The Granville Island Cultural Society promotes performing arts and provides a platform to nouveau and gifted artists and as a part of this mission it patronizes diverse art-forms and theaters. Performance Works is one of the theaters managed by the society that hosts amazing shows and events. Formerly an old machine shop, it was converted and remodeled to serve as a rehearsal and performing space. The place is always buzzing with activities and the calendar of Performance Works has an interesting line-up of plays and other events. To check availability of tickets and other information, please call ahead or check website.
Initially opened in 1931 as a vaudeville and movie house, this Art Deco establishment is now under the management of the Arts Club Theatre. It is another testament to Vancouver's current cultural rejuvenation. The historic landmark seats 650 and is currently home to musicals, theater productions and comedies. The venue now has full bar service and is within walking distance to pre-theater and post-theater dining. There is ample parking in the surrounding residential streets. Check website for more details on current and upcoming events.
Situated on the small Granville Island, the Granville Island Stage is a theater owned by the Arts Club Theatre Company. A large theater, it has been operational since a long time. Several well known plays and artists have performed here. Theater lovers will enjoy the vast array of entertainment held at this venue. The comfortable seats, excellent facilities draw crowds to this magnificent place. The theater is also rented for various events, so come by and catch a stellar performance by famous theater personalities here.
Orpheum Theatre was built in 1927 and restored in 1976 to its former glory. Originally opened as a vaudeville house, it is now a beautiful, much-loved city landmark. Located in the entertainment district Downtown, it is the perfect venue for a glamorous night out on the town, offering a variety of concerts, musicals and ceremonies as well as being the home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre is a grand venue built by the city in 1959. Today, the Vancouver Opera and provincial ballet have made the theater their home. Performances include opera, ballet, musicals, plays, concerts, telethons and ceremonies. Patrons complement the grand atmosphere with more formal dress, so remember to don your dapper best. An art gallery and restaurant are also on site. Check website for more details on current and upcoming events.
After closing its doors in the mid-1990s amid protests from patrons and famous musicians, the recently refurbished and re-opened ballroom is making a bouncy comeback. Its dance floor lies atop tires that make everyone move. The 990-capacity venue, located in downtown, has a history of amazing performances ranging from Dizzy Gillespie and Tina Turner to Nirvana and the Clash, along with modern artists like Stereolab and the Flaming Lips. Its location in the entertainment hub makes it a perfect place to see a show before going clubbing. Call ahead for current event details.
Firehall Arts Centre is situated in a 1905 fire hall downtown, and consistently features fabulous dance and theater performances. It underwent an outer restoration and is lovingly maintained. Festivals of both theater and dance are held here annually. Its lounge has a happy hour every Friday; mingle with actors and other theater-types if the desire strikes you. The back courtyard is a lovely place to go with beer in hand and listen to the world go by.
Since 1973 the Cultch has been providing Vancouver with quality contemporary productions in the arts. The theater was actually originally a Methodist church, long since converted into the venue that it is known and loved. The Cultch also provides art programs for youth and hosts an annual youth arts festival. See website for more details.
Located on the PNE Grounds, this long-standing racecourse overlooks the North Shore Mountains and the city's busy port harbor. It has year-round live and simulcast thoroughbred racing and a variety of restaurants, lounges and grandstands for avid and newbie racing fans. The racecourse has been a Vancouver institution for decades. For a meal, choose between Jerome's Sports Bar or the Terrace; which has a view of the home stretch.
Jericho Arts Centre is a non-profit theater run by the West Point Grey Community Association and partnered by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and United Players. Located near the Jericho Beach, this venue offers thrilling plays, where the local artists and talents participate together to bring the classics to life. You can thoroughly quench your appetite for quality theater and entertainment by catching a memorable play at the JAC.
Make the short trip out to the University of British Columbia campus for a musical experience you won't soon forget. The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts was built in 1997 and has since then been lauded by patrons and critics for its spectacular acoustic and architectural design. Recitals, concerts and symphony orchestra performances make up this venue's roster, taking place within the center's several venues, including the Chan Shun Concert Hall, Telus Studio Theatre, and Royal Bank Cinema. The uncommon interior design only adds to this internationally acclaimed experience. Check website for more details on current and upcoming events.