Why Talk About Edmonton Arts?

“I hate theatre. Well, it’s so disappointing, isn’t it? You know what I do when I’m sitting in a darkened theatre waiting for the show to begin? I pray. Oh, God, please let it be a good show. And let it be short, oh Lord in heaven, please. Two hours is fine, three hours is too much. And keep the actors out of the audience... I didn’t pay good money to have the fourth wall come crashing down around my ears. I just want a story, and a few songs that will take me away. I want to be entertained. I mean, isn’t that the point?”

- Man in Chair, “The Drowsy Chaperone”

With the popularity of big blockbuster movies, television shows, and streaming services like Netflix, why would you want to leave the comfort of your own home?

For performing arts companies, it can be difficult to get audiences off of their couches and into the theatres. In Edmonton, the performing arts scene is thriving, but it needs the help of new audiences. Even for those within the community, it can be difficult to know what shows are going on.

As a communications student, I know the value of a good story, and with the remarkable stories and experiences happening in the performing arts scene in Edmonton, it is worth hearing more about these individuals who are sparking life into a wonderful community. This website is designed to give theatre goers and newbies alike, a glimpse into the theatre arts scene of Edmonton, to hear about the spectacular work taking place in Edmonton and the amazing people that have shaped this community.

The performative arts have been around for a very long time, in Edmonton dramatic readings and performances during Christmas festivals date back to 1879. A quick search through the City of Edmonton archives and you will find photographs of various Edmonton theatres dating back to the early 1900s.

Exterior of the Regent Theatre (1920) Photograph by Hubert Hollingworth

Exterior of Pantages Theatre (1919) Photo by: Hubert Hollingworth

Interior of the Empire Theatre (1913) Photo by: Hubert Hollingworth

From left to right: Regent Theatre (1920); Pantages Theatre (1919); Empire Theatre (1913)

Photographs by Hubert Hollingworth; retrieved from the Edmonton Archives

Most of the old theatre spaces are no longer standing but there is a long history of theatre creation in Edmonton, and this tradition has continued even to this day. Currently, some of the theatre companies running in the Edmonton area include:

• Alberta Opera

• Azimuth Theatre Association

• Ballet Edmonton

• Catalyst Theatre

• Catch the Keys Productions

• Citadel Theatre

• Edmonton Actors Theatre

• Edmonton Opera

• Firefly Theatre and Circus

• Freewill Shakespeare Festival

• Fringe Theatre Adventures

• Grindstone Theatre

• Northern Light Theatre

• Punctuate! Theatre

• Rapid Fire Theatre

• Send in the Girls Burlesque

• SkirtsAfire

• Teatro la Quindicina

• Theatre Network

• Thou Art Here Theatre

• Varscona Theatre

• Walterdale Theatre

• Workshop West Theatre

There is nothing quite like a live theatre show.

I can never quite express the feeling of seeing a production that is unique, every single night, where performers are creating art right before your eyes. From Greek mythology to modern times, theatre speaks of timeless issues in a way that connects to a human part of ourselves.

For anyone who knows me, they know I am a self-proclaimed theatre nerd. Having attending theatre productions from a young age, and in the past year alone, having seen 101 live theatre productions, I can say I am hooked. While pursuing a degree in communications, I am an assistant director for a high school musical theatre production, volunteer within the theatre community, and attend various workshops for directing, performance, and theatre creation. As someone so lucky to have been introduced to this world and see as many productions as I do, I hope to share this passion, creating opportunities for others to experience this community as well.

From behind the stage to in front of the lights, the arts scene in Edmonton is an amazing community of individuals, working tirelessly to create uniquely theatrical and magical productions.

Join me as I shed light on local productions, spectacular people, pressing issues, and tips and tricks that are sure to entice, entrance, and enthral.

Photo credit: Jennifer Galm (2018)