Fort MacLeod Empress • A sparkling jewel

The Empress Theatre is a rare gem: one of the oldest operating theatres in the country. Built in 1912, the elegant 300-seat Empress is a regional performing arts centre where neighbours gather to celebrate and nurture local, Albertan and Canadian artists through the transformative experiences of music, art and theatre.

The theatre is open every night except Christmas.

Orginally built as an opera house, this charming little concert hall still boasts many original and early features that make it such a unique space: the neon tulips that grace the pressed tin ceiling, the red velvet seats (including two-person “love” seats), the 1912 five-sided ticket booth in the lobby and our own resident ghost, Ed!

The Empress is pleased to be able to present, concerts, films, program and plays to locals and visitors alike in our sparkling jewel on Main Street.

The Empress has a long history of providing exciting live musical experiences to its patrons. The theatre hosts a Centre Stage Concert Series which runs through fall, winter and spring, offering six concerts in a mix of musical styles: jazz, country, blues, folk, roots, rock and more. In addition, the Empress hosts concerts through the year featuring an eclectic lineup of musical artists and genres.

The Empress hosts a community musical theatre production each spring. In the summer, the theatre offers theatre camps for children near and far, consisting of introductory classes, singing, dancing, acting and music camps.

The Empress is also a licensed, multi-use community facility, offering a unique space to present many types of events. Doors are always open for community rental opportunities.

Please visit macleodempress.com to see all Empress Theatre upcoming concerts, movies, and events.

Written by Margaret Ann Bianco

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