History (Company)
The Belfry Theatre began producing plays in 1976. As a professional adult theatre company, we are dedicated to producing contemporary plays, with an emphasis on Canadian work, and to promoting artistic, cultural, and educational events in the Greater Victoria Region.
In the past 30 years the Belfry has become one of Canada’s most respected companies, producing 212 plays, of which 150 have been Canadian, and over 32 have been premiere productions. Many of the plays that have premiered at the Belfry have gone on to acclaim across Canada, in the U.S., Australia, Europe and London’s West End. Belfry Theatre productions have won awards in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.
The Belfry Theatre produces up to twelve plays per year: one or two summer productions, a four play Mainstage subscription series, and a mid-winter festival of innovative and alternative work from across Canada – our SPARK Festival.
The Belfry Theatre’s mission is to produce theatre that generates ideas and dialogue, and that makes the audience see the world a little differently.
Building
The company resides in a former Baptist Church built between 1887 and 1892. From the company’s inception until 1991 the Belfry rented the main theatre space in the building and shared the complex with a homeless shelter. In 1991, then owners, The Cool-Aid Society, relocated, and the Belfry began the first of five capital campaigns to buy and restore the building. Renovations were completed in 2000 with the restoration of the exterior. The building is listed in the heritage registry and has won a number of awards for its restoration.
Volunteers
The Belfry has over 250 dedicated people who volunteer as ushers and bar staff during performances. Many of these amazing people have been with the theatre for years, including a few who have been volunteering since the theatre’s inception.
The Belfry, like all charitable, social profit organizations, is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Affiliations
The Belfry Theatre is a social profit professional company operating within the Canadian Theatre Agreement in association with Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and is an active member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and the Professional Arts Alliance of Greater Victoria (ProArt).
Upcoming Shows
Latest News
Youth Auditions for Albert Herring and Little Sweep
Sketches from the Diary of an Artist
One Hot Theatre Company + One Belfry Theatre =...
Connect With Us
Calendar
Buy Tickets
Latest News
Belfry eNews