1912-Present

An historic jewel of southern Alberta, the Empress Theatre was built in 1912 in the town of Macleod (now Fort Macleod) as a venue to entertain the Northwest Mounted Police through vaudeville and theatrical productions. It has remained an important part of the town since - mainly as a movie theatre. Currently the Empress Theatre shows films most evenings, but also has a concert series, hosts several film festivals, a chamber music festival, and summer theatre. Summer tours run regularly, with tours during the rest of the year available by request.

July through August 2011 Dramas:

Tornado Magnet: a Salute to Trailer Court Women

-by Darrin Hagen

-July 1 - Auguest 27, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm with special 11 am matinees on July 5 and August 2

- Recommended for ages 13 and up

Bird Brain

- by Vern Thiessen

- July 1 - August 27, Saturdays at 11 am, with special 11 am matinees on July 6, August 3 and August 24

- recommended for ages 5 and up

Vaudeville!

- July 22 and August 19, 8 pm (will take the place of Tornado Magnet for these nights)

Empress Theatre Historical Tours

- Wednesdays-Saturdays from July 1 to August 27, 3 times a day (12:30 pm, 2 pm, and 3:30 pm)

Summer Drama Camps

- Stories with Character - July 11-15, ages 8-12

- Vaudeville! Camp 1 - July 18-22, ages 8-18

- Theatre Take Off - July 25-29, ages 6-8

- Creativity in Motion - August 8-12, ages 12-16

- Vaudeville! Camp 2 - August 15-19, ages 8-18

Year-round

Office is open 9-5 weekdays, Theatre is open a half-hour before performances

Right in the heart of Fort Macleod