Broadway Theatre (Saskatoon) facts for kids
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| Address | 715 Broadway Avenue |
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| Location | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Coordinates | 52°07′06″N 106°39′23″W / 52.11833°N 106.65639°W |
| Owner | Friends of the Broadway Theatre, Inc. |
| Type | Movie palace, Performing arts center |
| Genre(s) | Art cinema |
| Seating type | Fixed seats |
| Capacity | 430 |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1946 |
| Opened | December 5, 1946 |
| Closed | August 2, 1993 (re-opened October 1993) |
The Broadway Theatre is a historic movie and performance theatre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It's located on Broadway Avenue in the Nutana neighborhood. What makes this theatre special is that it's the only one in Canada that is owned by the community. It is a non-profit repertory cinema, which means it focuses on showing classic, independent, and art film movies rather than just new blockbusters.
Contents
History of the Theatre
Grand Opening
The Broadway Theatre opened its doors on December 5, 1946, right after World War II. It was designed by the architect George Forrester in a cool style called Streamline Moderne, which featured sleek curves and a modern look. For many years, it was the go-to place for entertainment in the area. It showed popular movies and even hosted live music shows on its stage.
A Time of Change
Starting in the 1950s, the neighborhood around the theatre began to change. By the 1970s, the theatre had gone through a difficult period and was not the family-friendly place it once was.
However, in the 1980s, it was saved and restored. It once again became a place for people to see art films and enjoy live performances. Because of its important history, the theatre was named a municipal heritage property on April 14, 1997.
Saved by the Community
On August 2, 1993, the theatre suddenly closed. The community loved the theatre so much that they started a public campaign to raise money. An organization called "Friends of the Broadway Theatre, Inc." was formed. They bought the theatre and reopened it in October 1993.
Today, this non-profit group still runs the theatre. They continue to show a mix of art films, Canadian movies, and local films, along with hosting live music.
A Look Inside the Theatre
The Broadway Theatre is designed to give audiences a great view. It has 430 seats, plus six spots for wheelchairs. The stage is a classic proscenium style, which means it has a large arch that frames the performance area.
- Seating: 430 seats total
- Stage Size: About 10.8 meters wide and 7.3 meters deep
- Movie Screen: 7.8 meters wide and 3.8 meters high
When you walk into the lobby, you'll see beautiful terrazzo floors. This is a type of flooring made with chips of marble or granite. The doorways leading into the theatre have special lighting that gives the space a classic, warm glow.
Who Has Run the Theatre?
Over the years, different groups have operated the Broadway Theatre.
- 1947–1959: Odeon Theatres
- 1967–1975: Famous Players
- 1984–1993: Still Reel Cinema
- 1993–Present: Friends of the Broadway
