Bringing new life to Riverport’s Old Confidence Lodge

Suzanne Rent
August 10, 2023

“It wasn’t the kind of place you show up and live [in],” Jackman said. “We could make this a family business and open it up and create a community arts hub, which both of us have so much history in the arts. It seemed at first like one of those faraway plans, like, ‘Oh, wouldn’t that be lovely. Wouldn’t that be nice. Over about half a year, we kept thinking about it… and figuring out ways we could make it happen until it seemed like this could be a reality. It was something we believed we could do now.”

Family transforming historic Old Confidence Lodge into thriving arts venue

Hafsa Arif
September 14, 2023

“I think locals were watching the building, it was on the market for years, to see who was going to buy it hoping that they would keep it as arts related and performance related,” said Porter. “There’s so many people interested in being part of what we’re doing.”

Old Confidence Lodge to Become South Shore Performing Arts Hub

Issie Patterson
September 14, 2023

“The Porter-Jackmans, their son, and their seven-month-old baby, Amy, have been living in the Lodge for about a year. And they have plenty of ideas as to how they’re going to use the performance space after its renovations. 

‘Our plan is to have a summer theatre festival here,” Porter says. They also plan to host a yearly Halloween show and New Year’s Eve party, monthly karaoke and line-dancing, and a theatrical adaptation of the folktale Stone Soup.’”

Old Confidence Lodge Officially Opens

Issie Patterson
August 8, 2024

“The Old Confidence Lodge is officially open for business. Shari Porter and Dr. Chris Jackman have been renovating the former Oddfellows Hall in Riverport while living in the top-floor apartment. The venue consists of a 149-occupancy assembly hall and balcony seating. Extensive renovations included fireproofing, adding new washrooms, and creating an accessible entrance.”

Old Confidence Lodge: NS South Shore has a new Q performance space

Wayves Staff
August 17, 2024

Old Confidence Lodge is a queer-owned, family-operated venue opening in Riverport, Nova Scotia, later this month. "We take pride in supporting both emerging and established artists from our diverse communities, whether that's through the concerts we host or the theatre we produce," say the owners.

Late Night Double Feature: Queer Community and Community Theatre

Sal Falk
November 14, 2024

“There are many reasons to be quivering with antici—pation these days. 

In the midst of political uncertainty, daylight savings time ending, and the impending holiday stress, Old Confidence Lodge’s production of The Rocky Horror Show over the Halloween weekend was a balm for the soul. For many in Riverport, the performance wasn’t just a night out—it was a celebration of personal and community identity, a chance to experience something radically different in this small, rural town.”

Rocky Horror Show returns to Old Confidence Lodge this weekend

Paul Brothers
October 31, 2025

“We check in with the owners of the Old Confidence Lodge in Riverport as the Rocky Horror Show hits the stage all weekend just in time for Halloween.” 

Draggin’ in the New Year in Riverport

Steve Gow
December 24, 2025

“The Lunenburg County venue is throwing a party that will feature a delicious dinner, a glamorous drag show and plenty of dancing…”

Old Confidence Lodge brings its production of ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ to Halifax

Philip Moscovitch
February 17, 2026

“If we want to be a bit of a regional centre and have people come visit us from time to time, I think we need to be able to start those conversations to connect with some audiences outside our front door, and beyond our immediate neighbourhood.”