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Theatre
Theatre is often a window into a culture. A community's issues, values and
concerns are presented through its performances, offering glimpses into a
particular place and time. In surveying Alberta's theatre heritage there
is no exception. From the touring era of the early 20th century, to the
rise of the amateurs during the Depression, one is able to witness the
evolution of a province. These beginnings are not only a part of Alberta's
history, but are the foundation of today's thriving theatre scene, which
is recognized internationally.
The first signs of an established theatre community in Western Canada
became apparent as early as the 1880s. The Calgary Amateur Music and
Dramatic Club appeared in 1884 and the Edmonton Amateur Dramatic Company
in 1896. These companies enjoyed moderate success and eventually travelled
across the prairies with their shows, marking the beginning of the touring
era in Alberta. Still, much of the theatre at the time was produced by
American and British touring companies attracted by the guaranteed booking
dates in Western Canada.
To accommodate these touring groups, facilities were built at an
unprecedented pace. The famous Robertson's Hall in Edmonton was
constructed in 1893 by Edmonton's sheriff Walter Scott Robertson. It
seated 300 people, had a grand piano and was used as an all purpose
entertainment centre until it was destroyed by fire in 1896. The Grand
Theatre in Calgary was built in 1912. With seating for 1,200 people, at the time,
the Grand was considered the finest theatre in Western Canada. Unlike its
Edmonton predecessor, the Grand survived and began to host
vaudeville
in Calgary for a number of years before transforming into a movie theatre.
Vaudeville was the most common touring show in the country at the time.
Popular acts featured dogs, snakes, monkeys, even elephants, as well as
human performances in the forms of skits, musical selections, and dancing.
These companies would often follow a particular circuit, sponsored by a
theatre chain, staying in town for as long as they could before moving on.
The touring era ended abruptly in the 1930s when many companies were
forced to abandon their circuits due to loss of interest and lack of
funds. Resources were diverted from the arts, and the virtual
disappearance of professional companies brought the amateur theatre
movement into full swing. Soon, small groups composed of local talent were
springing up in towns across the province. These "little theatres" became
a staple in many communities. Edmonton's Little Theatre was founded in
1929 with help from Elsie Park Gowan and Vernon Barford. The company
enjoyed great success, producing several plays a year. It entertained
troops during the Second World War and sponsored the Edmonton Drama
Festival from 1936 to 1945. The Coaldale Little Theatre gained national
attention in the 1950s, after its productions won some major national
drama competitions.
This era also saw the rise of educational institutions for the performing
arts. The University of Alberta began conducting classes, adjudicating,
offering summer school and lending out equipment. The
Banff School of Fine Arts
was founded in 1933, followed by two similar institutions in Drumheller and Olds in 1960.
Professional theatre made a comeback once more with the 1965 opening of
the Citadel Theatre
in Edmonton. Stage West, Northern Light Theatre,
Phoenix Theatre and Catalyst Theatre soon followed, attracting
international touring companies to Alberta once more. In Calgary,
professional groups evolved directly from amateur theatre with the
amalgamation of Workshop 14 and the Musicians' and Actors' Club, forming
the M.A.C.-14 Club in 1966.
Today, Albertans enjoy a mix of both amateur and professional theatre
productions in a variety of venues. Throughout the performing arts section
of this website, some of the most important people, facilities and events
are examined, offering further insight into the origins and future of
Alberta theatre.
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