ABOUT THE ARDEN THEATRE

 

Intimate, comfortable, superbly equipped ...

Located in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, The Arden Theatre has gained an international reputation for excellence. Since opening its doors in 1984, The Arden Theatre has played host to some of the world's most respected artists as well as dance schools, musicians, actors and school groups from the community. Busy over 300 days of the year, the Arden Theatre is home to over 150 events playing to more than 60,000 patrons.

The Arden is also home to the Northern Alberta International Children's Festival, an annual five-day festival attracting over 50,000 children and families; and to the renowned St. Albert Children's Theatre, a cultural leadership program using musical theatre to help young people learn leadership and communication skills.

Facts & Statistics About The Arden

• 509 seats
• Just minutes from Edmonton
• Wheelchair accessible lobby, washrooms and seating
• Starsound Infrared Hearing System with portable receivers
• Located in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada at St. Albert Place Civic and Cultural Centre, housing a visual arts wing, museum, public library, civic administration and council chambers
• Designed by acclaimed architect Douglas Cardinal

State-of-the-Art Technical Equipment

The Arden offers the latest in technical equipment, having upgraded its sound and lighting systems in 2000 and 2001.

• Large proscenium stage of cushioned, tempered hardboard
  (13.75 m deep x 23.6 m wide)
• ETC lighting system
• Apogee sound system
• 26 fly lines
• Hydraulic orchestra pit
• Computerized box office offering complete ticketing and Ticketmaster services
• Steinway 7' grand piano
• Fully distributed closed circuit video system

Additional Services & Amenities

• PROGRESS HALL
  • Located just off the lobby
  • Comfortably seats 80 patrons
  • Dance barre and mirror
  • Ideal for rehearsals, classes, meetings and recitals
  • Two large Dressing Rooms
    • with showers
  • Two small Dressing Rooms
    • with showers
  • Wardrobe Room
    • sewing machine, irons and ironing board, washer and dryer
  • Green Room/Lounge
    • sofas, sink, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, TV
• Licensed Bar and Concession in lobby
• Coat Check Service
• Free Parking

Ardent Volunteers

Part of The Arden's success is due to the support the theatre receives from the community, and the Ardent Volunteer Corps is an outstanding example. A vibrant group of people with diverse skills and interests, the Ardents volunteer their time and talent in various areas.

Some are house managers and ushers, others work behind the scenes with our technicians while the Hospitality Committee ensures our artists receive star treatment during their stay.

Interested in becoming a part of this integral team? Please call The Arden
at (780) 459-1540 for more information on volunteering.

Take Centre Stage

Awards presentations, school concerts, dance competitions and community theatre are just a few of the many community events The Arden hosts every year. Our friendly, efficient and professional staff ensure your event will be a memorable one. And while the facilities and staff are all top-notch, the rental rates are very down-to-earth, featuring special pricing for not-for-profit groups.

Star Quality

The Arden programs a wide range of professional artists from all disciplines: dance, music, theatre, family shows and education. Some of the performers who have graced The Arden's stage over the years include: Celine Dion, Michelle Wright, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Maureen Forrester, Fred Penner, Holly Cole, Margie Gillis, Loreena McKennitt and Bobby McFerrin.

What the Artists Say...

"Walking into this theatre is like a warm embrace." –Diane Schuur
"Great hall, wonderful staff." –Liona Boyd
"Beautiful place — thanks for taking such great care of us." –Spirit of the West
"Loved it — I'll be back!"–Natalie MacMaster
"This place is magic." –Manteca

What the Audience Says...

"Not a bad seat in the house."
"Great time spent here; looking forward to many more."
"Good sight lines, excellent acoustics and excellent performers — good variety and super quality."
"It's a beautiful place in every sense."
"Very impressed! Always!"

To book your event or for more information, please contact:

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Presenter's Message

I love to celebrate occasions. They can be birthdays, holidays, changing seasons, or just a day of the week. The best part of any occasion is to be able to share it with others, so it is with a great deal of joy that I celebrate with you the Arden Theatre's 2008-2009 Silver Anniversary Season.

With the doors of the theatre thrown open in December of 1983, The Arden’s inaugural season reflected a programming vision that is still very much alive today. On the bill was a fresh young dance company called Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal who entranced the audience in a performance that was quoted as being “the hit of the season.” In 1986 we waited with great anticipation for Valdy to sing his hit song Dusty Old Farmer. In the 1987-88 season the legendary Maureen Forrester graced The Arden stage at the height of her career. A few years later Don Messer’s Jubilee performed two sold-out shows to his faithful fans of the television show of the same name. The theatre took a chance in 1991 on programming an up and coming young woman hailing from the small town of Charlemagne, Quebec. With her first Juno Award in hand, Celine Dion performed to a packed theatre.

In my 15 years of programming The Arden, I continue to be in awe of the amazing performances we have been privileged to bring to St. Albert. I will never forget when the Smothers Brothers agreed to perform here. I still have the autographed yo-yo to remind me of that fabulous evening. Tempting Providence, a theatre piece from Newfoundland, moved many of us in the audience to tears. I still remember the energy I felt while standing at the back of the theatre as the audience leaped to their feet for the phenomenal performance by David Clayton-Thomas. A performance that will always stay with me was the unforgettable evening in the spring of 2005 by the late Jeff Healey.

This 2008-2009 Silver Anniversary Season not only includes the venerable talents of Colin James, Michael Kaeshammer and Jesse Cook, but also amazing new talent such as Jill Barber, Dala and Emilie-Claire Barlow. We are also eager to introduce the innovative On Stage Series.

The On Stage Series will take you up close and personal like never before. Imagine if you will, sitting on the stage, watching an artist perform, while you sip champagne or enjoy hors d’oeuvres. Imagine that your Sunday morning includes a delicious brunch as you interact with an illustrious broadcast journalist; or listen from only meters away to a brilliant young artist at the grand piano; or feel the energy of dancers who are so close you could almost touch them. This will truly be an experience as intimate as you’ll ever get on The Arden stage.

I am thrilled to have put together a season worthy of a silver anniversary. I hope you will join us as we salute the past and look forward with great anticipation to our next 25 years. Thank you for your support as we have grown and evolved into one of the very finest theatres in our country.

Here’s to celebrating,

Brenda Heatherington
Theatre Manager

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The Arden is proud to recognize our Government Supporters: