Theatre Ancaster founders, Al Croxall, Gord Conroy and Ralf Hackenberg (2012).

The Award

Established in 2025, this award honours the legacy of Al Croxall, Gord Conroy, and Ralf Hakenberg, who co-founded Theatre Ancaster in 1997. Since then, the company has grown into a vibrant hub for performers and audiences of all ages. This distinction recognizes individuals who, like our founders, have demonstrated unwavering dedication, excellence, and passion by contributing to the production side of our theatre community over many years. 

Background

“Let’s do a musical.” Those four words, spoken by Ralf Hakenberg in 1982, sparked a decade of high school musicals led by Ralf, Al Croxall, and Gord Conroy, made possible by the enthusiasm of students, staff, and the broader community.

In 1992, Bob Wade, then Mayor of Ancaster, reached out with a new idea: bring together former student performers and volunteers to stage a production celebrating Ancaster’s 200th Anniversary. The response was overwhelming. The performance was so successful that it evolved into an annual tradition, delighting audiences for four consecutive years.

From that energy came the next big leap: “Let’s start our own company.” Al Croxall wrote the constitution, and in 1997, Theatre Ancaster was officially born. What followed was a remarkable journey, shaped by vision and powered by the selfless contributions of individuals of all ages.

Through dedication, creativity, and a deep sense of community, Theatre Ancaster has grown into a place where excellence thrives. Along the way, countless people have answered “yes” in so many meaningful ways—sharing their time, effort, and heart. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this extraordinary story.

Founders Award Recipients

Diane Collinson and Sandra Gibel, 2025

Our first-ever Founders Award recipients have been the backbone of Theatre Ancaster’s Front of House operations for two decades. Dianne and Sandra are reliable, thoughtful, and deeply invested in making every performance welcoming and seamless for our guests.

Whether it’s sorting out seating mix-ups, managing last-minute volunteer gaps, or cleaning up unexpected spills with grace, Dianne and Sandra approach every task with patience, care, and a genuine smile. “Sandra and Dianne are two people you can count on. The two of them are really the foundation of a key department of Theatre Ancaster that we rely on,” says Al Croxall.

With Theatre Ancaster’s move to the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre in 2022 and the addition of many more shows to our roster, Dianne and Sandra have taken on more work and responsibilities with enthusiasm and care. “Nothing is too much trouble for them. Their friendly greeting is part of the special treatment that guests at TA appreciate. And while their responsibilities have grown as Theatre Ancaster has added more shows, their smiles of welcome remain front and centre,” explains Gord Conroy.

Always looking for new ways to serve, always stepping in without being asked, Sandra and Dianne represent the very best of what Theatre Ancaster stands for. “Sandra and Dianne are super, dedicated, kind people. They are longtime friends, and they support all of us in Theatre Ancaster as friends as well,” adds Gord.

We are deeply privileged to say “thank you” to Diane Collinson and Sandra Gibel for their years of tireless service, compassion, and commitment. Theatre Ancaster would not be the same without them. Congratulations to our 2025 Founders Award recipients!