History of Massey Theatre

Massey Theatre

Great shows seen at Massey:
Ache Brasil, Paul Brandt, Los Morenos, Jorane

Massey Theatre opened in 1949 as British Columbia's largest theatre. Since then its lights have shone on Broadway touring companies and international stars of dance and music. Today, Massey Theatre proudly hosts professional orchestras like the Vancouver Symphony, stars like singing sensation Jewel, and stunning productions like Hello Dolly! by the Renowned Royal City Musical Theatre.

The Massey Theatre boasts production workshops, a full-size stage, an audience chamber of 1260 seats and a visual arts gallery. It is located in the geographic centre of the Greater Vancouver area and adjacent to BC's largest high school, the 2000 student campus of New Westminster Secondary School.

Community groups, Competitions, Festivals, student performances and performers of culturally diverse communities are among the over 200 events presented at Massey each season.

Governed as a registered non-profit Society by an independent board of directors, Massey Theatre is neither a civic nor a school facility but a free-standing organization which works to support the performing arts throughout the Greater Vancouver Region.

Where did Massey get it's name?

Massey Theatre was origninally called the Vincent Massey Theatre. Vincent Massey was, of course, the first Canadian Governor General of Canada as well as the author of the pivotal "Massey Report." This 1950's document set Canada's arts and culture policy. The report also created the much-loved CBC and the Canada Council.

It was through Massey's work that the arts in Canada began to flourish; theatre companies, opera and ballet companies, authors and visual artists were given the opportunity to create.
Our theatre mascot 'Vinnie the Bear' is named after this important architect of Canadian culture and we use his name fondly.