Memorial Theatre

Amidst a pine and tamarack forest

The Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre, opened it’s doors September 2007, in the newest cultural jewel in Muskoka landscape. As part of the new 200,000 square foot Bracebridge Recreation Centre and the

Built to professional standards

The Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre is fully accessible, air conditioned and features a rich decor inspired by the Group of Seven.

The theatre was designed by the award-winning architectural firm

Carruthers Shaw and Partners, Allen & Sherriff Architects and features 300 seats, including a balcony and two loges (boxes) and features the most up-to-date sound and lighting equipment.

Who was Rene M. Caisse?

Rene M. Caisse (pronounced REEN M CASE ) was born in Bracebridge, Ontario on August 11th, 1888.

She was baptized as Mary Anna but throughout her life she would be best known as Rene M. Caisse. Her lifetime ambition was to become a nurse and ease the suffering of humanity. To achieve her goal she left Bracebridge at age 21 and studied nursing in Connecticut, returning to Bracebridge in 1910 as a graduate nurse.

In the 1920's Rene developed a cancer treatment

based on an Indian herbal remedy, which she name Essiac (her last name spelled backwards). For many years she treated men and women from Muskoka and abroad, all of whom had been diagnosed as having cancer.

In her 90th year, Rene provided her carefully guarded list of ingredients in a sealed envelope

for safekeeping to Lieutenant-Governor Pauline M. McGibbon in 1977. Essiac Canada International now manufacture Essiac and distribute it world-wide.

The Bracebridge Arts Council

The Bracebridge Arts Council (BAC) was founded in 1988 to promote the Arts in the Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Area. At that time the BAC served as an umbrella organization and held many events to showcase artists of all kinds.

In 1990 the BAC became an Ontario Corporation

whose mission statement is to promote stimulate and enhance the enjoyment and understanding of the arts as well as to encourage the pursuit of excellence in performance, craftmanship and design.

The Rene M Caisse Memorial Theatre will give the Bracebridge Arts Council an opportunity to make a difference in our community.

With the building of The Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre

we will be able to realize these goals for our future students, as well as develop a new and innovative curriculum.

Bracebridge Arts Council

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The Bracebridge Arts Council, a not-for-profit community organization, promotesenjoyment of the performing arts in Muskoka while stimulating the pursuit of excellence in theatrical education. Founded in 1988, the BAC became an

At The Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre

We are dedicated to making your experience the best it can be. In order to do this we have installed some of the most ‘top of the line’ sound and lighting equipment around. If you are renting our theatre or performing as a theatre sponsored show, you will find our technical equipment up to your standards. If by chance we do not have some of the equipment you are looking for we will make sure to get it for you from local rental businesses. Thank you to everyone who dedicates their time and for making each show a sensation!

Let us know what you are thinking.