EDMONTON, January 15, 2019
The show must go on: after a devastating fire, Edmonton's historic Roxy Theatre will be coming back bigger and better than before.
Today, Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), announced an investment of $2.5 million from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for the Theatre Network Society. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
This funding will support the construction of a new 14,639-square-foot Roxy Theatre, which will be rebuilt in its original location on 124th Street. The new facility will include a 200-seat black box theatre, an 80-seat studio theatre, a rehearsal hall and a gallery in the lobby. It will also be fully accessible for audiences and artists with disabilities.
The Theatre Network Society owns and operates the Roxy Theatre. The original building was destroyed by fire in January 2015. The Society has since relocated to a temporary space in Old Strathcona for its productions and performing arts series. Construction of the new Roxy Theatre is expected to be completed within the next 18 months.
"Investing in our artists, performers and creators is crucial to the development and sustainability of Canada's creative economy. By supporting important institutions like the Roxy Theatre, we are helping to re-establish a treasured space where Edmonton's cultural community can continue to build, flourish and grow."
— The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"Edmonton lost one of its most beloved artistic landmarks when the original Roxy Theatre burned down four years ago this month. The hard work of the Theatre Network Society and its determination to rebuild this iconic facility, along with tremendous community goodwill, have brought us to this moment. Our government is delighted to be a partner in the construction of the new Roxy."
— Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre)
"The arts are an essential part of our national fabric. They enrich our lives, engage our minds and capture our hearts. The Government of Canada not only understands this, but it ensures communities like ours are able to fulfill its dreams—like making the new Roxy Theatre a reality. We are fortunate to live in a country that recognizes the broad impact that arts and cultural institutions can make in communities. I am proud to lead the Board as we help ensure the next generation of performers will continue to find a home at the Roxy."
— Jared Tabler, President, Board of Directors, Theatre Network Society
"With the support of Canadian Heritage and the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, this investment will help us to take the leap forward towards a new Roxy Theatre. We will now confidently roll up our sleeves and work with Group 2 Architecture and Interior Design towards tendering and then starting construction this spring. Theatre Network is excited to be back home on 124th Street in Edmonton, and to build a new arts facility that will proudly serve Edmonton and Canada for years to come."
— Bradley Moss, Artistic and Executive Director, Theatre Network Society
Quick facts
The Theatre Network Society, founded in 1975, is an award-winning professional theatre company. The Society fosters and develops new Canadian theatre with an emphasis on Western Canada, and aims to provide audiences with the best of contemporary and international productions.
The original Roxy Theatre, originally a cinema, was built in 1938. It was transformed into a live theatre venue in 1990 and functioned as such until 2015, when the building was destroyed by fire. Since then, the Theatre Network Society has been operating in a smaller 140‑seat theatre on Gateway Boulevard. The new Roxy Theatre will be rebuilt on the site of its former location in Edmonton's Westmount neighbourhood.
The Theatre Network Society is also the presenter of Nextfest, a multidisciplinary arts festival, dedicated to providing space for over 500 emerging artists in Alberta. The rebuilt theatre will also be the new home for the Nextfest Arts Company.
In 2018, the Theatre Network Society received $330,270 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for pre-construction design work.
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation. The fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.
