Walterdale Playhouse

This small theater in Old Strathcona feels like it has been around forever yet is tidy and beautifully maintained. I saw Dracula here on the 26^th of October for twenty dollars and was told all the plays they run are usually at a similar affordable price point. Having a smaller stage makes it easy to feel like your close to the action no matter where in the theater you end up sitting. My only real issue with the evening was the placement of their concession. Having it right at the front door created a huge congestion issue before the play and during the intermission with people getting snacks, trying to go outside for smoke breaks, and people trying to hang up their coats.

Walterdale Playhouse is my home away from home. I have been involved with the theatre for the past 8 years — as a patron, a board member, an actor, painter, set builder, assistant stage manager, props — you name it, I’ve done it. I had no previous theatre experience, but the volunteers (they have one paid administrator, the rest is entirely volunteer run) scooped me up, fostered any talent I had in me and let me run with it.
I am continually amazed at the professionalism in this amateur community theatre. Their most recent production, Nine, was phenomenal. The stage was incredible. The musicians were outstanding, the cast and crew were amazing. From upside down singing on a stripper pole, to dance numbers with a huge cast — this little theatre transported the audience out of their seats and into the Italian spa.
The art in the lobby is indeed from local artists and is coordinated before each show to reflect the themes in the show. All are available for purchase and is a great way to integrate local artists into our community.
The theatre is cozy and very intimate, but not too small that you feel claustrophobic.
Ticket prices range from $ 12-​$ 20, the first Thursday of every run is 2 for 1. Also the Monday before the show opens is Student night — students get in free with a valid Student ID. Amazing deal!
Located next to the Strathcona Farmer’s Market, the building is a converted fire hall — the first in Strathcona — and the building is a designated heritage spot at over 100 years old.

The Walterdale is a community theatre that gives many an aspiring actor, set designer, or production assistant some valuable experience. Although the productions are run primarily by volunteers (including the actors), the productions are very professional. Ticket prices are affordable, and there are Sunday matinees. Art from local artists adorn the corridors of the lobby, which can get quite cramped before and after a show. The small snack bar offers some candy and drinks. If you like live theatre, don’t overlook what’s happening at the Walterdale!

A small-​ish theatre in the heart of Old Strathcona that works overtime during the Fringe Festival, but runs all year round with a great selection of shows.
I caught Walterdale’s production of Charlie Brown here — LOVED IT! The theatre’s small layout means the cast gets pretty close to the audience in most productions. The cast and the live band were both really talented. Super cute costumes and funny performances. And that drummer — shazaaam!
A couple of snacks available — Twizzlers and the like — nothing too fancy. But it got me through the show!