Walterdale Playhouse facts for kids

Originally Strathcona Fire Hall No. 1, built in 1909, became Fire Hall No. 6 in the 1912 amalgamation with Edmonton. It has housed the Walterdale Theatre since 1974, and has been an Alberta Historic Site since 14 July 1976. The tower still holds the original bell.

The Walterdale Playhouse is a fun place in Edmonton where people perform live shows. It's in the Old Strathcona area. In 2008, this theatre celebrated 50 years of putting on plays! Many people help run the theatre. They are volunteers who give their time. The theatre also gets money from donations to keep going.

The History of Walterdale Playhouse

The Walterdale Playhouse started in 1959. It was founded by a group called the Walterdale Theatre Associates. This group is one of the oldest amateur theatre groups in Western Canada. An "amateur" group means that the people performing and working there are not paid professionals. They do it for the love of theatre!

Since 1974, the Walterdale Theatre Associates have been in a special building. It's the oldest fire hall in Alberta! This building was once called Strathcona Firehall No. 1. Later, it became Edmonton Fire Hall No. 6. The Associates changed this old fire hall into the Walterdale Playhouse.

The fire hall was built in 1909. Today, it is recognized as a Provincial Registered Historical Resource. This means it's an important historical building in the province. The theatre can seat 145 people. In 1994, the Walterdale Playhouse won an award. It was for their "Outstanding Contribution to Performing Arts." The theatre is a very important part of the arts and culture in Edmonton.