Celebrating 25 years!

Dec. 28, 2021 10:00 a.m.
​The City Playhouse Theatre marks its silver anniversary


In 1996, the City of Vaughan hosted the grand opening of the City Playhouse Theatre when its curtain raised for the first time with the launch of a three-month “Festival of Arts.” Fast-forward 25 years, and the love of live theatre and performing arts still holds strong throughout the city. 

While the City Playhouse Theatre is closed temporarily due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the City is using this time wisely to make needed improvements and renovations to the facility, including:  

  • newly repainted back of house (all dressing rooms and rehearsal rooms)  
  • lighting retrofit (coming soon)
  • new lobby furniture 
  • full renovations of the Box Office and concession areas with accessible counters (coming soon)
  • new ticketing system, Red 61, featuring user-friendly functions including the option to print tickets at home and download e-tickets to your mobile device 

The theatre was a first in Vaughan and designed with state-of-the-art amenities to be used to enjoy live performances, to host events and by citizens to participate in musical theatre programs. Over the years, the theatre has been home to a wide variety of theatrical performances, dances, children’s shows, competitions of many types – from singing to body building – as well as musical theatre programs for all ages, and summer camps for children. 

The City runs Playhouse Academy programs there to offer elite musical theatre training to participants of all ages, from preschoolers to adults, and experience levels, from beginner to professional. Academy programs are delivered by performing arts professionals who coach participants in acting, singing and dancing. For information about upcoming Academy programs, view the Winter Recreation eGuide at vaughan.ca/recreation. 

QUOTE
"This year marks the City Playhouse Theatre’s silver anniversary. For 25 years, the theatre has brought our community together to share our love for the performing arts. When it opened in 1996, the City Playhouse Theatre was a first-of-its-kind in our community. Since then, it has evolved to become a centre of excellence where people of all ages can enjoy live performances and even participate in them. The City of Vaughan remains committed to hosting programs that capture our community's vibrancy and provide opportunities for local, national and international artists to share their creative expression. I look forward to the day when we are able to once again gather to experience the best of what Vaughan has to offer."
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

QUICK FACTS

  • On Sept. 21, 1996, the City of Vaughan held a grand opening of the City Playhouse Theatre, launching the start of a three-month “Festival of the Arts,” which included a variety of amateur and professional productions.
  • The theatre is a joint complex with York Region District School Board.  
  • The theatre was a first in Vaughan, designed with state-of-the-art amenities to be a multi-purpose theatre for the community to enjoy live performances, host events and participate in musical theatre programs.

LEARN MORE

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