Description

Myth: Small towns can’t sustain world-class arts.

Reality: They’re thriving.

In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush welcomes Tim Porter and Emily Mewett of Tweed & Company Theatre, a powerhouse proving that rural Ontario is alive with creativity, culture, and opportunity.

From their start in 2009 to becoming one of Ontario’s top performing arts companies, Tweed & Co. has shattered expectations by bringing Broadway-level productions, concerts, comedy, and original Canadian works to intimate small-town stages.

Tim and Emily share how community support, collaboration, and bold vision turned a local dream into a cultural destination. They also bust the myth that you need a big city to build a big career in the arts—showing how small-town stages can create some of the most personal, memorable experiences anywhere.

🎭 Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream in a smaller community, this conversation will inspire you to see rural life in a brand new light.

Timestamps

00:00 – 01:30 | Welcome to The Country Club Podcast – celebrating rural life, community, and opportunity.

01:30 – 03:30 | Meet Tim Porter & Emily Mewett from Tweed & Company.

03:30 – 05:30 | Why small-town theatre offers a more personal, meaningful experience.

05:30 – 07:30 | Community collaboration: local businesses and audiences rally behind the arts.

07:30 – 09:30 | The early days—renting venues, selling tickets at the Tweed News, and hustling for donors.

10:00 – 12:30 | Becoming one of Ontario’s youngest professional theatres.

12:30 – 14:30 | The turning point: new venues, big productions like Mamma Mia, and thousands of new audience members.

14:30 – 17:00 | Recognition, awards, and proving rural theatre is not “small scale.”

17:00 – 19:30 | Audience and performer feedback—why people can’t wait to come back.

19:30 – 22:00 | Investing in the future: youth programming, skill development, and hands-on learning.

22:00 – 24:30 | Why rural arts matter and how to experience them yourself.

24:30 – 26:00 | Closing thoughts: thriving careers and vibrant communities beyond the city limits.

Notable Quotes

• “It’s not small scale—it’s world-class talent in a more intimate setting.” – Tim Porter
• “The sense of community here is stronger. Success in one business leads to success across the town.” – Emily Mutt
• “We just need to get people in the door once. Then they’re sold.” – Tim Porter
• “The arts aren’t just alive outside the city—they’re thriving.” – Diana Cassidy-Bush
• “Our audiences here are so appreciative, because for them, it’s not just another show—it’s an experience that matters.” – Emily Mutt

Resources & Takeaways

• Tweed & Company: www.tweedandcompany.com – find tickets, merch, and program details.
• Recognized as one of Ontario’s top performing arts venues and winner of multiple arts & tourism awards.
• Young Company Program & High School Projects: Offering students hands-on experience in performance, stage management, costume design, and more.
• Community Power: Small-town arts thrive because of partnerships with businesses, service groups, and passionate volunteers.
• For dreamers: You can build a creative career—and a fulfilling life—outside the city.

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