Victoria BC has been a hub of cultural activities and boasts a storied tradition of theatrical entertainment. The city is home to several first-rate venues and there are numerous professional and amateur theater groups providing quality entertainment to visitors and people who are living in Victoria.
The major large venues are:
· The Mcpherson Playhouse;
· The Royal Theatre;
· The Belfry, and
· Langham Court Theatre.
You can catch performances throughout the calendar year; at any time there are several shows playing at each of these, featuring performances from traveling theatrical companies as well as local groups.
The Royal Theater and Mcpherson Playhouse function under the umbrella of the Royal and McPherson www.haytheatre.com Theater Society. This not-for-profit organization manages all operational aspects of both venues. The society books touring shows and events and they host a variety of local organizations including:
· Pacific Opera Victoria.
· Victorian Ballet;
· Canadian Pacific Ballet;
· Victorian dances;
· Kaleidoscope Theatre;
· Victoria Operatic Society, and
· Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre;
Langham Court Theater is housed in an old carriage house and barn belonging to the Robert Ward family estate. Langham Court has housed the Victoria Theater Guild since 1935. The guild’s Mission Statement: “To foster and celebrate the art and practice of sustainable community theatre.”
The Belfry Theater is a professional adult theater company located in a former Baptist church that was constructed in the 1800’s. The Belfry is focused on producing contemporary plays, with a special emphasis on Canadian works.
These four main venues bolstered by many community-based locations host a full calendar of theatrical events produced by many local groups like:
ASAP Theater Company is a newly formed theater company which aims to bring new works and develop new talent in Victoria.
Black Box Productions, a fledgling theater 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 Theater is a professional theater 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.
Intrepid Theater 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.
Kaleidoscope Theatre, a professional group focused on theater for young audiences. They offer acting classes, programs and camps for a student young and otherwise, and have been in operation since 1974.
PUENTE Theater 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.
Theater Inconnu, Victoria’s longest surviving alternative theater company has been in operation since 1987. They have produced over 60 live theater productions over the years.
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.
This is only an overview of theater in Victoria BC mentioning some of the many theater groups in the city. Victoria is a beautiful small city which is rich in culture and presents diverse options for theatrical entertainment. Whether you are seeking entertainment for an evening or you want to “tread the boards” yourself, you will easily find what you are looking for in Victoria BC.
Geoff McLean is a realtor in Victoria BC who approaches his real estate vocation with honesty, integrity and straightforwardness. Geoff is also the primary author of a blog about his home city. Living in Victoria is a valuable source of information about the Greater Victoria area for those who are interested in moving to this beautiful city..