Broadway Theatre (Saskatoon)

The Broadway Theatre is an art film and performance theatre located on Broadway Avenue in the Nutana neighborhood of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The theatre is Canada's only community-owned non-profit repertory cinema.[1]

Broadway Theatre
Address715 Broadway Avenue
LocationSaskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Coordinates52°07′06″N 106°39′23″W
OwnerFriends of the Broadway Theatre, Inc.
TypeMovie palace, Performing arts center
Genre(s)Art cinema
Seating typeFixed seats
Capacity430
Construction
Built1946
OpenedDecember 5, 1946
ClosedAugust 2, 1993 (re-opened October 1993)
Website
www.broadwaytheatre.ca

History

The Streamline Moderne style movie theatre was designed by George Forrester with the architectural firm of Webster and Gilbert and opened on December 5, 1946.[2] The theatre was Broadway's entertainment destination during the post-World War II years. It screened popular movies of the period and hosted some live musical performances on the stage in front of the movie screen. Following the neighbourhood's decline starting in the 1950s, the theatre fell into disrepute by the 1970s when it became an "adult" movie theatre. It was restored as an art film cinema and live performance venue during the 1980s.[3] It was designated a municipal heritage property on April 14, 1997.[4]

On August 2, 1993, the Broadway Theatre abruptly closed its doors. After a public fundraising drive, it was purchased by the Friends of the Broadway Theatre, Inc., a non-profit organization with charitable status dedicated to the preservation and renovation of the theatre.[5] It reopened in October 1993, resuming its previous role. In addition to art, Canadian and regional cinema, the theatre also hosts some live music performances.

Facility

The theatre seats 240 in a centre bank of seats with another 95 in each of the side banks for a total of 430 seats, plus 6 wheelchair stations. The stage is of a proscenium style, made of black masonite and measures 10.79 metres (35.4 ft) wide and 7.32 metres (24.0 ft) deep. The movie screen is 7.8 metres (26 ft) wide by 3.77 metres (12.4 ft) high, with a projection throw of 31.39 metres (103.0 ft).[6] The lobby has terrazzo flooring and recessed valance lighting around the doorways to the theatre area.[7]

Operators

The theatre changed hands and focus several times, including:[8]

  • 1947–1959 Odeon
  • 1967–1975 Famous Players
  • 1977–1983 Adult movie theatre
  • 1984–1993 Still Reel Cinema, Chris Jones and Guy Edlund
  • 1987 Movie theatre
  • 1993 Friends of the Broadway
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References
  1. "SaskPower Financial Support for Broadway Theatre". Government of Saskatchewan. June 18, 2003. Archived from the original on October 10, 2010. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  2. "Collections". Saskatoon Public Library. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  3. Ward, Caitlin (September 10, 2007). "Changing Lanes – Broadway District Filled with Colourful History". Planet S Magazine. Archived from the original on 2008-06-05. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  4. "Broadway Theatre". Municipal Heritage Properties. City of Saskatoon – Planning and Development Branch. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  5. "Behind the Scenes". Broadway Theatre. Archived from the original on 2008-04-05. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  6. "Broadway Theatre Rental Information" (PDF). Broadway Theatre. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-10-02. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  7. "The Broadway Theatre". Canadian Register of Historic Places. Parks Canada. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  8. Rivest, Mike. "History of Movie Theatres in Saskatchewan". Retrieved 2011-04-13.
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