), Village Theatre renovations (2000)

In 2000, a community-wide campaign raised enough funds to buy the Hudson train Station (built in 1890) and transform it into a proscenium stage auditorium. Seating 148 people on a raked slope (with excellent sightlines as well as acoustics!), fully equipped dressing rooms, storage space, and an elegant auditorium equipped with the latest technology. This converted space now acts as the cultural hub for the region with a welcoming lobby that reflects the venue’s history. Add to that, the theatre still functions as a train station with ample free parking for commuters.

Village Theatre renovations (2000)

In 2004, Mr. Andrew Johnston became the new Artistic Director and helped expand the theatre’s appeal by programming stand-up comedy, concerts and community productions. He also continued the Christmas Pantomime, a highly anticipated annual tradition introduced by Ms. Markgraf that enlists community members of all ages and talents. When Mr. Johnston returned to Western Canada in 2012, Ms. Markgraf returned to her former position, supported by the newly appointed Executive Director, Ms. Kalina Skulska, who oversees the theatre’s daily operations.

In 2014, the award winning director, Mr. Matthew Tiffin, became Artistic Director, working closely with the Board of Directors and Ms. Skulska to further develop HVT’s artistic standards and repertoire while maintaining its strong local ties and community relevance.

In 2018, Tiffin left for a position in the Canada Council for The Arts and was replaced by Andrea Romaldi for one season. Dean Patrick Fleming followed from 2019-2023. The current Artistic Director of Professional Theatre is Peter Vatsis.

Now with year round events consisting of a wide variety of professional theatre, film, children’s and family, and other artistic and cultural programming, HVT attracts area residents, as well as patrons from the Greater Montreal region, eastern Ontario, northern New England, and the Eastern Townships. Regardless of HVT’s ongoing growth and success, the venue continues to service its supportive community by being available to other charitable organizations for fundraising benefits as well as amateur performing arts companies.