Victoria Theatre & Performing Arts

Pacific Opera Victoria

Victoria's highly regarded opera company is widely recognized for its diverse repertoire. See original productions of the classics, or discover a rarely performed gem. Pacific Opera Victoria stages four productions each season and strives to offer unique opportunities to emerging and established Canadian artists from across the country. The company builds all of its own sets, and is Canada's only major opera company to do so.

Performances are at the intimate Royal Theatre in downtown Victoria.

Dance in Victoria

Dance lovers enjoy a steady diet of ballet, jazz, modern, salsa, folk and more in the halls and theatres of Victoria. Ballet Victoria is a young, classically trained ballet company that performs contemporary and children's works in addition to traditional ballets. The company has performances throughout the year at festivals and celebrations.

Live Theatre in Victoria

See superb live shows throughout the year in a variety of venues, from grand auditoriums to tiny community theatres. The McPherson Playhouse stages the city's widest variety of live performances in an 772-seat auditorium, while the Belfry Theatre, once an old church, stages comedies, dramas and musicals in a more intimate setting. The "Mac" is located in downtown Victoria. The Belfry is a 10-minute drive from downtown.

Comedy in Victoria

Stand-up comedy takes place in a number of clubs and venues throughout Victoria. See first-rate local and visiting comedians weekly at the Comedy Cellar, located in downtown Victoria.

Live Music in Victoria

Victoria offers musical entertainment to suit every taste year round. In addition to the Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria, the city has wonderful music festivals as well as regular choral performances and singular musical events. Professional concerts are held at both the McPherson and Royal Theatres. The 1,434-seat Royal Theatre is the home of both the Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria. The Philip T. Young Recital Hall at the University of Victoria hosts the Victoria Summer Music Festival, a chamber music concert series. Christ Church Cathedral is a popular venue for choral music.

The McPherson and Royal theatres are located in downtown Victoria.

Practical Points

• Tickets are generally available through a ticketing agent or at each theatre's box office.

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