Theatre Revitalization Project

Banff Centre’s most important training and performing arts venue is getting a major revitalization.

Theatre Revitalization Project

Thanks to a transformational gift from the Belzberg family in honour of Calgary-born community builder and philanthropist, Mrs. Jenny Belzberg CM, AOE, LLD, Banff Centre’s most important training and performing arts venue got a major revitalization.

At the heart of Mrs. Belzberg’s gift — one of the largest private gifts Banff Centre has ever received — is pride in Alberta and a deep appreciation for Banff Centre’s vital role as Canada’s largest postgraduate arts school.

The renewal of the 52-year-old Eric Harvie Theatre now has improved audience experience, and ensures that Banff Centre is able to meet the needs of artists who use it for education, creation, and presentation of their work.

The legacy of Mr. Eric Harvie lives on in the memories of everyone who worked on and attended these productions. Some of the country’s most acclaimed productions were created and staged in the theatre, including award-winning productions Quest, Kafka's Chimp, Pride and Prejudice, Filumena, Betroffenheit, King Arthur’s Night, and Orphée+. 

Learn more about Mrs . Belzberg.

Banff Centre donor sits in an empty Eric Harvie Theatre.

"Banff Centre is an international organization, so it helps everyone, and I want to see more of that. There's something magical about this place."

- Jenny Belzberg

Completion Photos (courtesy of KPMB)

Encompassing view of Jenny Belzberg Theatre
Seating view of Jenny Belzberg Theatre
View from stage of Jenny Belzberg Theatre
Stage left at Jenny Belzberg Theatre
Seating at Jenny Belzberg Theatre
Stage right at Jenny Belzberg Theatre

Photos of contruction progress

Construction crews work on the seating in a stripped down theatre.
Construction crews stand near a concrete truck outside the renovated theatre.
Construction workers assemble the new theatre.
Workers re structure the layout of the theatre.
A photoshopped rendering of the new Belzberg theatre in Banff.
An edited rendering of artists performing in the new Belzberg Theatre in Banff.

Souvenirs of the Eric Harvie Theatre

A packed audience views a performance in the Eric Harvie Theatre.
A picture of a theatre audience before a string quartet performance.
A stage view of a empty Eric Harvie Theatre
A film screening in Eric Harvie Theatre.
Artists rehearse in the empty theatre.
Archival shot of the Eric Harvie Theatre at dusk.
Archival photo of dancers performing on a set.
Archival photo of four women performing in a quartet.
Archival photo of dancers performing on a grand stage.
Archival photo of artists performing on stage in costume.
Archival photo of a workshop on stage of the Eric Harvie Theatre
Archival photo of a mixed quartet performing on stage.

The revitalization of the Banff Centre’s largest theatre was made possible through the generosity of Jenny Belzberg and Family. The Jenny Belzberg Theatre community tours and concerts were generously supported by Adam and Jan Waterous.

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. | Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du Canada.

Alberta Government LogoFunded by Government of Canada Logo