By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Today, March 27, is World Theatre Day, an international recognition of theatre excellence initiated by the International Theatre Institute in 1961. Here in Burlington, we recognize and honour World Theatre Day by paying tribute to those who keep Burlington happily entertained year-round at Theatre Burlington, Drury Lane Theatre, and the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. With three active live theatres and numerous drama, dance, and music educational programs for any aspiring youth, Burlington stands as a city that highly values the performative arts.
In the spotlight today is Michael Belton, a Burlington-based theatre actor and set designer who originally hails from Scotland. Belton shone on the Drury Lane stage in the year 2024 as “Ma” in the riotously hilarious Beauty and the Beast Christmas Pantomime and as the comedic host of the 44th Annual Music Hall from February to March 2025. Belton has agreed to speak out about his illustrious career here in Burlington. Answers have been lightly edited for flow.
How long have you been an actor, and when did you start performing at Drury Lane?
I’ve been an actor for 34 years now, and I’ve spent the same amount of time at Drury Lane. Drury Lane is the first place I did anything on stage, and I’ve been there ever since. Before I was an actor, I worked in trades. I worked in construction and I worked for Ford in Oakville. I worked there for 32 years. I was just out one night with a bunch of people, and there was the director for the Music Hall. She thought I was nuts, and she said, “What don’t you come out for my show?” And that’s when it all started. But prior to that, I did some television work as a background actor with Road to Avonlea. That’s why the director of the Music Hall asked me to join. She said, “Well, you’re already an actor!”
What are the most memorable shows you’ve participated in at Drury Lane?
I don’t just act. I also build sets and stuff like that. And I’ve produced shows, and I’ve worked backstage. The most fun is definitely the pantomimes, the kids get a good laugh. As far as being involved, I was closely involved with Man of La Mancha in 2005, which I built the set for. That was probably up there with one of the top shows we did. As far as performing goes, I did 25 years of being in the regular cast of the Music Hall.
What are some ways an actor can express their creativity through their roles?
I guess it has a lot to do with the director asking you to do certain things, if you’re capable of doing that. But the Music Hall and the pantomimes are the closest you’ll get to just being yourself. Whatever humour is supposed to come out should come out. But it really has a lot to do with the directors asking certain things of you and hoping that you can do that.
What advice would you give a young theatre person here in Burlington who’s looking to start a career on stage?
Definitely get involved with community theatre because they’re always looking for new people. And just plug away. Just don’t give up. If it’s a passion that you want to do, get involved at any level, whether it’s just working with props or working backstage. You’ll get to know the ropes. If they need additions for the shows, hopefully you’ll get in. If you’re a phenomenon, you’ll get a lead right away. But if you’re not, just work through and pay your dues. You’ll get there. You will.
Next up on Drury Lane’s riveting schedule is A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Although Belton will not be appearing in the show as an actor, his creative vision will be present in that production by way of the set he’s currently designing and constructing for it.
