Alumnae Theatre Company — Toronto’s oldest theatre club still in operation — is run primarily by women volunteers. It is dedicated to producing thought-provoking plays not seen elsewhere and developing the skills of women in theatre. They also offer venue rentals to theatre, film and television productions.

Originally known as The University Alumnae Dramatic Club, Alumnae Theatre was founded in 1918 by a group of women University of Toronto (U of T) graduates at a time when there was very little theatre production in Toronto. First performing on U of T’s Hart House Theatre stage, the company had various other homes from 1957 to 1972, until taking up permanent residence in the converted Firehall No. 4 at 70 Berkeley St. (corner of Berkeley and Adelaide St. East) in 1972, with the original renovation designed by architect Ron Thom.

Over their 100+ years of theatre production, they have become a training ground for notable Canadian theatre talent, including Shirley Barrie, R.H. Thomson, Kelly Thornton and Sue Miner, among others. In addition to their season of full-length plays, they produce two festivals of new works (FireWorks and Big Ideas Festival) and, formerly, the New Ideas Festival (for 36 years, until 2024). They seek to reflect Toronto’s diversity, both on stage and within the organization. Memberships are open to all women, with options for active and supportive involvement, and men are welcome to volunteer.

Their rental offerings include the Mainstage, which seats 140, and the Studio, which seats up to 80 (depending on audience configuration). The building includes a rehearsal space; workshop; dressing room; an expansive wardrobe department; a lobby, including box office, bar and accessible washrooms, as well as the original wooden firefighter lockers (now used for storage and hanging coats); and a benign ghost (or two).

Check out the video on their history, including their iconic converted firehall theatre space (the ground floor entrance, lobby, bar area and access to the Mainstage have since been renovated to be on one level, to be fully accessible).

(Photo credits: Alumnae Theatre)

What we like about this theatre company

We love how a group of women started a theatre company that has lasted over 100 years! They had the passion and drive to produce theatre, in a field dominated by men – especially back then, and even still today – and they went for it. Big fans of classic architecture, we’re very impressed that they were able to acquire and convert Toronto’s beautiful historic Firehall No. 4 into the dynamic theatre space it is today.

Not only do they produce seldom seen plays, especially those written by women, they act as a supportive training ground for women seeking to develop skills in all aspects of theatre, from playwriting, directing and acting, to stage management, design and technical operation. Mostly run by women volunteers, each production is truly a creative labour of love. (Written by C.M.)

Accessibility: Alumnae Theatre’s Berkeley Street entrance and the Mainstage theatre are wheelchair accessible. There is a wheelchair accessible restroom on the ground floor. The third floor walk-up Studio theatre is not currently accessible.

Ideas for where you can go from here:

• Visit Alumnae Theatre Company, see what’s on there and plan on attending a show if you can.
• Read about their history, including how they found a permanent home at the renovated, historic Firehall No. 4.
• Become a member. Membership is open to all women, with options for active or supporting involvement.
• You don’t need to be a member or a woman to become a volunteer. In addition to on stage and backstage roles, they also need folks at the box office and bar. Scroll down on the homepage or click on Opportunities (at the top right of the homepage) to find out how you can get involved.

We love theatre companies because they inspire you to get out and experience live theatre. Experiencing live theatre allows you to immerse yourself in the characters and story in a deeper, more meaningful way. Immersing yourself in the characters and story in a deeper, more meaningful way is part of the flourishing offline life Young W helps you discover: by exploring PERFORMANCE and the other 8 pillars of Arts & Letters, including those you may be hesitant to try.

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