On Friday, March 27, members of High and Main Productions (HMP) gathered for the organization’s annual general meeting (AGM) at the Creating Centre in Vankleek Hill. A new Board of Directors was selected, and updates were provided on the theatre company’s first year of operations.
The new Board includes Co-Chairs Konstantine Malakos and Maria-Hélèna Pacelli, Board Administrator Taras Stasiuk, Treasurer Denise Laurie, and Directors-at-Large Cynthia Martin and Lorraine Crowston.
At the meeting, Pacelli and Malakos said that the previous Board developed its first strategic plan, aimed at deepening roots in the community and continuing to produce thought-provoking and inspiring live theatre.
The 2026-2028 strategic plan includes acquiring equipment that improves production quality, consistency, and accessibility, while also building financial sustainability through diversified revenue strategies. The plan also calls for HMP to expand partnerships and foster greater community engagement.
Pacelli said, “It has been an incredible year and a major achievement for us to stage our very first production. It was a successful one, not just in terms of staying within the budget, but also making us known in the community and drawing in that support.”
“We’re also grateful for our community partners who have made this possible. Support has grown, and we’re seeing a lot of interest in volunteering for our upcoming productions, including Pinocchio this June,” Malakos said. “We’re a volunteer-driven organization, and that’s why we’re strong. We’re strong because of every single person here, and the many who aren’t.”
A financial update was also provided, with HMP reporting a surplus of $1,317.09. The organization reported total revenue of $2,919.55, including $1,304.85 coming from ticket sales, $1,300 in sponsorship revenue, and $314.70 in membership fees. An additional $1,050 in unpaid sponsorship revenue, including $500 from the Township of Champlain, is expected in the coming months.
Expenses totalled $1,602.46 for the year, including production and operating costs.
Looking ahead, HMP will focus on four main pillars: building a foundation, building resources, building roots, and growing the company.
“Our priority is acquiring equipment and infrastructure to increase our capacity, safety, and accessibility for each production, including investing in lighting and sound,” Pacelli said.
“Infrastructure supports stronger productions. Strong and inclusive productions strengthen our case for grants and sponsorships, while sustainable funding enables deeper community engagement and leadership development. In turn, that engagement strengthens governance, accountability, and relevance,” Pacelli said.
HMP is currently preparing for its production of Pinocchio, scheduled for June 2026.
“Ben has written some incredible music for it, while I’ve written the script,” Malakos said. “We have many of the actors sitting around the table here today, in fact.
“We’re building a show and will need support from the community over time. Anything people can contribute to the production is welcome. We’re really excited about the show, and we hope that anybody who’s not in it or directly involved will come to see it,” Malakos said.
When asked why Pinocchio was chosen, Malakos noted, “I was looking for a public domain story that resonates and wasn’t inherently problematic in 2026. I went through a few ideas, but Pinocchio was the one we came to.”
“A lot of the fairytales are overdone. There’s some serious subject matter in Pinocchio, but I think it’s being handled in a way that speaks to both kids and adults at the same time.”
Those interested in learning more or volunteering can visit: https://highandmainproductions.com/#currentcalltoaction.
