New Westminster, BC – Massey Theatre Society (MTS) is pleased to announce the City of New Westminster’s 20.1 Million dollar investment in renovations and accessibility in to the Massey Theatre Arts Complex (Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces).
On June 12th, 2023, City Council voted unanimously to approve the 20.1 million dollar budget as part of their phase one investment in the theatre and ancillary spaces. “The City has further committed to the preservation of the historic Massey Theatre through this $20.1M investment in repairs, structural upgrades, and accessibility improvements,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone, City of New Westminster. “We are fortunate to have a partner in the Massey Theatre Society dedicated to not just programming a grand theatre, but in making the space an arts hub that serves the entire community.”
These repairs, upgrades and accessibility improvements include:
- replacing roofs and the exterior wall system,
- removal of the North Wing gymnasium,
- enhanced accessibility with new elevators and accessible universal washrooms.
“A significant investment in the structure by the City of New Westminster is essential for our charitable organization to raise the funds necessary to make our own investments in the arts and our specialised infrastructure,” said Jessica Schneider, Executive Director, Massey Theatre Society. “This partnership brings tremendous renewal that will benefit the entire community locally and regionally.”
With this decision by Council, the Massey Theatre Society can focus on its key priorities of professional arts presentation, community engagement, and, access to arts for all. With numerous established programs and exciting initiatives in development, the society is raising funds towards these initiatives and programs while the City ensures the modernization, renovation and improved physical access to the building.
Current Massey Theatre Society Programs
Mainstage Presentations
Studio Theatre Presentations
Community Nights (free use)
Artist Access Program (reduced rates for artists)
Coming Home Program (2SLGBTQ+ social programs)
Artistic Creation Residencies
Gallery Programs
Massey Helps Grants
Innovative Food and Beverage Program
Programs and Initiatives In Development
Community Kitchen
Present Yourself Studio Theatre Series
Old School Music Hall Series
Immersive and Interactive Digital Exhibition
Art and Makers Shop
Art Based Camps and Registered Programs
Landscape and Public Art Installations
About Massey Theatre Society
The Massey Theatre opened in 1949 as British Columbia’s largest theatre, at the time, with 1,260 seats. Since then, its lights have shone on thousands of performances and has become a cherished space to experience the arts. The Massey hosts large scale musicals, international music and dance performances, symphonies, choirs, ballets and more. The theatre is a key gathering place with over 100,000 visitors and hosting over 200 events/performances each year.
Massey Theatre Society contributes to artistic and cultural vibrancy in many ways. From presenting professional theatre, dance, music and original interdisciplinary performances; to engaging community through artist led creative and cultural development programs. With the recent expansion, MTS supports professional practitioners with funds and facility resources, offer technical residencies on their stages and engage artists with community in innovative ways.
Media Contact:
Erin Jeffery
Director, Marketing and Communications, Massey Theatre
erin@masseytheatre.com | 604.517.5900