Neptune Theatre (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

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Neptune Theatre
Neptune Theatre.jpg
Corner of Sackville and Argyle Streets
Neptune Theatre (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Former namesThe Strand Theatre
(1915 1928)
The Garrick Repertory Theatre
(1928 1929)
Neptune Theatre
1 July 1963 (1963-07-01) present
Location1593 Argyle Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Coordinates 44°38′46.02″N63°34′27.16″W / 44.6461167°N 63.5742111°W / 44.6461167; -63.5742111
Type Theatre
Seating typeReserved seating
Capacity Fountain Hall 458
Studio Theatre 163–200
Construction
Built1915
Opened1963
Renovated9 July 1928 (1928-07-09)
1996 (1996)
Website
www.neptunetheatre.com

The Neptune Theatre is the largest professional theatre company in Atlantic Canada with a capacity of 458 and is located in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It performs a mixture of new and classical plays. It was founded in 1963.

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History

The theatre is named after the play Théâtre de Neptune, which was performed at Port Royal, Nova Scotia as the first theatrical production in North America.

The Neptune was opened on the site of a former cinema in 1963 during Canada's drive to create regional theatres. Its first artistic director was Leon Major. His vision was a year-round touring repertory company modelled on the Moscow Art Theatre. Play selection would be a mix of classical drama, contemporary international theatre, and new Canadian plays, similar to the Crest Theatre that Major had directed at numerous times before. [1]

Its first President of the Board was local surgeon and CBC writer Dr. Arthur L. Murphy. Its first production was Major Barbara by George Bernard Shaw. [1]

The building was renovated in 1997 and now has two theatres and incorporates a theatre school.[ citation needed ]

Artistic directors

Further reading

References