StoryBook Theatre is Calgary’s oldest theatre company, thriving largely due to its dedicated volunteers. Known for its sold-out shows, high-quality children’s and family programs, and always-packed theatrical camps for all ages, this semi-professional troupe has become a cultural cornerstone. However, this wasn’t always the case. Explore the humble beginnings and numerous relocations of StoryBook Theatre on calgary-trend.
Born from a Dream
The story of StoryBook Theatre began, like many non-profit organizations, with one person’s dream. Calgary school teacher Ellie Tims had a passion for live theatre. On weekends, she and her colleagues would spend hours creating original plays, continuously evolving the plots. One evening, Ellie asked, “Why not perform these plays?”
To her surprise, her friends loved the idea. In 1977, StoryBook Theatre debuted with its first production, Buckskin and Chapperos.
Temporary Home at Pumphouse Theatre
StoryBook Theatre launched its inaugural season at Pumphouse Theatre with six productions, blending original scripts with classic fairy tales. Interestingly, the connection between StoryBook Theatre and Pumphouse Theatre predates both organizations. In the early 1970s, Ellie’s friend Joyce Doolittle worked with a group to save the historic Pumphouse building from demolition. Together, they succeeded in transforming the building into a community theatre space.
After this victory, Ellie seized the opportunity to house her budding troupe in the new venue. Beyond rehearsals and performances, Pumphouse Theatre became StoryBook Theatre’s full-time home between 1985 and 1990, accommodating its costume shop and set-building efforts.
Expanding for a Growing Audience
By 1995, StoryBook Theatre recognized Calgary’s rapidly growing population. Initially targeting children aged 6–10, the troupe adjusted to serve an increasingly diverse audience by expanding from six to eight productions per season, creating Adventure Theatre and Cookie Cabaret. At the time, Doug Easterbrook served as the troupe’s leader, with Craig Elliot as Artistic Director.
Cookie Cabaret was a unique theatrical experience for children aged 3–6 and their parents. These small-scale productions of stories like Jack and the Beanstalk, The Velveteen Rabbit, and Aesop’s Fables were performed in a space where children sat on rugs near the stage while parents enjoyed seats farther back. True to its name, the cabaret featured cookies donated by the renowned bakery Crave Cupcakes.
Meanwhile, Adventure Theatre catered to children aged six and older, offering full-scale productions complete with elaborate sets, costumes, and talented actors to create an immersive live theatre experience.
Despite its success, the troupe outgrew its space. Rehearsals moved to a small industrial site, Easterbrook Theatre, which also housed administrative offices, a costume shop, and a set storage facility.
Building the Community Arts Centre
In the winter of 2001, the troupe undertook the development of the Community Arts Centre in a repurposed military facility in Currie Barracks. The former junior officers’ mess hall was transformed into a creative hub, featuring four rehearsal studios, Easterbrook Theatre, a lobby, box office, and administrative offices.
Recognizing the space was still insufficient, the troupe later expanded the facility to include dressing rooms, a props workshop, a costume warehouse, a kitchen, and dance studios, making it a bustling hub of community theatre activity.
A New Home
In 2012, StoryBook Theatre relocated to the northwest of Calgary, renovating the old Beddington Community Centre into the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre. Here, the troupe found a permanent home to stage its performances and programs.
In 2013, Artistic Director J.P. Thibodeau introduced a fresh yet familiar vision, striving to elevate the troupe’s artistic quality and expand its reach.
Today, StoryBook Theatre has grown significantly, attracting professional artists while fostering mentorship between seasoned professionals and aspiring amateurs.
Educational Programs
In 2016–2017, StoryBook Theatre officially became a semi-professional organization, launching accessible and often free theatre programs for all ages. These programs nurture creativity, regardless of prior experience.
For children, youth, and teens:
- Fall and Winter Programs offer weekly classes over three months, teaching musical theatre production processes.
- Summer Camps run for three weeks, providing participants with auditions, rehearsals, and live performances, culminating in a showcase for staff, friends, and family.
For adults:
Specialized training focuses on various theatre arts, from choreography and vocal performance to foundational acting skills.
For professional artists: Masterclasses enhance the skills of established artists, addressing the limited opportunities for performers in Calgary compared to larger cities like Vancouver or Toronto.
For educators:
Short, practical workshops connect theatre teachers with a professional community and provide new educational tools.
The troupe also offers free family and children’s programs, ensuring access to theatre for those with limited means.
From humble beginnings, StoryBook Theatre has evolved into a prominent community institution, producing multiple plays and musicals each season, hosting year-round theatre schools, organizing playwriting contests, and creating original performances. Its success stems from the dedication of volunteers committed to enriching Calgary’s children and theatre culture.
