Regent Theatre appoints new general manager

Neil Shorthouse

Neil Shorthouse will oversee the day-to-day operations of Picton’s Regent Theatre as its new general manager.

“Neil has a strong background in working with community stakeholders, volunteers and boards of directors,” said Marilyn Toombs, Chair of the Regent Theatre Foundation. “Equally important, with The Regent generating more than $3 million of economic value annually and being a focal point of arts and culture in the County, Neil understands how important not-for-profit entertainment organizations like The Regent are to the cultural fabric of Prince Edward County.”

Toombs notes Shorthouse brings a broad range of experience in facility management, event procurement and product development gained in the arts, entertainment and tourism sectors.

“Specifically, he has expertise in event programming, sponsorship and advertising sales and facility marketing which will enhance The Regent Theatre’s position as a major local economic development contributor and as the entertainment heartbeat of Prince Edward County.”

Among his career highlights are roles as a marketing and event management consultant for Kingston area arts, culture and tourism organizations, and a facility project manager with organizations such as Queen’s University. Shorthouse also held key staff positions with Arcturus SMG Canada, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) and SkyDome Corporation (now Rogers Centre). In addition, he led the team at Kingston’s K-Rock Centre that won Best Major Venue award for service to the music industry in its first year of operation. While at the SLPC, he co-produced major attractions for Fort Henry and Upper Canada Village that won major business and tourism industry awards.

Shorthouse hopes to continue this same trend of success at The Regent Theatre.

“The Regent has a wonderful place in local entertainment history and certainly a place in the hearts of the community. I am honoured to join a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and look forward to working with them, as well as our valued members and community partners, to help keep The Regent viable and vibrant.”

Operating year-round, the not-for-profit Regent Theatre offers a wide variety of film, live entertainment and community events. For more information, visit Theregenttheatre.org