{"id":1883,"date":"2025-01-12T08:02:12","date_gmt":"2025-01-12T14:02:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/?p=1883"},"modified":"2025-01-12T08:02:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-12T14:02:14","slug":"the-forgotten-studio-theatre-of-edmonton-a-legacy-of-student-drama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1883-the-forgotten-studio-theatre-of-edmonton-a-legacy-of-student-drama","title":{"rendered":"The Forgotten Studio Theatre of Edmonton: A Legacy of Student Drama"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Studio Theatre was once a beloved venue at the University of Alberta, known for its intimate stage and thought-provoking plays. The theatre, though modest in size, cultivated a unique atmosphere cherished by students and locals alike. Read more about its creation and history on <a href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/\">edmonton-trend<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0bfcf988a7e\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0bfcf988a7e\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1883-the-forgotten-studio-theatre-of-edmonton-a-legacy-of-student-drama\/#The_Founding_of_Studio_Theatre\" >The Founding of Studio Theatre<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1883-the-forgotten-studio-theatre-of-edmonton-a-legacy-of-student-drama\/#Early_Growth_and_Achievements\" >Early Growth and Achievements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1883-the-forgotten-studio-theatre-of-edmonton-a-legacy-of-student-drama\/#A_Push_for_Expansion\" >A Push for Expansion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1883-the-forgotten-studio-theatre-of-edmonton-a-legacy-of-student-drama\/#Integration_with_the_University\" >Integration with the University<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1883-the-forgotten-studio-theatre-of-edmonton-a-legacy-of-student-drama\/#The_Closure_of_Studio_Theatre\" >The Closure of Studio Theatre<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Founding_of_Studio_Theatre\"><\/span>The Founding of Studio Theatre<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"992\" height=\"558\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/1-24.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1884\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/1-24.jpg 992w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/1-24-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/1-24-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/1-24-696x392.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 992px) 100vw, 992px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Robert Orchard, the founder of Studio Theatre, initially had modest ambitions. His sole desire was to establish a small theatre within the university campus to present plays for students. In 1949, his dream became a reality. That autumn, Orchard opened Studio Theatre at the University of Alberta, repurposing two abandoned buildings near the campus into a modest 140-seat venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Initially, the theatre struggled to attract staff. Orchard enlisted many of his university colleagues to perform, with Elizabeth Haines becoming a key collaborator and lifelong supporter. With the collective efforts of the team, which included scriptwriters and stagehands, the theatre took its first steps toward success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Early_Growth_and_Achievements\"><\/span>Early Growth and Achievements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1046\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/2-17.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1887\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/2-17.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/2-17-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/2-17-768x502.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/2-17-1536x1004.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/2-17-696x455.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/01\/2-17-1068x698.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The theatre&#8217;s initial seasons were well-received, drawing crowds not only from the university but also from the broader Edmonton community. Encouraged by this success, Orchard and his team committed to producing at least one play annually starting in the third season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Funding was a significant challenge. With minimal government support, the theatre relied on the generosity of volunteers and donations from theatre enthusiasts. Despite financial constraints, Studio Theatre persevered. A successful summer production in 1951 involved local schoolchildren, and by 1952, the theatre began touring Alberta with a repertoire that included plays like <em>Widger\u2019s Way<\/em> and <em>The Tempest.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1953, the Studio Theatre troupe competed in the Dominion Drama Festival. That same year, Robert Orchard stepped down as artistic director, and two years later, Gordon Peacock took over, ushering in a new era of growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Push_for_Expansion\"><\/span>A Push for Expansion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By the mid-1950s, Studio Theatre\u2019s performances were so popular that its limited seating could no longer accommodate the demand. Peacock sought financial assistance from the municipal government to expand the theatre. To showcase the theatre\u2019s potential, the council members of Alberta were invited to a performance of <em>Macbeth.<\/em> Impressed by the production, the council allocated funds for a new theatre building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Integration_with_the_University\"><\/span>Integration with the University<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With the success of Studio Theatre, the University of Alberta launched a drama program, later expanded into a full faculty offering courses in directing, design, and playwriting. Graduates of the program were often recruited to work at Studio Theatre, fostering a close relationship between the university and the theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 1960s, Studio Theatre became more student-oriented, producing one play annually with contributions from University of Alberta graduates. The theatre introduced a summer season in 1962, setting up an outdoor stage in the university\u2019s courtyard with seating on the grassy lawn. These summer performances became a regular highlight from June to August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1969, the relocation of the university&#8217;s education faculty to a new building provided Studio Theatre with expanded rehearsal and performance spaces, including a large reading room repurposed for practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Closure_of_Studio_Theatre\"><\/span>The Closure of Studio Theatre<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1970, Studio Theatre ceased operations as many of its actors transitioned to Edmonton\u2019s Citadel Theatre. Though its doors closed, Studio Theatre left an indelible mark on Edmonton\u2019s cultural and theatrical history, serving as a training ground for countless actors and enriching the university community for two decades.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Studio Theatre was once a beloved venue at the University of Alberta, known for its intimate stage and thought-provoking plays. The theatre, though modest in size, cultivated a unique atmosphere cherished by students and locals alike. Read more about its creation and history on edmonton-trend. The Founding of Studio Theatre Robert Orchard, the founder of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":411,"featured_media":1890,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[1209,1199,926,1200,1207,1204,1206,1198,1202,1208,1201,1205,1203,1196,1197],"motype":[160],"moformat":[20],"moimportance":[32,35],"class_list":{"0":"post-1883","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-teatrs","8":"tag-alberta-drama-festivals","9":"tag-alberta-theatre-history","10":"tag-edmonton-cultural-history","11":"tag-edmonton-drama-history","12":"tag-edmonton-student-theatre","13":"tag-edmonton-summer-theatre","14":"tag-elizabeth-haines","15":"tag-gordon-peacock-theatre","16":"tag-robert-orchard-theatre","17":"tag-studio-theatre-alumni","18":"tag-studio-theatre-edmonton","19":"tag-studio-theatre-performances","20":"tag-studio-theatre-plays","21":"tag-university-of-alberta-drama-program","22":"tag-university-of-alberta-theatre","23":"motype-eternal","24":"moformat-vlasna","25":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","26":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1883","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/411"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1883"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1883\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1893,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1883\/revisions\/1893"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1890"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1883"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1883"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1883"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=1883"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=1883"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=1883"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}