Alumnae Theatre
The Alumnae Theatre, also known as The Alum, is Toronto’s oldest theatre society still in operation. Founded back in 1919 by a group of female University of Toronto graduates, the theatre provides Toronto car rental travelers with access to some of the nation’s finest dramatic presentations. The theatre’s focus has always been to produce great plays of the Western cannon, while occasionally producing the odd modern work (the Toronto premier of one of Carol Shields works, for example). Theatre buffs from far and wide have been impressed by performances at the Alumnae Theatre, but don’t take our word for it. Plan to catch a show at Toronto’s oldest theatre society as part of your upcoming T.O. vacation.
A history of productions
Toronto car rental travelers didn’t always have a flourishing theatre scene to enjoy in the city. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1920’s that Toronto really blossomed as a dramatic capital. Luckily, Torontonians could always count on the ladies of the Alumnae Theatre for quality entertainment. Back before there the Toronto theatre scene was in full swing, the University Alumnae Dramatic Club provided University of Toronto students and local residents with superb live theatre. The club premiered such plays as Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, T.S. Eliot’s The Family Reunion, and Pinter’s The Caretaker. Some of the club’s more recent “firsts” were Tin Howe’s The Art of Dining, Love of the Nightingale by Timberlake Wertenbaker, and Thirteen Hands by Carol Shields.
Finding a permanent home
The Alumnae Theatre Society originally opened up shop inside the University of Toronto’s Hart House Theatre. In 1957, the society purchased and renovated an old coach house, where they performed for five years. In 1962, the company moved yet again, this time to a former synagogue on Cecil and Huron Streets. Sadly, the site was expropriated by Ontario Hydro in 1970, forcing the Alumnae Theatre to search for yet another home. After a brief hiatus, the company moved to an old fire hall at Adelaide and Berkeley Streets. The building is one of city’s historic Toronto fire stations. It has since been restored and now houses a main performance space on the ground level with 154 seats. Toronto car rental travelers will also find a smaller studio venue on the upper floor of the building.
Girls only club
The Alumnae Theatre has a strong tradition of employee influential women. In fact, when the theatre first opened, all performers in all roles were female! This rule changed in the 1920’s as talented male guest performers were invited to join the cast. Even so, even today the leadership of the society remains entirely female. Over the years, many Canadian theatrical stars have honed their skills on the Alumnae Theatre stage including Molly Thom, Shirley Barrie and Mallory Gilbert.
Order your tickets to an Alumnae performance
Toronto car rental travelers will have plenty to cheer about at an Alumnae performance. To order tickets to a show, please call 416-364-4170. The Box Office is also open one hour before performance time at 70 Berkeley Street in Toronto (please note the Box Office only accepts cash). Performances are scheduled from Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm. Sunday matinees are at 2pm. Toronto car rental travelers can expect to pay between around $20 for tickets to evening performances. Some performances are also offered at a discounted two tickets for the price of one special, while certain admission times are strictly “pay what you can afford.” To purchase tickets online, please visit www.totix.ca.
Contact the theatre
The staff at the Alumnae Theatre would love to hear from you. If you would like to contact the administrative staff, please email contactus@alumnaetheatre.com. Toronto car rental travelers can also log onto the official Alumnae Theatre website at www.alumnaetheatre.com to learn more about upcoming performances and events.