Board Announces New Astor Management Team, Updates

LIVERPOOL, Nova Scotia, October 20, 2025—Eric Goulden, Board Chair of the Astor:

Theatre Society shares new updates about the Astor Theatre.

As of October 1, 2025, we have a new Astor Management team. Velta Vikmanis has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the theatre. Many from the community may know Velta from her work on the board at QCCR, her volunteering at Queens Manor or her time at Main & Mersey. She is very excited to be working alongside Lori Smyth, who was the Astor Box Office Manager, and as of October 1, 2025, has been appointed the Astor Theatre Manager. From the moment that Lori joined the Liverpool community, she has been actively involved in the theatre. Passionate about the Astor and the programs that it provides to the community, Lori is embracing this new role with an exceptional level of commitment and professionalism.

We also are delighted that Joe Lyndon is all things technical in the theatre. With years of theatre experience, Joe strives to enhance all performances in the space with outstanding light and sound, and stepping in as master of ceremonies on occasion. Easton Goodwin has joined the team as a Theatre Staff member, providing first-rate customer service in the box office and assisting everyone in the Astor space. And we round out the team with our new Movie Crew; Kaleb, Desmond and Rowen who are supporting the screening of movies by selling tickets and concessions.

Finally, we want to take this opportunity to thank Katy Hopkins for her years of service at the Astor, navigating through covid and reopening the doors with live performances and community programming. We are grateful for her dedication and support of the Astor.

A brief introduction of our current Board of Directors:

Eric Goulden, Chair
Lynn Cochrane, Vice-Chair
Loris Azzano, Treasurer
Star Donovan, Director
Patricia Simms, Director
Dan Williams, Director

In addition to our staffing changes, we have been busy with implementing a new data management system, developing a new website that is due to launch very soon, and, in cooperation with the Region of Queens, we are exploring accessibility upgrades to make our space user-friendly for all. It really is an exciting time, and we are eager for what the future holds at the Astor. We continue our commitment to work with the community to ensure that our space is a welcoming environment for each and every individual in Liverpool and beyond. See you at the Astor!

Download the news release (pdf).

Iconic Astor Theatre Receives $500K Commitment from J&W Murphy Foundation

LIVERPOOL, Nova Scotia, April 2, 2025—The Astor Theatre Society proudly announces a 5-year $500,000 commitment by the J&W Murphy Foundation to the iconic Astor Theater in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. The Foundation is donating $100,000 per year over the next 5 years to go toward improving the operational sustainability and capacity building of the Astor Theatre and Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre, positioning it for future growth.

The Astor’s 5-year strategic plan encompasses extensive fund development, revamped marketing and communications with an emphasis on community outreach, and revitalized programming, including strengthening and expanding its flagship Astor Academy youth and seniors’ programs with community input.

“The considered and thoughtful support of the J&W Murphy Foundation, highly respected in the Queens Community, will sustain the Astor and Town Hall Arts and Culture Centre for generations to come,” said Lynn Cochrane, vice chair, the Astor Theatre Society.

“The Astor is important, it’s iconic, and it’s Liverpool – where a large piece of our hearts still live,” said Lisa Murphy, chair of the J&W Murphy Foundation.

The Astor Theatre is Nova Scotia’s oldest performing arts theatre. The goal of the Astor Theatre Society is to develop the Astor and Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre to be the premier cultural and entertainment hub of the South Shore and beyond, fostering the next generation of young artists and providing an inspirational space for the broader community.

About J&W Murphy Foundation

The J&W Murphy Foundation was founded in 2008 by the late Janet and Dr. William Murphy, long-time residents of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, as a vehicle to give back to the community. The Foundation contributes to a wide variety of charitable causes.

Download the news release (pdf).

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About the Astor Theatre & Arts Centre

The Astor Theatre & Arts Centre, built in 1902, comprises the Astor Theatre and former Town Hall, a national historic site. The Astor Theatre is Nova Scotia’s oldest continuously running live performance venue, featuring live theatre, dance, concerts, and movies, and one of only two independent movie houses in the province. The Arts Center showcases artists and provides space for intimate concerts, events, and meetings. The Astor, with its flagship Astor Academy programming for youth, seniors, and adults, aims to be the premier cultural and entertainment hub of the South Shore and beyond, fostering the next generation of young artists and providing an inspirational space for the broader community. Find out more at astortheatre.ca