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Small Town, Big Dreams
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.
Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027
Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/
Email: [email protected]
This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs. If you’d like to discuss your real estate journey, we’d love to chat - reach out anytime. Thanks for listening!
View all episodes
By Diana Cassidy-BushMyth: 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.
Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027
Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/
Email: [email protected]
This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs. If you’d like to discuss your real estate journey, we’d love to chat - reach out anytime. Thanks for listening!