Stratford Festival Theatre
Ontario
Festival Theatre, located in Stratford, Ontario, serves as the central venue for the renowned Stratford Festival, one of Canada's premier performing arts events. Originally constructed in 1953 as a tent-covered theatre with concrete bleachers, it was designed to accommodate approximately 1,500 spectators and featured a thrust stage conceived by designer Tanya Moiseiwitsch. After four seasons, the temporary tent was replaced in 1957 by a permanent building that retained the original bleacher seating. The theatre's design, by architects Rounthwaite & Fairfield, was innovative for its time, combining functional acoustics with a unique circular seating arrangement covering 252 degrees. Festival Theatre has since become a cultural symbol of Stratford, embodying the city's vibrant artistic life and commitment to Shakespearean and classical theatre. Its creation was driven by the vision of journalist Tom Patterson and the involvement of Sir Tyrone Guthrie, who insisted on professional standards and star performers. The theatre continues to be a hub for theatrical excellence and community pride.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance, especially during the summer festival season when performances are most frequent. The best time to visit is during the Stratford Festival's peak months from April to October. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Arriving early allows time to explore the theatre's architecture and nearby cultural attractions in Stratford.
Interesting facts
- •The original Festival Theatre was a unique combination of concrete bleachers covered by a tent, a design that had no prior prototype worldwide.
- •The false ceiling inside the tent was made of cotton sheets sprayed with fireproofing to serve as acoustic baffles.
- •The theatre's circular seating covers 252 degrees, divided into seven 36-degree sections, creating an intimate connection between audience and performers.
- •Sir Tyrone Guthrie, who directed the festival's early years, was instrumental in establishing the theatre's professional standards and international reputation.
History
The Festival Theatre was initially constructed in 1953 as a tent-covered venue with concrete bleachers to host the first Stratford Festival.
Designed by architects Rounthwaite & Fairfield, it was intended as a temporary solution due to financial uncertainties.
After four seasons, the tent was dismantled, and a permanent theatre building was constructed on the existing bleachers, opening in 1957.
The theatre's inception was spearheaded by Stratford journalist Tom Patterson and shaped by Sir Tyrone Guthrie's direction.
Over the decades, Festival Theatre has evolved into a cultural landmark, central to Stratford's identity and the success of the Stratford Festival.
Place Guide
Thrust Stage1953
Designed by Tanya Moiseiwitsch, the thrust stage extends into the audience, allowing actors to perform surrounded on three sides, enhancing intimacy and engagement.
Permanent Theatre Building1957
Completed in 1957, this building replaced the original tent structure while retaining the concrete bleacher seating, providing a year-round venue for performances.
Contact
Phone: (519) 273-1600
