A Milestone — and the Beginning of Something Even Bigger
Our New Home is Coming Soon!
Debut has now surpassed the $1 million milestone toward creating the Debut Arts Centre. For us, this moment is both exciting and deeply moving.
When we started Debut more than 35 years ago, we didn’t set out to build an Arts Centre. We simply wanted to create a place where young people could discover the joy of storytelling — a place where kids could gain confidence, work together, and experience the magic that happens when a group of young actors steps onto a stage and brings a story to life.
Over the years, thousands of students have walked through Debut’s doors. They’ve built sets, sewn costumes, memorized lines, supported each other backstage, and taken that brave step into the lights. Along the way, we’ve been lucky enough to watch young people grow — not just as performers, but as thoughtful, creative, and caring human beings.
What has made all of that possible is this community. Parents who trusted us with their children. Volunteers who gave their time and talents. Donors who believed in our mission. And students whose energy and imagination continue to inspire us every day.
Now, because of that same generosity, Debut will finally have a place to call home.
Construction is well underway, and each week brings visible progress. With continued momentum, we are on track to be move-in ready by the end of the year — opening the doors to a space designed specifically for the thousands of young people who will learn, create, and grow here in the years ahead.
At the same time, this milestone is not the finish line — it’s the turning point.
As the Arts Centre takes shape, there are still meaningful opportunities to help bring it fully to life. A limited number of named theatre seat sponsorships remain, offering families and supporters a lasting connection to the space. We are also inviting annual sponsors to help sustain the programs, performances, and community impact that will fill the building year-round.
In the months ahead, there will be many ways to be part of this next chapter — from hands-on volunteer days to partnerships that help ensure this space thrives for decades to come.
The Debut Arts Centre is not just a building. It is the result of years of belief, encouragement, and generosity from people who care deeply about young people and the arts — and it will only reach its full potential through that same shared commitment going forward.
Today, we pause to say thank you. And we look ahead with excitement at what we are building together.
With deep gratitude,
Lee and Gregg