Performing Arts in Calgary

Get a front row seat to the awe-inspiring performances of professional dancers, actors, and musicians as they take the stage with Theatre Calgary, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Alberta Ballet, and more.

Alberta Theatre Projects 

Celebrating the art of live theatre, Alberta Theatre Projects creates a welcoming atmosphere in the beautiful Martha Cohen Theatre for everyone to enjoy. Get a front row seat to new works of theatre, plays by Canadian playwrights, and contemporary theatre from around the world. Each season presents a mix of emotional dramas and playful family friendly theatre. Check out What’s On at ATP before planning your next trip.

Location: Martha Cohen Theatre, 215 8 Ave SE

One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre 

One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre is part of the cultural fabric of the city, staging award-winning productions and hosting the annual High-Performance Rodeo, Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts for three wild weeks each January. Touring performances, international shows, and experimental works come together in unexpected venues around Calgary for a theatre festival experience unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Location: 225 8 Ave SE

The Shakespeare Company 

The Shakespeare Company presents a full season of history’s most celebrated playwright each year. One of the only non-festival Shakespeare focused theatre companies in Canada, this is the perfect intro to Shakespeare for new theatre goers with everything from comedies to dramas taking the stage. You can even get a behind-the-scenes look with open previews available to the public before the show officially opens.

Location: 115 - 9 Ave. SE

Theatre Calgary 

Entertaining audiences since the 1940s, Theatre Calgary produces a full season of headlining shows from local playwrights and seasonal classics to musicals with live orchestras. Their production of A Christmas Carol each holiday season has become a family tradition in Calgary for more than 30 years. Each summer, Theatre Calgary supports emerging local artists with the popular Shakespeare by the Bow , staging easy to understand productions from the Bard with audiences sitting on picnic blankets in Prince’s Island Park . It’s a summer classic.

Location: 220 9 Ave SE

Vertigo Theatre 

It’s always a mystery with Vertigo Theatre , an award-winning theatre company known for producing thrillers from Agatha Christie to new works from the Broadway stage. The intimate 350 seat theatre pulls you right into the action until the final clues come together. It’s guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Location: 115 9 Ave SE #161

Calgary Opera 

Calgary Opera brings the drama, grandeur, and magic of live opera to Calgary with productions of fresh new works and timeless masterpieces. Founded in 1972, Calgary Opera has made a name for itself on the national and international stage with local talent and new operas taking the stage each season. Whether you are a seasoned opera lover or new to the genre, Calgary Opera is ready to welcome you.

Location: 1315 7 St SW

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra 

At the heart of the arts and culture scene, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is one of North America’s most celebrated live music ensembles, bringing a diverse season of concerts to the stage since 1955. Take your seat at the Jack Singer Concert Hall for beloved classics, family friendly favourites, the best of Broadway, and epic scores from film and television.

Location: 205 8 Ave SE

Honens International Piano Festival and Competition 

The Honens International Piano Competition & Festiva l brings the classical music world to Calgary each year for performances that will delight new and experienced music fans alike. The competition takes place every three years and invites the finest young pianists from around the world to apply, compete, and perform in Calgary. The festival brings the joy of classical music to locals and visitors with open air concerts, experimental productions, and free activities for everyone to enjoy.

Location: 1170-105 12 Ave SE

Alberta Ballet 

Canada’s second largest ballet company, Alberta Ballet makes the world of ballet accessible to everyone, with dramatic new works, family friendly classics like The Nutcracker, and innovative collaborations with music icons like Joni Mitchell, Sir Elton John, Sarah McLachlan, k.d. lang, Gordon Lightfoot, and The Tragically Hip.

Location: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW

Alberta Dancesport 

Ready to learn the salsa? Always wanted to ballroom dance? Alberta Dancesport is the place to learn with weekly dance parties, drop-in classes, and salsa parties open to the public. Best of all, you don’t need a partner or any experience to get started.

Location: 404 Meredith Rd NE

Decidedly Jazz Danceworks 

Decidedly Jazz Danceworks brings original performances and workshops to locals and visitors alike with African-rooted, swing-based jazz music. Known to locals as “DJD”, you can even try a drop-in class and learn from the best at their beautiful performance space in downtown Calgary.

Location: 111 12 Ave SE