Alberta Theatre Guide-2026

Theatre Guide

Alberta theatre companies’ plays for the 2026–2027 season.

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Edmonton

CITADEL THEATRE
Venue: Shoctor Theatre unless noted
Artistic director: Daryl Cloran
Website: citadeltheatre.com

MAINSTAGE SERIES
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Sep 19–Oct 11
Based on the Agatha Christie novel, adapted by Ken Ludwig, directed by Kelly Thornton.
Aboard the luxurious Orient Express, detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder.
THE GREAT GATSBY
Oct 31–Nov 22
Based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, adapted by Erin Shields, directed by Daryl Cloran.
Millionaire Jay Gatsby aims to recapture the affections of his lost love, Daisy, in the Jazz Age.
ANNIE
Venue: Maclab Theatre
Jan 30–Mar 7
Based on the Harold Gray comic strip, adapted by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, directed by Julie Tomaino.
During the Depression, young Annie leaves the orphanage and joins a new family.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
Feb 20–Mar 14
Based on the Jane Austen novel, adapted by Jessica B. Hill and Daryl Cloran, directed by Daryl Cloran.
After the death of their father, the Dashwood sisters— prudent Elinor and passionate Marianne—must navigate courtship while protecting their reputations.
THE COMEBACK
Mar 27–Apr 18
By Trish Cooper and Sam Vint, directed by Eric Coates.
A surprise pregnancy brings together two families, Métis and settler, and leads father- to-be Adam to contend with his family history through writing. Inspired by the playwrights’ own lives.
COME FROM AWAY
May 8–Jun 6
By Irene Sankoff and David Hein, directed by Ashlie Corcoran.
Gander, Newfoundland, takes in nearly 7,000 stranded travellers after the events of September 11, 2001, temporarily doubling the town’s population.

HIGHWIRE SERIES
OUR LITTLE SECRET
Venue: Maclab Theatre
Oct 15–25
By Noam Tomaschoff, directed by Adam Pascal.
Noam Tomaschoff finds out that he is not an only child but has 35 biological siblings.
CHULA
Venue: Maclab Theatre
Oct 15–25
By Alexandra Lainfiesta
A singer returns to Guatemala to reconnect with family.

SEASONAL SHOWS
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Jul 4–Aug 2
By Rachel Sheinken, music by William Finn, directed by Mieko Ouchi.
Six awkward adolescents compete in a high stakes spelling bee.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Venue: Maclab Theatre
Nov 21–Dec 24
Based on the Charles Dickens novella, adapted by David van Belle, directed by Lianna Makuch.
The classic tale of miser Ebenezer Scrooge.

FRINGE THEATRE
Website: fringetheatre.ca
2026–2027 SEASON
To be announced.
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
Aug 13–23
The 45th year of North America’s largest fringe festival will feature 1,600 artists and 210 productions.

MACEWAN THEATRE
Venue: Triffo Theatre or
Tim Ryan Theatre Lab
Website: macewan.ca/theatre
RENT
Oct 29–Nov 1 (preview Oct 28)
By Jonathan Larson.
This rock musical follows a group of New York artists living through the HIV/AIDS crisis.
HUNCHBACK
Nov 26–29 (preview Nov 25)
By Jonathan Christenson, based on the Victor Hugo novel.
A musical about the outcast bell-ringer Quasimodo.
THE PENELOPIAD
Mar 4–7 (preview Mar 3)
By Margaret Atwood.
A retelling of Homer’s Odyssey through the eyes of Penelope and her 12 maids.
ANYTHING GOES
Mar 18–21 (preview May 17)
By P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton, new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman, music by Cole Porter.
Set on a luxury ocean liner, featuring the classic tunes.

NORTHERN LIGHT THEATRE
Venue: Studio Theatre
Artistic director: Trevor Schmidt
Website: northernlighttheatre.com
IRON MATRON
Oct 23–Nov 7 (preview Oct 22)
By Trevor Schmidt.
Senior citizen Alice forms a heavy metal band.
MILKED
Jan 22–Feb 6 (preview Jan 21)
By Simon Longman, directed by Trevor Schmidt.
Friends Paul and Snowy find and aid a sick cow.
DUET FOR ONE
Apr 9–24 (preview Apr 8)
By Tom Kempinski, directed by Trevor Schmidt.
A violinist diagnosed with multiple sclerosis finds meaning beyond music.

