Empress Theatre (Fort Macleod) facts for kids
Empress Theatre facade
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| Address | 235 Main Street, Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0 |
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| Coordinates | 49°43′33″N 113°24′27″W / 49.72573°N 113.40745°W |
| Owner | Town of Fort Macleod |
| Operator | Empress Theatre Society |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1910 |
| Opened | 1912 |
| Renovated | 1940s |
| Builder | J.S. Lambert |
The Empress Theatre is a special place in Fort Macleod, Alberta. It's a theatre that has been open for a very long time, since 1912! It's run by a group that doesn't make money from it, so they can focus on bringing great shows to the community.
A Look Back: The Empress Theatre's Story
The Empress Theatre has a long and interesting history. Back in January 1910, a newspaper called the Lethbridge Herald shared exciting news. They announced that a brand new opera house would be built in Fort Macleod. This new building would even have a special area for an orchestra!
The theatre officially opened its doors in 1912. It was a place for vaudeville shows, which were popular live performances with different acts like music, comedy, and dancing. It also hosted other theatrical plays. The theatre was even used by the North-West Mounted Police for their events.
What the Empress Theatre Looks Like
The Empress Theatre is a two-story building made of brick. It has a simple front that fits in well with the other buildings on the street. Inside, many of its original features are still there.
- Balcony: It still has its first balcony, where people can sit and watch the shows from above.
- Seating: The original seats are still used today.
- Dressing Rooms: Performers can get ready in the same dressing rooms that actors used over a hundred years ago.
- Projection Booth: The theatre also has its original projection booth. This is where movies used to be shown, and it's still there today!
