City's newest theater meticulously christened with a label
Calgary's Cultural Landscape to Expand with the Osten-Victor Playhouse
Calgary's arts scene is set for a significant boost with the addition of a new venue, the Osten-Victor Playhouse. Part of the Arts Commons Transformation Project, this new facility will be located in the heart of the city, continuing to support Calgary's cultural growth.
The Arts Commons Transformation Project, a $660 million expansion and modernization of the city's downtown performing arts centre, is expected to be completed by late 2028. The project, which includes the development of a three-level, 170,000 square foot building, will be renamed the Werklund Centre in honor of a $75 million donation from entrepreneur Dave Werklund.
The Osten-Victor Playhouse, named after local philanthropists Al Osten and Buddy Victor who contributed $12 million, will be the centerpiece of the transformation. This technologically advanced, flexible 1,000-seat theatre will fill a gap in Calgary's medium-sized venue offerings. It will cater to shows that are too big for the Max Bell Theatre but too small for the Jubilee, providing a perfect space for creative development for artists.
The Osten-Victor Playhouse will offer technology-driven, flexible seating configurations using an automated lift system. This will allow rapid reconfiguration for diverse performance types without prolonged shutdowns, enhancing its adaptability and inclusivity, and supporting a broader variety of performances and productions.
The new venue will be built across the street from the current Arts Commons location, on Olympic Plaza. President and CEO Alex Sarnian stated that the Osten-Victor Playhouse will fill a gap in Calgary's current theatre market, further defining its role in Calgary's theatre market.
As Calgary's arts community prepares for the arrival of the Osten-Victor Playhouse, it's clear that the city's cultural landscape is set for a vibrant and exciting future.
[1] Calgary Herald
[2] Calgary Arts Development Authority
[3] Calgary Sun
[1] "Exciting lifestyle news in Calgary: the Calgary Herald reports that the Osten-Victor Playhouse, a new technologically advanced theatre, will be a part of the Arts Commons Transformation Project, and fill a gap in Calgary's medium-sized venue offerings, providing a perfect space for creative development for artists."
[2] "The Calgary Arts Development Authority announced that the home-and-garden of Calgary's arts scene will be significantly expanded with the addition of the Osten-Victor Playhouse, a 1,000-seat theatre that will cater to a broader variety of performances and productions, thanks to its technology-driven, flexible seating configurations."
