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Jubilee Auditoria

Southern Jubilee Auditorium.By the mid 1950s, Alberta's theatre and musical community was brimming with professional caliber and award-winning performers. Following the Depression and the Second World War, entertainment was once more becoming an important part of every day life. Despite the trend, Alberta did not yet have a suitable arts facility capable of meeting the demands of the performing arts community.

In 1954, Premier Peter C. Manning announced plans to construct two world-class performing arts facilities in Edmonton and Calgary. The structures were to be a gift to all Albertans, commemorating the province's Golden Jubilee in 1955. Construction of the Northern and Southern Jubilee Auditoria began that summer.

To design the buildings, architects looked at famous theatres from around the world including the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The eventual design included a fan shaped auditorium with a seating capacity for more than 2,700 people. In the 1950s, the stages were two of the largest in North America. Opening ceremonies were held in April 1957 and both facilities were operational immediately, each hosting a week of entertainment to celebrate.

Throughout the years, the Jubilee Auditoria have been host to some of the most celebrated events to come through Edmonton and Calgary. In 1978, the northern location was the major hosting venue for the Commonwealth games. During this time, Queen Elizabeth II made an appearance in the theatre and her son, Prince Charles, was awarded an honorary doctorate. Dozens of Broadway musicals have made their way through Alberta via these facilities and popular entertainers such as Jay Leno and Bill Cosby have given performances.

Featured Audio
Featured Audio

Ron Wigmore talks about the opening celebrations of the Jubilee Auditoria in 1957. Listen Now


The Southern Jubilee Auditorium is home to the Calgary Opera and the Alberta Ballet, with its northern counterpart playing host to similar performances throughout the year.

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