7 Best Performing Arts in Vancouver, British Columbia

Arts Club Theatre Company

Fodor's choice
The Arts Club Theatre Company stages productions (a few by local playwrights) on three principal stages: the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage on South Granville, the Granville Island Stage, and a third in False Creek's Olympic Village.

Rio Theatre

Fodor's choice
Built in 1938, this independent cinema is an East Vancouver legend. Take in a classic film, award-winning movie, concert, or production while sipping on a cocktail and eating their famous grilled cheese. See website for showtimes.

Vancouver TheatreSports League

Fodor's choice
Vancouver TheatreSports League is an internationally renowned comedy improv company; they run regular and themed shows (based on popular movies, television shows, and more) at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. They also host an annual winter comedy festival called The Massacre. Shows here are always laugh-out-loud funny.

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Carousel Theatre for Young People

Children's theater is the focus here, with most performances across the street at the Waterfront Theatre, though some are elsewhere in the city.

The Cultch

The Vancouver East Cultural Centre is a multipurpose performance space set in a 1909 church. Usually just called "The Cultch," it hosts concerts, theater productions, dance shows, and more.

Theatre Under the Stars

In summer, family-friendly musicals like Mamma Mia!, Shrek, Mary Poppins, and 42nd Street are the main draw at Malkin Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater in Stanley Park. You can watch the show from the lawn and bring a picnic to make it dinner theater. Ask about the exchange insurance when buying tickets as plein-air shows happen rain or shine. If there's a downpour midshow, audience members are provided with ponchos—and chances are that the cast will applaud you for hanging in!

Waterfront Theatre

Next door to Granville Island's Kids Market, this theater often hosts children and youth-oriented performances. Its intimate size is also lovely for writers' readings, dance shows, and plays.
1412 Cartwright St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3R7, Canada
604-423--5545