Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre at Traill College a New Hub for Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Learning in Peterborough
100+ guests treated to showcase of the arts as part of grand opening celebrations for new inclusive community performance space at Trent’s downtown college
The stage is set as Trent University marked the grand opening of the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, a dynamic new performance space at Catharine Parr Traill College that promises to become a new hub for arts, culture, heritage, and education in downtown Peterborough.
“It’s no coincidence that this dynamic new performance space is situated at Traill – Trent’s downtown college,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “The Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre is the latest addition in a longstanding history of connections between Traill, Trent and our local community – a space for students, community, staff and faculty to come together and learn from one another.”
Over 100 people gathered at Traill to celebrate the grand opening, which featured performances by local artists, including Unity, Mary Kate Edwards ‘14, Megan Murphy and Kate Suhr, Anthony Varahidis, and 4th Line Theatre, showcasing the artistic talent and creativity that thrives within the community.
Inspired by the acoustics of ancient Greek designs, the Amphitheatre presents a versatile space for expression, empowerment, entertainment, and enlightenment. With tiered seating for 140 people, professional lighting, and carefully directed sound, this centrally located outdoor stage, nestled among the designated heritage buildings, enhances accessibility, and provides a vibrant platform for experiencing arts and culture in the heart of the city.
The Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre is named after the late Trent Board of Governors chair who challenged the University to do something “bold, audacious and effective” with her generous $1.3M estate gift. The space was also made possible with financial support from the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and the City of Peterborough.
Beyond the community benefits, the Amphitheatre will also provide essential space and hands-on learning opportunities for students studying at Trent – fostering the next generation of change leaders, learners, artists, and performers.
“Several Trent departments based at Traill offer music, performance, or theatre as a part of their curricula,” explains Dr. Michael Eamon, principal of Catharine Parr Traill College. “The Amphitheatre will expand the educational experience as well as offering a new venue to enrich Peterborough’s cultural experience. It will be a space where professional artists and performers will entertain the community and provide experiential learning and mentorship opportunities for students in various programs including Culture and Media Studies, English Literature, and Canadian Studies.”
The Amphitheatre also supports the University's commitment to fostering inclusive community spaces. With its picturesque surroundings, inclusive design, and dedication to accessibility, the Amphitheatre aims to engage Canadians from all backgrounds, particularly youth, seniors, and Indigenous peoples.
The official grand opening paves the way for an exciting summer filled with a diverse array of theatrical productions, musical performances, and engaging cultural experiences. For the latest news, ticket information, and a sneak peek at the exciting lineup of upcoming performances at the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, please visit trentu.ca/amphitheatre.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information, please contact:
Nate Lewis, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x7747 or natelewis@trentu.ca