Meet the Director of The Beaver Club

In just three weeks, the season premiere of The Beaver Club hits the stage at Lighthouse Festival, and we’re thrilled to welcome director Emily Oriold.

As the founder and artistic director of the Foster Festival in St. Catharines, she has built a reputation for bringing heartfelt, character-driven stories to life with warmth, humour, and authenticity. Her work spans a wide range of productions, always grounded in strong storytelling and rich relationships.

Now, she’s bringing that same insight and energy to The Beaver Club, a bold and hilarious comedy written by Barb Scheffler. This cross-country road trip from Toronto to Newfoundland is packed with big personalities, outrageous detours, and the kind of unfiltered honesty that only comes from decades-long friendships.

“There’s something special about a road trip taken not to escape life, but to lean all the way into it. The Beaver Club is loud, chaotic, and very funny, but beneath it all is a deep well of love. These women show up for one another with honesty, humour, and just enough irreverence to keep things interesting. What we discovered in the rehearsal hall is that this play isn’t just about the journey, it’s about being seen, fully and honestly, by the people who have travelled alongside you. I hope audiences laugh often and maybe recognize a piece of their own friendships along the way.” – Emily Oriold

We can’t wait to see how Emily brings her signature warmth and sharp comedic touch to this unforgettable season opener.

Learn more about director Emily Oriold and her vision for The Beaver Club here.