From the outside looking in, it would seem the Guild Hall on Rogers Street in East City is the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s most valuable asset.
While its longtime ownership of the live theatre space has reaped a huge benefit for the guild, there’s something else equally vital at play within its historic walls – the combined theatrical experience of those who have unselfishly led by example, all while mentoring those who will brandish the torch for many years to come.
Countless directors, actors and behind-the-scenes production volunteers have greatly benefitted from the fact that Jerry Allen didn’t exit stage left long ago and, in fact, has remained very passionate about his craft.
A lifetime member of the guild, Allen, as both an actor and director, has habitually, and happily, guided and mentored countless people over the past 40 years-plus. As a past chair of both the guild board and the play selection committee, his leadership, and passion for all things theatre, has ensured the guild’s vitality as the hub of community theatre activity in Peterborough.
Actress Kate Suhr, who was cast by Allen for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Sound of Music, still marvels over “the passion Jerry pours into everything he does,” adding “His belief in me meant more than I can express.”
“Jerry was generous with his time, was endlessly patient, and was not just a director but a true mentor – supportive, encouraging and always ready to help me grow.”
Allen’s directorial debut came in 1983 when he brought Our Town to the stage; his most recent turn as director was for Outside Mullingar in February 2025. In between, Allen directed 13 guild productions, with The Beauty Queen of Leenane earning Best Play honors from the Eastern Ontario Drama League.
To each of these productions, Allen brought his vision for the set, all technical aspects and each character portrayal. As for his commitment, that has been fully evident in countless hours spent at The Guild Hall over the course of months prior to opening night.
“It’s always a joy and a privilege to work with Jerry,” offers actor Luke Foster, adding “He knows how to create a show into an experience for everyone involved, so the audience can escape for a couple of hours and go where Jerry wants to take them.”
Need proof of that? Take in the Allen-directed Guild production of Where You Are this coming January. Yes, Allen is still at, and Peterborough’s community theatre footprint remains all the better for it.