9 Spots for Theatre Lovers in Montreal

 Which theatres should you visit in Montreal?

Aah… Theatres!

The sound of live music. The dialogues of a soul-stirring play. The inimitable experience of a new culture, a new point of view, or a novel visual experience. Theatres have been bringing together people, in a celebratory commune, for centuries. Long before movies had taken center stage.

But what are theatres like today, you might ask? And should you enter theatres without vaccines? Well, the answer to the latter question is ‘No’. But to answer the first one, we have compiled a list of theatres in Montreal, to help you quench your thirst for a live, audio-visual treat. So, if you are looking for theatres for plays, music, and other vibrant productions to treat your senses, this list should give you some direction.

1. La Place des Arts
A major performing arts center in the City, Place des Arts happens to be the largest cultural and artistic complex in Canada. The complex is also home to Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Opéra de Montréal & the Orchestre Métropolitain. This Place des Arts was inaugurated in 1963 and has hosted a wide variety of cultural shows and spectacles over the years, such as opera, ballet, symphony orchestras, theatre, films, etc. The complex also hosts a museum of contemporary art, shops, and rehearsal halls.

2. The Centaur Theatre
Founded in 1969 by The Centaur Foundation for the Performing Arts, the Centaur Theatre boasts of being the largest English-language theatre in Montreal. The theatre also gives you the opportunity to experience the old-world charm of this historic part of Montreal, laden with cobblestone streets. If history and culture are what you are looking for, the Centaur Theatre is the perfect place to be at. It is to be known, that the Centaur Theatre is nestled in an old landmark building formerly the Montreal Stock Exchange. This makes the Centaur Theatre not only great for the performing arts, but also gives a back in time effect for history. Enjoy the performing arts and the visit!

3. The Segal Centre for Performing Arts
Looking for theatres downtown? The Segal Centre for Performing Arts should satisfy the seekers of creative expression if they are in this part of the city. The venue is a rich artistic resource & hub for Montreal’s diverse theatre community of both independent, as well as emerging artists, who wish to create, explore and grow.

 4. DUCEPPE
The DUCEPPE theatre company, founded in 1973 by Jean Duceppe, and is one of the city’s busiest French-language theatres. They present international, national, and Québec playwrights through their productions. So, no matter what your preference, the DUCEPPE theatre company will have something for everyone.

5. Théâtre Denise Pelletier
Built in 1928, the Theatre Denise Pelletier began as a 1,685-seater cinema, which was designed in the Beaux-Arts style. The company changed its name to become Théâtre Denise-Pelletier in 1997. Since then, it has been offering classical and contemporary plays drawn from national and international works. They offer matinees for school groups and evening performances for the general audience.

6. Théâtre du Rideau Vert
Established in 1949, the Théâtre du Rideau Vert was the first professional French-language theatre in Canada. The theatre’s seating capacity of 426 provides a warm and intimate atmosphere to its audiences. The theatre puts out outstanding drama for theatre lovers. It has been the favored venue for some of the most iconic French plays.

7. Théâtre du Nouveau Monde – Le TNM
Primarily a French-language theatre, this venue, which was founded in 1951, in the historic vaudeville theatre – The Gayety, presents classics from the past as well as the present, from Shakespeare to Michel Tremblay. If you’re looking for a theatre nearby Sainte-Catherine in Montreal, this venue will be the right place for you. A favorite among Montrealers!

8. La Maison Théâtre
Montréal’s leading youth theatre, La Maison Theatre has been offering a rich and varied program since 1984. Their focus is mainly shows for children and teens between the ages of 1 to 17. If you are a family who wants to introduce their little one to the magic of theatre, this is a great place to start.

9. Espace Go
With a strong aim to present contemporary theatre, Espace Go is quite vocal about ongoing trends. They have prioritized putting the spotlight on the contribution made by women in this field. The theatre acts as a place of creation & research, dedicated to the evolution of theatre.

Whether you like concerts, plays, comedies, or drama… the city of Montreal has something for everyone. As people start visiting theatres and covid takes a backseat, the world of arts and entertainment is slowly making a strong comeback. We have created this list, keeping in mind the ever-curious connoisseur of the performing arts, because we know how much they missed theatres during the pandemic.

We hope this list takes you to a theatre, where the performing artists continue to take your breath away!

De belles découvertes théâtrales to all of you!