Fully equipped theatres and dedicated spaces, where theatre troupes perform and rehearse, stand out not only for their refined interiors but also for their exceptional functionality. This versatility allows these venues to be rented for a wide variety of purposes, ranging from regular seminars to grand celebrations. Learn more about Calgary’s theatre venues on calgary-trend.
1. Engineered Air Theatre
Located within the Arts Commons complex, Engineered Air Theatre seamlessly combines historical charm with modern theatrical technology. This venue is perfectly suited for hosting musical concerts, lectures, seminars, presentations, banquets, private receptions, cocktail parties, and even weddings.
The theatre boasts an elegant balcony, Art Deco details, a cozy foyer, and rich decor that together lend it a refined appearance. Its eclectic interior incorporates original elements from the old Empress Theatre, which previously occupied the space, including wrought iron features and 1980s fabric designs. This highly versatile venue offers numerous amenities, such as a green room, dressing rooms, modern sound and lighting equipment, and a spacious main lobby.
2. Max Bell Theatre
Situated within the Arts Commons complex, the Max Bell Theatre serves as the home for Calgary Theatre, the city’s first professional theatre troupe. This venue is named in honour of Max Bell, a Canadian newspaper publisher, racehorse owner, and philanthropist.
The theatre features three-tiered seating, ensuring that no audience member is seated more than 20 metres away from the stage, offering every attendee an excellent view. The theatre’s technical and aesthetic features meet the highest industry standards. Its fly tower, equipped with advanced rigging systems, is one of the tallest in Canada, reaching a height of 24 metres. The stage is directly connected to the production workshop, where elaborate sets are constructed.
In 2016, the theatre underwent extensive renovations, including the replacement of all seating, repainting of the hall, and upgrading the sound system from analog to digital. The Max Bell Theatre is ideal for plays, concerts, and dance performances, thanks to its sprung flooring. It also provides accessible seating for wheelchair users.
3. Martha Cohen Theatre
Located in the heart of the Arts Commons complex, the Martha Cohen Theatre is named after Canadian civic leader and philanthropist Martha Cohen, who spearheaded numerous community projects, including the creation of the Arts Commons itself.
This theatre, designed in the Georgian style with a courtyard-like setup, features a versatile stage that can be adjusted using stage lifts, allowing changes to the height or shape of the stage. Between 2014 and 2016, the venue received state-of-the-art sound equipment, completely new seating, and a modern lighting console. The theatre’s three-tiered seating places the farthest seats only 12 metres away from the stage.
The Martha Cohen Theatre meets the highest standards of comfort and technical capability, making it an excellent choice for plays and solo concerts. It also includes accessible seating for wheelchair users.
4. Big Secret Theatre
The Big Secret Theatre serves as a creative workspace and the home of the provocative One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre. Located on the mezzanine level of Arts Commons, this space is available for rent when not being used for rehearsals, performances, or annual summer events.
This flexible black-box space features a simple performance area with black walls and a flat floor, devoid of any formal stage zone. Its minimalist design, combined with telescopic seating arrangements, allows the venue to accommodate diverse configurations between the stage and audience.
The theatre is equipped with a bar, a small lobby with multiple box office options, professional lighting and sound equipment, and dressing rooms.
5. Motel Theatre
Also located on the mezzanine level of Arts Commons, directly opposite Big Secret Theatre, Motel Theatre is a small, versatile black-box venue that is in high demand for rental purposes.
The space is perfectly suited for performances, concerts, rehearsals, exhibitions, workshops, formal meetings, and other events. Its lighting system is fully customizable, and its seating can be arranged in various configurations to meet the needs of each event.
6. Pumphouse Theatre
Designated as a historic site in Alberta, the Pumphouse Theatre was constructed in 1913 in an industrial vernacular style using red brick. It is situated on the south bank of the Bow River, west of downtown Calgary, within a park landscape. A lane of mature poplar trees leads to the building, which has served as a theatre since 1977.
Before becoming a theatre, this building operated as a water intake and pump station integral to Calgary’s water supply system. From 1913 to 1967, it housed electric-powered pumps, a screening system, chemical tanks, and sterilization equipment, functioning as part of the city’s water distribution network.
The Pumphouse Theatre hosts performances from a wide array of troupes, ranging from well-known, large ensembles to ambitious amateur groups. Productions presented here span from blockbuster musicals to contemporary performance art and traditional Irish dramas.
The building’s industrial design is both functional and visually appealing, retaining one of the two original large pumps and part of the water intake line as historical artefacts.
7. Vertigo Theatre
Located at the base of Calgary Tower, Vertigo Theatre is a professional venue dedicated to producing a series of mystery plays.
The space is divided into two areas: the Playhouse, which features a sprung floor and a raked seating arrangement for a more intimate and elegant atmosphere, and a smaller studio space, where seating is rearranged for each performance. Both areas share a lobby and bar, making them suitable for various events.
8. Birds and Stones Theatre
This small venue is located in the basement of the Unitarian Church on 1st Street NW. Birds and Stones Theatre operates as a studio available for weekly or monthly rentals. With its long layout and low ceiling, it is ideal for private meetings and intimate performances.
9. Lunchbox Theatre
Lunchbox Theatre is one of the world’s most successful theatre companies, renowned for creating and performing high-quality productions in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. In 2008, the troupe moved into a building near Calgary Tower. The venue features movable seating arrangements tailored for each performance.
In 2005, Lunchbox Theatre introduced the Emerging Directors Program, which annually provides mentorship and hands-on training for aspiring directors.
