Long-running summer stage Red Barn Theatre destroyed by fire

The Red Barn Theatre, billed as Canada's oldest continuously operating professional summer theatre, was destroyed by fire on the weekend.

The former 19th-century barn, which sits in the Ontario hamlet of Jackson's Point on the shores of Lake Simcoe, caught fire late Saturday evening.

According to media reports, firefighters were dispatched to the scene and quickly contained the fire. However, the wooden structure was heavily damaged, with only parts of two walls and the silo left standing.

Officials continue to investigate to determine the cause of fire.

Built in 1883 as a barn, the venue was transformed into a theatre in 1949. Notable Canadian actors from Hal Jackman to Martha Henry have trod the Red Barn Theatre's boards.

Other artists — including Shaw Festival founder Brian Doherty, Taragon Theatre founder Bill Glassco and the late Timothy Findley — spent time working at the theatre.

Artistic director Jordan Merkur had been set to open the company's 60th-anniversary season in June, with the 2009 lineup to include The Glass Menagerie, The Melville Boys and The Fantasticks.