SHADOW THEATRE
Venue: Varscona Theatre
Artistic director: Lana Michelle Hughes
Website: shadowtheatre.org
YAGA
Oct 14–Nov 1
By Kat Sandler, directed by Lana Michelle Hughes.
A modern whodunit reimagining of the legend of Baba Yaga.
THE WALTZ
Jan 20–Feb 7
By Marie Beath Badian, directed by Gina Puntil.
A road trip in 1993 ends in romance on the prairies.
UNDRESSED
Mar 17–Apr 4
By Louise Casemore, directed by Lana Michelle Hughes.
An exploration of the pressures of the wedding industry.
THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARIES
Apr 28–May 16
By Mark Crawford, directed by John Hudson.
A breakup after 50 years of marriage, and its aftermath.

THEATRE NETWORK
Venue: Nancy Power Theatre
Artistic director: Jenna Rodgers
Website: theatrenetwork.ca
OH, ANNE!
Sep 17–Oct 18
Based on the L.M. Montgomery novel, adapted and directed by Bridget Ryan.
The literary character is paired with Maritime music.

THEATRE YES
Artistic director: Max Rubin and Ruth Alexander
Website: www.theatreyes.com
ANIMAL FARM
April 2027
Based on the satirical George Orwell novel.
An allegory about how political power can corrupt.

U OF A STUDIO THEATRE
Venue: Timms Centre for the Arts
Website: ualberta.ca/studio-theatre
HEDDA GABLER
Oct 8–17
By Henrik Ibsen, adapted by Patrick Marber.
A bored wife and general’s daughter seeks independence.
THE EXTRACTIONIST
Dec 3–12
By Michaela Jeffery.
A neo-noir thriller about a cult deprogrammer and detective up against a dangerous criminal.
TWELFTH NIGHT
Feb 4–13
By William Shakespeare.
Romance, comedy and mistaken identity feature in this play centred on twins separated in a shipwreck.
UNITY (1918)
Apr 1–10
By Kevin Kerr.
Fear of the Spanish Flu turns townspeople against each other. The play won the 2002 Governor General’s Award for English-language drama.

WALTERDALE THEATRE
Venue: Walterdale Playhouse
Artistic director: Joyanne Rudiak
Website: walterdaletheatre.com
THE TAMER TAMED
Oct 14–24
By John Fletcher, adapted by Anne Marie Szucs and Joyanne Rudiak, directed by Joyanne Rudiak.
In this sequel to The Taming of the Shrew, Maria attempts to tame her new husband, Petruchio.
MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY
Dec 2–12
By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, directed by Mary Jane Kreisel.
Christmas at Darcy’s results in courtship for bookish Mary.
PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Feb 10–20
By Rick Elice, based on the Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson novel, music by Wayne Barker, directed by Kristen M. Finlay.
Two children protect magical “starstuff” from pirates in this Peter Pan prequel.
THE EXTRACTIONIST
Apr 21–May 1
By Michaela Jeffery, directed by Ashley Patenaude.
A cult deprogrammer and detective versus a predator.
FROM CRADLE TO STAGE
May 25–30
Festival coordinated by Shawn Marshall.
Original plays by Edmonton’s emerging playwrights.
RIDE THE CYCLONE
Jul 7–17
By Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, directed by David Son.
Six teens killed in a roller coaster accident compete for another chance at life.

WORKSHOP WEST
Venue: The Gateway Theatre
Managing director: Martin Galba
Website: www.workshopwest.org
Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre’s 48th season launch is scheduled for September.
SPRINGBOARDS NEW PLAY FESTIVAL
Dates TBA
By various playwrights. Showcasing staged readings from upcoming plays written by local artists.

