The city’s vibrant theatre scene is built on a solid foundation of small theatre companies staging innovative work. Focusing on Canadian playwrights, Theatre Network challenges its audience’s conceptions and welcomes controversy with the risks it takes. Though they recently lost their home, Roxy Theatre, to a fire, they’ve been reborn from the ashes at the Roxy on Gateway (8529 Gateway Blvd.). Their new home is shared by Edmonton Actors Theatre, whose bold work examines the relationship between the audience and the performer. Currently housed in the Backstage Theatre (10330-84 Ave.) while the Varscona is under construction, Shadow Theatre stages challenging Canadian work about the complexities of the human condition, which touch the audience’s heart while also opening their minds. With an emphasis on comedy in all its forms, Teatro la Quindicina performs plays filled with witty dialogue and heartfelt moments. Backstage is also home to many performances from the influential Workshop West, which develops playwrights and tells western Canadian stories. For stunning and surreal theatrical experiences that have been seen around the world, Catalyst Theatre is an entertaining bet filled with evocation and emotion. A home for emerging actors, the U of A’s Studio Theatre features plays starring up-and-coming performers from the university’s BFA program in the Timms Centre for the Arts (112 St. & 87 Ave.).
