LINDSAY - In hopes of establishing its own signature fundraising event, the Academy Theatre has recruited noted CBC broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy for a speaking engagement on Saturday, Sept. 8.

The theatre's board announced the event at a press conference on Monday, June 25.

Board chair Ron Cork said in the last few years the theatre has been moving towards a self-sustained model.

He said renting out the theatre to production companies and artists isn't enough to remain profitable, so they have focused on running their own productions and partnering with production companies.

Cork said most non-profit organizations have their own signature fundraising event.

However, he noted they wanted to divert from the "followed old mould" of "a dinner and dance", and wanted it to be based in the theatre.

"We hope this community supports us," Cork said.

A frequent contributor to the CBC, Murphy appears on The National and as a regular host of CBC Radio One's "Cross Country Checkup". He also writes a column for the National Post.

Dan Donaldson, general manager for the Academy Theatre, described Murphy as a "witty, opinionated commentator."

Donaldson said the event would also feature the return of the Dennis Sweeting Arts Award and Legacy Award, which haven't been handed out since 2009.

Named after the former director and producer of the theatre who passed away in 2000, the Arts Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the performing arts in the previous 12 months, while the Legacy Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the performing arts over a minimum 10-year-period.

Donaldson said further information and application forms will be available at the Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S) and online at www.academytheatre.ca very soon.

Tickets for the show are $60 and are available online, at the box office or by calling 705-324-9111.

-dave.flaherty@sunmedia.ca