The city boasts a rich and ever-evolving theatre scene, offering a wide range of performances for audiences with diverse tastes. Learn more about this from calgary-trend.
Top Facts
The diversity of genres and styles is impressive. Actors from various Calgary theatres present a wide array of genres, ranging from classic plays to contemporary and experimental productions. The repertoire of the city’s theatre companies includes performances for children, making theatre accessible to all age groups. This provides one of the best ways to enjoy quality family time together.
Calgary theatres are not only places for watching captivating performances but also serve as community meeting points where residents can exchange ideas and experiences. Various events, such as workshops, discussions, and festivals, further promote cultural exchange and the development of the arts.
To learn more about a specific performance, you can visit the official websites of the theatres. These sites provide information about the repertoire, actors, dates, and showtimes. Local media outlets publish reviews of theatre productions, while social media platforms offer updates and special offers that Calgary residents can easily take advantage of.
In one interview, the Artistic Director of Calgary Theatre shared insights about its beginnings. The theatre company was founded in 1968 by Christopher Newton, and in 2018, it celebrated its 50th anniversary. He shared intriguing memories about the early years, when actors earned just $100 a week.
Christopher Walken, now an international superstar, began his career with Calgary Theatre. This professional troupe marked the starting point of his illustrious journey.
The Return of Theatre in Calgary After the Pandemic
According to Oliver Armstrong, a producer at One Yellow Rabbit, approximately 50% of audiences (as of late 2023) had returned to watching live theatre performances. According to a report from Statistics Canada, 2022 marked the first full year of recovery for this industry.
The return of live shows, theatre productions, and tours contributed to revenue growth in both non-profit and commercial sectors. Some theatre companies clearly saw their audiences coming back, while others struggled to observe the same trend.
The pandemic changed how Calgary residents view theatre:
- Residents became more selective in choosing performances.
- Due to rising living costs, priorities shifted. Where they previously enjoyed both dinner and a show, post-pandemic they often chose one over the other.
- The pandemic prompted audiences to opt for online entertainment more frequently, with lingering fears of attending crowded venues.
Unsurprisingly, these changes were influenced by a 28% decline in household incomes (as of 2023, according to a Stone Olafson study).
Despite shifts in preferences and reduced incomes, Calgary residents continue to enjoy entertainment. A gradual increase in attendance is being observed at large-scale concerts, live shows, and theatre performances.
Experts recommend that theatre companies adapt their strategies to meet the needs of a broader audience. Theatres should aim to offer viewers unique experiences with engaging and relevant productions. Reevaluating ticket pricing to make theatre more affordable for a wider audience would also be appropriate in this context.
The Reduction in Arts Funding
The next fact is crucial for understanding the overall situation. Both One Yellow Rabbit and Ghost River Theatre noted in their statements that Alberta’s Arts Fund had its budget cut by 27% since 2009. This reduction has worsened the situation for the arts scene rather than supporting its growth.
Government funding plays a vital role in the proper functioning of arts organizations. A broader funding base, according to experts, is a way to help audiences return to cultural activities.
Theatre Projects in Calgary
Below is a list of several theatre companies that offer unique opportunities to experience live theatre art.
Alberta Theatre Projects, based in the Martha Cohen Theatre (215 8 Ave SE), has been staging extraordinary performances since 1985. The Georgian-style theatre hall meets the highest standards of comfort and technical capability. It also accommodates viewers with disabilities. Audiences in the Martha Cohen Theatre enjoy new theatrical productions, plays by Canadian playwrights, and performances by actors from modern theatres worldwide. Imagine the blend of emotional dramas and playful family theatre—this is what the talented actors offer each season.
One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre (225 8 Ave SE) is an integral part of the city’s cultural side, presenting award-winning performances. It hosts events like the annual Rodeo, the International Festival of Arts, touring productions, international shows, and experimental works. Visiting this venue promises unexpected and unique experiences.
The Shakespeare Company (115 – 9 Ave SE) offers audiences a full season of works by the most renowned playwright in history. It is one of the few non-festival theatre companies in Canada focused on Shakespeare’s works. By prior arrangement, visitors can go backstage before the official start of the show, providing an opportunity to better immerse themselves in the atmosphere.
Calgary Theatre (220 9 Ave SE) has entertained residents since the 1940s, offering a full season of major shows, ranging from works by local playwrights and seasonal classics to musicals with live orchestras. Every summer, local emerging artists perform summer classics for audiences sitting on picnic blankets in Prince’s Island Park.
Vertigo Theatre (115 9 Ave SE 161) is often awarded for its productions of thrillers by Agatha Christie, but its activities extend beyond this genre. Audiences also enjoy new works from the Broadway stage. Vertigo Theatre is cozy, seating just 350 people, and its atmosphere allows for full immersion in the events, with eager anticipation for the conclusion.
“STRUM”: The Ukrainian Voice in Calgary
Among Calgary’s diverse theatres, “STRUM” (53 Ellisborough Cres SE, Calgary) stands out as the city’s first Ukrainian theatre. It was founded by Ukrainian refugees, Snizhana Gukasyan-Korobeinkova and Anna Lupeko, who relocated to Canada due to the war in Ukraine. In an interview with CTV News, they shared how the Ukrainian community is rapidly growing, as is the number of creative individuals migrating to Alberta.
The name “STRUM” translates from English to mean the search for a melody or the sound of a guitar, while in Ukrainian, it signifies an electrical current or the flow of water or air, essential for life. The founders combined the power of words with the energy of movement, dance, and the flow of music and song in the theatre.
The work of Ukrainian prose writer, playwright, and educator Mykola Kulish inspired the women to establish this platform for Ukrainian language and culture in Canada.
On October 18, 2024, audiences witnessed the first performance of the Ukrainian theatre company in Calgary. This experience was both unforgettable and healing. Eleven Ukrainian actors with varying levels of stage experience participated in the performance, all working under the direction of Snizhana Gukasyan-Korobeinkova. The evening theatrical show was exceptionally well received.
Art as an Inspiration
Calgary’s theatres offer a wealth of options for relaxation, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences. Whatever your interests, residents can find exactly what suits their tastes.
