Showplace Peterborough Performance Centre

The Showplace Peterborough Performance Centre is a Canadian nonprofit organization that serves as Peterborough’s regional centre for the performing arts. Established in October 1996, it operates with a mission to present, promote, and sustain the performing arts, while encouraging community involvement and supporting both local and touring artists through a professional-quality venue.

History

The venue originally opened in 1947 as the Odeon movie theatre, built by the J. Arthur Rank Organization. At its inception, it was a state-of-the-art cinema screening films such as Green for Danger and notable events like the Royal Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten. In 1979, the theatre was divided into two smaller spaces under different ownership.

In 1995, the newly formed Showplace Board of Directors purchased the building, then operating as Trent Cinemas. The architectural firm Lett/Smith was commissioned to redesign and reconstruct the space. After extensive renovation, the 650-seat theatre was reborn as the Showplace Performance Centre, officially opening on October 5, 1996, marking a new era of entertainment for the Peterborough community.[5][1][3]

Mission and Activities

Showplace is dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of Peterborough by providing a venue that entertains, inspires, nurtures, educates, and empowers artists and audiences alike. Its goals include maintaining its facility, facilitating opportunities for artists to perform, and sustaining active community involvement in the arts. The centre hosts a diverse array of events including musical concerts, theatre productions, tribute shows, and comedy, catering to a wide range of audiences.[1][5]

Facilities

Housed in a renovated historic building at 290 George Street North, the Showplace Performance Centre features a 650-seat theatre equipped to deliver professional-grade live performances. This makes it a key venue for both local and touring acts, supporting the development of performing arts within the region.[5]

Community Impact

Since its reopening, Showplace has been a vibrant hub for performing arts in Peterborough, fostering cultural growth and providing a platform for artists across multiple disciplines. Its commitment to community involvement and high-quality programming has established it as a cornerstone of the local arts scene.[1][4]

Registration

Showplace Peterborough Performance Centre is registered as a Canadian nonprofit organization under the business registration number 135829505RR0001.[1]

[1] https://showplace.org [2] https://secure1.tixhub.com/showplace/online/index.asp [3] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155008-d2493787-Reviews-Showplace_Performance_Centre-Peterborough_Ontario.html [4] https://www.instagram.com/ptboshowplace/ [5] https://ontariosmallhalls.com/showplace/