Lerners Stage at the Grand Theatre: Where London Comes Together
Nov 27, 2025
In keeping with our longstanding commitment to the local arts, education, and civic engagement, Lerners is proud to become the sponsor of the Grand Theatre Community Stage — now the Lerners Stage — welcoming audiences in the heart of the Drewlo Lounge.
The stage now features a custom-made pillar, designed and built by two of the Grand Theatre's artists: Richard Lawler and Craig Guthrie. “The ‘brick’ represents the brick of the theatre itself, and our artists made it to match the real colour,” explains Lyndee Hansen, Executive Director, Grand Theatre. “The blue sky is about creative thinking, which is what we do here.”
“Lerners has always been committed to enriching the communities that we serve. It’s not just about being a law firm; it’s about being embedded where our clients live, work, and play,” says Jane Scholes, a Lerners partner and Board Director for the Grand Theatre. “This is a firm sponsorship that encompasses all Londoners and the local community who love the theatre.”
Watch the video below to learn more about the connection between Lerners and the Grand Theatre.
This stage is used for many supplementary programs — including AfterWords panel discussions, student clubs, and community group nights, such as Black Community Night and Indigenous Community Night. This stage is also key for many private receptions and meetings. Serving as a welcoming hub for the community, the Lerners Stage brings people together to celebrate creativity in all its forms. Its updated artistic design adds a meaningful visual focal point that reflects the Grand Theatre’s spirit of imagination and community connection.
The Grand Theatre is a cornerstone of London’s cultural scene, drawing over 100,000 audience members each season and generating more than $13 million in regional economic impact. Lerners is proud to partner with an organization synonymous with creativity, innovation, and civic leadership. These are values that mirror the firm’s own positioning as a community-engaged legal leader.
“As a charitable organization, the Grand depends on community involvement to ensure our longevity and success to keep our artists working, and seats accessible to as many people as possible,” says Hansen. “This stage is an important part of our lobby area; it’s a great space for gathering. We use it weekly to host talkbacks [a post-performance Q&A session where the audience can ask questions to the cast, director, or crew about the production] and opportunities for people to meet our artists, and community people who are vital to the creation of this work. We also have our student nights where they get a chance to meet the artists and talk about the work.”
“The theatre is such a special place, and we’re thrilled to have our name associated with this art installation,” says Scholes. “It’s a wonderful reflection of our partnership and our shared commitment to fostering relationships with business and the arts in London’s downtown.”
ABOUT LERNERS LLP
Lerners LLP has grown to become one of Ontario’s largest law firms with offices in London, Toronto, Strathroy, and Waterloo Region. Ours is a history of more than 95 years of successful client service and representation, and today we are more than 140 exceptionally skilled lawyers with extensive experience in litigation and corporate law.
