Hugh C. Wilkinson Theatre
The Hugh C. Wilkinson Theatre is the oldest building on campus. Originally built in 1926 as a gym and later used as the Assembly Hall, the structure was moved in 2001 to a new location to the east of the Main Building and set on a foundation over a crawl space.
In 2009, through generous donations, the building received a radical makeover. The space was completely opened up by removing the stage, the wall creating a small entrance foyer, and the dropped ceiling. This allows for a very flexible studio space, where portable risers can create a raised stage anywhere the theatre director chooses. Risers can also be used for seating up to 250 people. In addition to plays and performances, this multi-purpose space is used for classes and staff meetings.
The renovation also included raising the building, which allowed for the creation of a finished, high-ceilinged basement, doubling the venue’s floor space. The lower level contains two offices, washrooms, The Doreen Dean Green Room, a second potential green room, spaces for costumes and props, a vocal arts classroom, and a room for sewing. A spacious new foyer on the west side permits level access from the Main Building. Under the new foyer is a large workshop for building and storing sets.
The new space was named the Hugh C. Wilkinson Studio Theatre to honour the former student, Headmaster, and Governor, Hugh Wilkinson ’40 (Lake’s). Wilkinson, a former UBC Commerce professor, is credited with saving the School during a time when low enrollment and weak finances threatened its future. He used his business experience, intelligence, integrity, and humanity to restore the School to a firm footing. Wilkinson also believed strongly in financial aid for students, prompting one of the grateful recipients to donate to this project. Given Wilkinson’s work as an amateur thespian who loved performing Shakespeare, connecting his name to a theatre seems perfectly appropriate.
The Bradley Family Foundation established the C.A.S.E. platform that integrates Communications, Arts, Sciences, Entrepreneurship, and the skilled trades, mobilizing critical resources and leaders from related industries to work directly with Shawnigan students. In the last two years, C.A.S.E. funded a complete renovation and enlargement of the Theatre’s production booth, supplied 16 state-of-the-art wireless microphones, new lights, and added new sound and lighting boards and streaming capability.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
The renovation also included raising the building, which allowed for the creation of a finished, high-ceilinged basement, doubling the venue’s floor space. The lower level contains two offices, washrooms, The Doreen Dean Green Room, a second potential green room, spaces for costumes and props, a vocal arts classroom, and a room for sewing. A spacious new foyer on the west side permits level access from the Main Building. Under the new foyer is a large workshop for building and storing sets.
The new space was named the Hugh C. Wilkinson Studio Theatre to honour the former student, Headmaster, and Governor, Hugh Wilkinson ’40 (Lake’s). Wilkinson, a former UBC Commerce professor, is credited with saving the School during a time when low enrollment and weak finances threatened its future. He used his business experience, intelligence, integrity, and humanity to restore the School to a firm footing. Wilkinson also believed strongly in financial aid for students, prompting one of the grateful recipients to donate to this project. Given Wilkinson’s work as an amateur thespian who loved performing Shakespeare, connecting his name to a theatre seems perfectly appropriate.
The Bradley Family Foundation established the C.A.S.E. platform that integrates Communications, Arts, Sciences, Entrepreneurship, and the skilled trades, mobilizing critical resources and leaders from related industries to work directly with Shawnigan students. In the last two years, C.A.S.E. funded a complete renovation and enlargement of the Theatre’s production booth, supplied 16 state-of-the-art wireless microphones, new lights, and added new sound and lighting boards and streaming capability.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