Calgary

ALBERTA THEATRE PROJECTS
Venue: Martha Cohen Theatre
Artistic director: Haysam Kadri
Website: albertatheatreprojects.com
EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL
Oct 13–Nov 14
Based on characters created by Sam Raimi, adapted by George Reinblatt.
In this comedy-horror, college students are accidentally possessed by demons.
THE HOBBIT
Dec 1–Jan 3
Based on the J.R.R. Tolkien book, adapted by Kim Selody.
Hobbit Bilbo Baggins must recover stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug.
FIFTEEN DOGS
Feb 2–21
Based on the André Alexis novel, adapted by Marie Farsi, directed by Haysam Kadri.
Fifteen shelter dogs are granted human consciousness by the gods.
BURNING MOM
Apr 6–25
Written and directed by Mieko Ouchi.
A widowed retiree takes the road trip of her late husband’s dreams to Burning Man.
DREAM: A CANADIAN MUSICAL
May 25–Jun 20
Written and composed by Terry Bachynski.
An orphaned teen finds purpose after being placed in the care of an elderly widow.

DOWNSTAGE
Venue: Motel Theatre, Arts Commons, unless noted
Artistic director: Clare Preuss
Website: downstage.ca
DREAMING CLIMATE CONSCIOUSNESS
Oct 23, 24
A STUDY OF CHOICES
Apr 7–11
By Linda Wardal and Gustav Lejelind.
A real-time improv experiment by the Swedish duo, guest performers and the audience.

GHOST RIVER THEATRE
Venue: West Village Theatre
Artistic director: Eric Rose
Website: www.ghostrivertheatre.com
Devised experimental theatre. Works in progress:
FLOAT
Conceived and written by Eric Rose, music by Kris Demeanor.
SOFT SQUISHY THINGS
Created and designed by Robin Leveroos and Eric Rose, performed by Robin Leveroos.

LUNCHBOX THEATRE
Venue: Studio Theatre, cSpace
Artistic director: Bronwyn Steinberg
Website: lunchboxtheatre.com
RIBSTONE
Oct 7–17
Written and performed by Christopher Hunt.
The complicated history of southern Alberta.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL RADIO PLAY LIVE
Dec 1–24
A local station takes on the Dickens classic with live sound effects.
INNER ELDER
Jan 20–30
Written and performed by Michelle Thrush.
Exploring Indigenous identity.
OH MOTHER!
Mar 2–6
Written and performed by Rebbekah Ogden.
A young artist’s desire to paint is thwarted by her mother’s resistance.
MARV & EV
Apr 27–May 15
By Jason Long.
STAGE ONE
June
A festival of new Canadian work.

ONE YELLOW RABBIT
Managing director: John Dunn
Website: oyr.org
HIGH PERFORMANCE RODEO
Venue: Various
Jan 15–Feb 6
A multidisciplinary festival of planned and spontaneous live performances operating for over four decades.

STORYBOOK THEATRE
Venue: Beddington Theatre Arts Centre
Artistic director: J.P. Thibodeau
Website: storybooktheatre.org
HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION
Aug 14–Sep 6
The Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is retold in a gritty, industrial underworld.
A CONCRETE JUNGLE BOOK
Oct 2–31
Rudyard Kipling’s classic reimagined in a modern urban landscape.
TOP SECRET MUSICAL
Oct 19
Show to be revealed the night of the performance.
FROZEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
Nov 20–Dec 30
Inspired by the popular 2013 Disney film.
ONE CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dec 21–23
Natascha Girgis plays 35 characters from the Dickens classic.
LOVE LETTERS
Feb 12–14
A decades-long friendship is revealed through their letters.
OLIVER!
Feb 19–Mar 14
Homeless orphan Oliver Twist survives and searches for belonging on the streets of Victorian England.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN
Apr 9–May 1
A well-intentioned lie by an anxious high-school student spirals out of control.
MISCAST
May 7
Performers take on unexpected roles and sing songs outside their comfort zone.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
May 21–Jun 20
Mermaid Ariel begins a new life on dry land.

THEATRE CALGARY
Venue: Max Bell Theatre, Martha Cohen Theatre
Artistic director: Stafford Arima
Website: theatrecalgary.com
FIRST MÉTIS MAN OF ODESA
Sep 8–27
By Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova, directed by Lianna Makuch.
Matt and Mariya’s love story set during the COVID-19 pandemic and Russian invasion of Ukraine.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Sep 29–Oct 25
By Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, directed by Tracey Flye.
A hapless flower shop worker discovers his new plant has a thirst for blood.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Nov 26–Dec 27
Based on the Charles Dickens book, adapted by Geoffrey Simon Brown, directed by Stafford Arima.
On Christmas Eve three ghosts visit Ebenezer Scrooge.
TRUE WEST
Feb 2–21
By Sam Shepard, directed by Michael Shamata.
The reunion of two estranged brothers, one a screenwriter and the other a drifter, results in a struggle.
SENSE & SENSIBILITY
Mar 30–Apr 25
Based on the Jane Austen novel, adapted by Jessica B. Hill and Daryl Cloran, directed by Daryl Cloran.
The three Dashwood sisters and their widowed mother are forced to leave the family estate for a modest cottage. Love and heartbreak ensue.
PETER PAN GOES WRONG
May 25–Jun 20
By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, directed by Andrew MacDonald-Smith.
In this comedy, Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society tries to save their show from collapsing scenery and missed cues. From the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong.

