Victoria has a long tradition of theatrical entertainment, with several excellent venues and countless professional and amateur theatre groups providing quality entertainment for people living in Victoria.
Theatre Entertainment Venues in Victoria BC
The main large venues are:
- The Royal Theatre;
- The Mcpherson Playhouse;
- The Belfry, and
- Langham Court Theatre.
At any time there are several shows playing at each of these, along with performances from locally based or travelling theatrical companies.
The Royal Theatre and Mcpherson Playhouse operate under the umbrella of the Royal and McPherson Theatre Society, a not-for-profit organization that manages all operational aspects of both venues. As well as booking touring shows and events, they host a number of local organizations including:
- Ballet Victoria;
- Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre;
- Canadian Pacific Ballet;
- Dance Victoria;
- Kaleidoscope Theatre;
- Victoria Operatic Society, and
- Pacific Opera Victoria.
The Belfry Theatre is a professional adult theatre company based in a former Baptist church built in the 1800’s. Their focus is on producing contemporary plays, with an emphasis on Canadian work.
Langham Court Theatre is located in what used to be a carriage house and barn belonging to the Robert Ward family estate. It has been the home of the Victoria Theatre Guild since 1935. It’s Mission Statement: “To foster and celebrate the art and practice of sustainable community theatre.”
These main venues along with many community based locations present a calendar chock full of theatrical events produced by groups like:
Kaleidoscope Theatre, a professional group focussed on theatre for young audiences. They offer acting classes, programs and camps for a students young and otherwise, and have been in operation since 1974.
The Victoria Shakespeare Society, specializing in (obviously) the works of William Shakespeare. Under the direction of professional directors, young and developing actors strive to polish their acting chops.
ASAP Theatre Company is a newly formed theatre company which aims to bring new works and develop new talent in Victoria.
Intrepid Theatre Company is a non profit group which produces the annual Victoria Fringe Festival as well as a year round series dubbed Uno Fest, among others.
Black Box Productions, a fledgling theatre company hatched in 2009 that strives to provide an innovative theatrical experience. In their words, they are …a little company with a big voice…
Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre is a professional theatre company producing world class productions of classic plays. This group was established in 2008 and pairs early career professional artists with experienced and respected directors, designers and actors.
Theatre Inconnu, Victoria’s longest surviving alternative theatre company has been in operation since 1987. They have produced over 60 live theatre productions over the years.
PUENTE Theatre Society was founded in 1988 by Chilean born director Lina de Guevera to offer creative opportunities for immigrants as well as educating audiences about the immigrant experience.
This overview of theatre in Victoria mentions only some of the many theatre groups that exist in the city. Victoria is rich in culture and this is reflected in the diverse opportunities for theatrical entertainment that are available here. Whether you are looking for entertainment for an evening or you want to “tread the boards” yourself, you will easily find what you are looking for in Victoria.
