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History of Massey Theatre
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 Metro 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 Metro Vancouver Region.
Great shows seen at Massey Theatre:
Ache Brasil, Paul Brandt, Los Morenos, Jorane
Interesting Facts
- The Massey Theatre was designed and built in 1948 by E. Evans and Son and W.M. Bow Associate Architects of Vancouver. In its original form, the building had a strong modern identity indicative of post war optimism. "Modernism," as an architectural form, was realized in Canada tentatively in the 1930s and only became firmly entrenched in the 1950s coincident with the post war economic boom.
- The original streamlined interior plasterwork of parallel lines and curved planes is intact and retains a geometric elegance. "Cosmetic" changes, however, have introduced a monochromatic color scheme and the original grand glass entry tower has been covered over. Additions such as band rooms have meant the loss of the theatre's initial modern clarity.
- The retention of the stage and audience chamber as conceived has provided the Lower Mainland with one of the few operating "hemp houses" in North America. The term "hemp house" refers to the rigging system which uses woven fiber to secure scenery in the fly tower. Many of the knots and techniques used in hemp systems are connected with the ancient rigging lore or sailing ships.
- Massey Theatre's capacity of 1,260 seats makes it the largest proscenium theatre in the city outside of Vancouver. The orchestra seating capacity is 867 plus ten wheelchair positions and the balcony holds 393 seats.
- In 2005, Massey Theatre was shut down for 8 months by the School District for the school's demolition/major renovations. Massey Theatre
Where did Massey get it's name?
Massey Theatre was originally 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.
How Massey Theatre Works
After 59 years things have evolved and changed several times... [read more]
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