VERB THEATRE
Venue: Theatre 1308
Artistic director: Kathryn Smith
Website: www.verbtheatre.com
THE BRIGHTEST MOST SHINIEST STAR YOU EVER DID SEE
Dec 2–12
By Conrad Belau.
When Salem Lutheran Church’s Christmas program is cancelled in 1997, Gloria, Salem’s resident pianist, is determined to deliver cheer through song and story.

VERTIGO THEATRE
Celebrating its 50th anniversary season.
Venue: Vertigo, Tower Centre
Artistic director: Jack Grinhaus
Website: vertigotheatre.com
THE LODGER
Sep 26–Oct 25
Based on the Marie Belloc Lowndes novel and inspired by the Alfred Hitchcock film, adapted by Susie Moloney and Vern Thiessen.
A couple takes in a lodger to help with their financial predicament, but a series of murders makes them question their choice.
SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE HUNT FOR MORIARTY
Nov 14–Dec 19
Based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Nick Lane.
The death of a junior government clerk leads to detective Sherlock Holmes facing off against his most dangerous adversary.
THE VEIL
Jan 16–Feb 14
By Keith Barker and Thomas Morgan Jones.
After a high-powered attorney enters a Faustian deal in order to make partner in his firm, he is haunted by his own misdeeds.
8ROJO’S LAST CANDLE
Feb 26–Mar 7
Based on the Brothers Grimm tale Godfather Death, adapted by 8ROJO.
In this non-verbal, visual performance, Death grants a talented physician the ability to save the mortally ill, but only if he obeys Death’s orders. Complications arise when a loved one falls ill. 8ROJO is Vertigo’s resident company.
THE 39 STEPS
Mar 13–Apr 17
Based on the John Buchan novel and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock, adapted by Patrick Barlow.
Richard Hannay accidentally finds himself on the run from a mysterious organization, the police and a jealous husband. A cast of four play over 150 characters in this Tony Award- winning noir.
THE MIDNIGHT TORCH: A DETECTIVE MURDOCH MYSTERY
May 15–Jun 13
Based on characters by Maureen Jennings, adapted by Michael Ross Albert, with story by Peter Mitchell and Saleema Nawaz.
In Victorian-era Toronto, William Murdoch investigates the murder of a man found in a “disappearing device.”

Around Alberta

GRANDE PRAIRIE

GRANDE PRAIRIE LIVE THEATRE
Manager: Wayne Ayling
Website: gplt.ca
THE OUTSIDER
Sep 17–Oct 3
By Paul Slade Smith, directed by Amy Lahay.
A consultant turns a terrible politician into a governor.
THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP
Oct 22–Nov 7
By Charles Ludlam, directed by Nathaniel Leigh.
A two-actor satire of penny dreadfuls, Alfred Hitchcock films and Victorian melodrama.
CLUE
Nov 26–Dec 12
Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin, directed by Linnea Fletcher.
Eccentric guests must identify a killer before one of them is next.
MUNSCH UPON A TIME
Jan 22–Feb 7
Based on the works of Robert Munsch, adapted by Wayne Ayling. Includes the stories “The Paper Bag Princess” and “David’s Father.”
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
Venue: Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre
Feb 11–Feb 27
Based on the film by Steven Spielberg, directed by Tenille Millsap.
A teenaged scam artist is pursued by an FBI agent.
GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA (GOOD MORNING JULIET)
Mar 18–Apr 3
By Ann-Marie MacDonald, directed by Misha Albert.
Constance Ledbelly changes the outcome of two Shakespearean tragedies.
DEATH OF A SALESMAN
April 29–May 15
By Arthur Miller, directed by Mason Huckabone.
An unmoored travelling salesman’s last day.

