Theatre, Ballet, and Opera: Calgary's Performing Arts Guide
Uncover Calgary's incredible cultural scene through its many stages and talented performers.
Calgary Philharmonic (Credit: Tourism Calgary/ROAM Creative)
Get a front row seat to the awe-inspiring performances of talented dancers, actors, and musicians as they take the stage across Calgary.
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Theatre productions
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.
Location: Martha Cohen Theatre, 215 8 Ave SE
Broadway Across Canada
From Hamilton to Les Misérables, Broadway Across Canada brings some of the world’s most iconic productions to Calgary’s biggest stage. These touring Broadway hits light up the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium with show-stopping performances, elaborate sets, and timeless stories.
Location: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW
Front Row Centre
Musical theatre fans will be delighted at the performances put on by Front Row Centre . This long-standing community musical theatre company is known for staging bold musicals from Broadway favourites to hidden gems.
Location: The Pumphouse Theatre, 2140 Pumphouse Ave SW
Lunchbox Theatre
Theatre doesn't have to be just at night. Lunchbox Theatre brings bite-sized theatre experiences into the lunch hour. Expect mostly one-act plays focused on original Canadian works. It’s the perfect midday escape for anyone craving a dash of creativity.
Location: 115 9 Ave SE (base of the Calgary Tower)
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
Storybook Theatre
As you'll likely guess from the name, Storybook Theatre produces performances designed for young audiences. From beloved storybook classics to new works that spark curiosity, Storybook fosters a love of theatre in a playful, welcoming space. It's become a Calgary institution and is recognized as Canada's largest volunteer-driven theatre for young audiences.
Location: Beddington Theatre Arts Centre, 375 Bermuda Drive NW
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 beloved family tradition in Calgary.
Location: Max Bell Theatre, 220 9 Ave SE
Vertigo Theatre
It’s always a mystery with Vertigo Theatre , an award-winning theatre company known for producing mysteries and thrillers. 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 (base of the Calgary Tower)
Theatre Calgary (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Colin Way)
Opera and orchestra
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 Calgary's arts and culture scene, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is one of North America’s most celebrated live music ensembles. It's brought a diverse season of concerts to the stage since 1955. Take your seat at the Jack Singer Concert Hall for beloved classics, the best of Broadway, and epic scores from film and television.
Location: 205 8 Ave SE
Calgary Opera (Credit: Calgary Opera)
Dance performances
Alberta Ballet
Canada’s second largest ballet company, Alberta Ballet makes the world of ballet accessible to everyone. Experience dramatic new works, family-friendly classics, and innovative collaborations with music icons like Joni Mitchell, Sir Elton John, Sarah McLachlan, and The Tragically Hip.
Location: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW
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: DJD Dance Centre, 111 12 Ave SE
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Colin Way)
