Women-run theatre in Toronto experiences 6th violent break-in this year

The women-run Alumnae Theatre in Toronto's east end experienced its sixth violent break-in this year.

Located at the corner of Adelaide and Berkley, the Alumnae Theatre has been around for 107 years, producing thought-provoking theatre in a converted firehall. It operates solely through unpaid volunteers.

In a Facebook post shared on December 2, the theatre shared multiple photos of doors and windows smashed and broken into. "These repeated attacks have taken a devastating toll. Now, we're asking our community to stand with us," the caption states. 

Lamesha Ruddock, VP of Membership at Alumnae Theatre, spoke with blogTO about the violent incidents which began back in February, and often involved theft. She states $10,000 in losses and labour costs.

"We don't even have the foresight of how we're going to make it up in the next few years," she says. 

The theatre is calling for more community members to become a member, volunteer or provide monetary donations for repairs and increased security to make the volunteers and attendees feel safer and secure.

Ruddock states the theatre is working closely with Toronto Police, City representatives and their local BIA to prevent more break-ins from happening. 

Already after tightening security and installing cameras, Ruddock states they were able to apprehend two alleged burglars caught on camera. But the break-ins keep happening.

Break-ins are quite common in Moss Park; however, crime year-over-year has dropped. According to Toronto Police data, the neighbourhood has had a total of 74 reported break-and-enters in 2025, down from 100 reported in 2024. 

Ruddock tells blogTO she understands these break-ins are likely caused by unhoused individuals looking for warmth, food and money, primarily. 

"We need to humanize these people, giving them the welfare provisions they need so they don't feel they need to resort to violence," she says. "I would love to see Alumnae Theatre just opening doors more for that kind of intentional relationship building."