LETHBRIDGE

NEW WEST THEATRE
Artistic director: Kelly Reay
Website: newwesttheatre.com
MILLENNIUM: HITS FROM THE ’90S AND ’00S
Venue: Yates Theatre
Aug 6–22
Directed by Grahame Renyk and Ash Thomson.
A musical revue.
FLIGHT RISK
Venue: Sterndale Bennett Theatre
Oct 15–24
By Meg Braem, directed by Anastasia Siceac.
Friendship between a nursing student and a 100-year-old Second World War veteran.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Venue: Yates Theatre Dec 10–31
Directed by Katie Fellger and Kelly Reay.
A retro revue for the holidays.
STONES IN HIS POCKET
Feb 11–20
Venue: Sterndale Bennett Theatre
By Marie Jones, directed by Kelly Reay.
Hollywood crew meets quaint Irish village. Two actors play over a dozen characters.

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE DRAMA
Venue: University Theatre unless noted
Website: ulethbridge.ca/mainstage-seasons
MR. BURNS, A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY
Oct 28–Nov 7
By Anne Washburn, inspired by characters of Matt Groening, directed by Pat Chan.
The Simpsons reimagined as a post-apocalyptic myth.
ANIMAL FARM
Venue: David Spinks Theatre Mar 4–14
Based on the allegorical novel by George Orwell, adapted by Tatty Hennessy, directed by Nicola Elson.
A farm animal revolution devolves into dictatorship.
STRANGE COUNTRY
Oct 7–10
By Steele Prefontaine, directed by Morgan Hill.
A deceased daughter returns to her isolated rural Saskatchewan family.
BLUEBIRDS
Mar 17–20
By Vern Thiessen, directed by Cidelle Crawford.
Three Canadian Army Medical Corps nurses and sisters and the spirits of those they touched.

MEDICINE HAT

ESPLANADE
Website: esplanade.ca/performing-arts
BURY THE HATCHET
Oct 28
By Sarah Wilson.
Gallows humour and Vaudevillian horror meet in this tale of famous accused axe murderer Lizzie Borden.
JAKE’S GIFT
Nov 3
By Julia Mackey, directed by Dirk Van Stralen.
A Second World War veteran returns to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day, confronting the memory of his brother’s wartime death.
HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS
Jan 23
By Recent Cutbacks.
A parody of Jurassic Park.
HEY VIOLA!
Feb 27
By Krystle Dos Santos and Tracey Power.
The life of Nova Scotian civil rights icon Viola Desmond.

MEDICINE HAT MUSICAL THEATRE
Venue: Musical Theatre Playhouse
Website: mhmtheatre.com
COME FROM AWAY
Oct 15–31
By Irene Sankoff and David Hein.
An isolated community in Newfoundland welcomes travellers diverted on 9/11.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND A CHRISTMAS CHAOS
Dec 3–12
By Norm Foster and Michael Wehrli.
Two holiday-themed plays.
AVENUE Q
Feb 11–27
By Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx.
A Sesame Street parody mixed with adult themes.
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
Apr 23–May 8
By Francis Goodrich and Albert Hackett.
During Nazi occupation, Anne keeps a diary while in hiding.

RED DEER

CENTRAL ALBERTA THEATRE
Website: centralalbertatheatre.ca
AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
Oct 16–31
By Agatha Christie, directed by Jaime Falk and Jerry Ackerman.
Strangers on a secluded island die in the order of a famous nursery rhyme.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Nov 26–Dec 6 (Red Deer) Dec 11–13 (Sylvan Lake)
CROSSING DELANCEY
Jan 29–Feb 13
By Susan Sandler, directed by Susan Dearing.
A young woman is set up with a charming pickle vendor.
SENIOR MOMENTS
Mar 5–20
By Frederick Stroppel, directed by Lori Lane.
Five comedic one-act plays touching on old age.

ROSEBUD

ROSEBUD THEATRE
Venue: Rosebud Theatre Opera House
Website: rosebudtheatre.com
DEAR JOHNNY DEERE
Sep 18–Oct 24
Based on the music of Fred Eaglesmith, book by Ken Cameron.
Caroline and Johnny try to save their farm and relationship.