The Port Theatre Society presents some of the most exciting national and international touring artists, each one showcasing artistic excellence and innovation. At the heart of the Spotlight Series is a passion to create access to diverse and authentic experiences for our audiences. Choose from a variety of unique, bold, and exciting events!
JUST ANNOUNCED: 2026-2027 Spotlight Season
- Members PRE-SALE Date: Wednesday, June 10 @ 11 AM
- Public ON-SALE Date: Wednesday, June 24 @ 11 AM
BECOME A MEMBER and SAVE $5 on each Regular Spotlight ticket! Plus, get your seats before the public on-sale date.
Current Spotlight Season
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: In My Body
Multi-Generational Street Dance from Montreal
Thursday October 22, 2026 @7:30pm
Bboyizm is the premier street dance company in Canada, run by dancer-choreographer Crazy Smooth. In My Body goes deep into the culture of hip-hop through the eyes, minds and bodies of this multi-generational company. B-boys/b-girls present a façade of confidence and invincibility as they engage in battles to prove their value and establish their dominance.
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: Sophie's Surprise 29
Circus, Mature Comedy & Party Mayhem
Wednesday October 28, 2026 @7:30pm
It’s Sophie’s 29th birthday party, and you’re invited! An award-winning circus, comedy and chaos disguised as a house party, features world-leading performers from Cirque du Soleil, La Clique, The 7 Fingers and more. This talented cast will make you believe you’re one of the guests for a superb ninety minutes of cheeky fun. And remember... don't tell Sophie!
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: William Prince
Award-Winning Folk Country Singer-Songwriter
Wednesday November 4, 2026 @7:30pm
William Prince brings his unmistakable voice and deeply moving songwriting to the stage in support of his latest album, Further From the Country. He creates a rare connection with audiences—his performances unfolding as thoughtful, story-rich experiences that linger long after the final note.
STAR SPONSOR: Courtyard by Marriott
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: Birdy
Edgy, Contemporary Dance from Taiwan
Tuesday November 10, 2026 @7:30pm
Creatures of a feather dance together in Birdy, Hung Dance’s call to the wild. Employing a headpiece called “Ling Zi” that incorporates pheasant tail feathers worn in traditional Chinese opera to represent a warrior’s power and skill, Birdy offers up a magpie creation, concretizing bright bursts of freedom against the weighted cage of history.
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: GLOB
Clown Show from Montreal
Monday November 23, 2026 @6:00pm
Glob is a fun, family event full of surprises, circus charm, and magical moments! Two funny, sweet and ageless clowns take the time to laugh, cry and play; the time to exist. Through impressive balancing, contortion, diabolo or hand-to-hand acts, this deeply human and comical work amazes children and gives adults a break from the frantic pace of everyday life.
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: Nutcracker
Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Wed December 02, 20267:00pm
Thu December 03, 20267:00pm
Fri December 04, 20267:00pm
Sat December 05, 20261:30pm
Sat December 05, 20267:00pm
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Nutcracker returns this season! Filled with nostalgia and charm, this popular holiday production follows the story of Clara, who discovers her enchanted nutcracker comes to life at midnight, leading to a magical journey against the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: Winter Harp
Medieval-themed Christmas Magic
Saturday December 12, 2026 @3:30pm
An annual Christmas tradition. Winter Harp takes you into the heart of the season with a concert that will stir your soul. Expect tears and laughter as music, stories and poems transport you to another land — a land filled with snow, Christmas and memories of loved ones gathered together.
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: International Guitar Night
Four Acoustic World-Class Guitarists
Friday January 29, 2027 @7:30pm
International Guitar Night (IGN), the world's premier touring acoustic guitar festival, is thrilled to announce its return for the 2027 with the best acoustic guitarists from around the world. The show, which has a compelling history of sold-out performances in Canadian theatres, brings together Brazilian, Flamenco, Middle Eastern and Gypsy Jazz influences.
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: Teatro La Plaza's Hamlet
A Heartfelt Triumph from Peru
Wednesday February 10, 2027 @7:30pm
In this brilliant, funny, and moving adaptation, Peruvian director Chela De Ferrari intertwines the text of Shakespeare’s Hamlet with the lived experiences of a young ensemble of eight actors with Down syndrome. With wry humour, playful energy, pop music, and pointed critique, the performers confront the play’s timeless themes—grief, revenge, and existence—with striking honesty and insight.
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: CaneFire
Caribbean Latin Jazz with Jeremy Ledbetter
One of the most explosive and energetic jazz ensembles on the planet, CaneFire delivers a rollicking, high-octane show combining Cuban rhythm, modern jazz, and the unbridled joy of Caribbean music. Their signature sound revolves around its unconventional use of the steelpan – the only petroleum byproduct in the world that is actually good for you.
STAR SPONSOR: RLR Lawyers
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: Louisa May Alcott's Little Women
Adapted By Lauren M. Gunderson
Thursday March 25, 2027 @7:30pm
Fall in love with Louisa May Alcott’s relatable and radiant characters as they come to life in this shining adaptation. Independent Jo, traditional Meg, shy Beth, and vivacious Amy navigate the difficulties of young adulthood during the American Civil War. This enduring story of friendship, romance, loss, and personal discovery has charmed generations. Play adapted by Lauren M. Gunderson.
STAR SPONSOR: Helijet
The Port Theatre Society Presents
SPOTLIGHT: The Peking Acrobats
Showcasing Rich & Ancient Chinese Traditions
Experience the excitement and festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival! Fun for the whole family — The Peking Acrobats continue to impress audiences with their unique brand of ancient artistry and good-spirited fun. Showcasing rich and ancient Chinese traditions, with daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs, powerful precision tumbling, somersaulting, and gymnastics, amazing displays of contortion, astonishing foot juggling dexterity, incredible balancing feats showcasing tremendous skill and ability, along with beautiful costumes and high-tech special effects.
Coffee Concerts
JUST ANNOUNCED!
The Port Theatre Society Presents
COFFEE CONCERT: Eagle Peak Trio
Calvin Dyck, Ian Parker & Oliver de Clercq
Tuesday October 20, 2026 @10:30am
Morning Concert with Coffee & Treats – Classical Music … Enjoy all six shows throughout the season with the Coffee Concerts 6-Pack: $225 ($45 Savings). Limited availability. These tickets sell fast! Three celebrated musicians come together for an unforgettable morning of music. The program features some of the most beloved classical and romantic chamber works, including the iconic Brahms Horn Trio and Franck’s monumental…
The Port Theatre Society Presents
COFFEE CONCERT: Sarah Hagen
Canadian Pianist, Soloist & Chamber Musician
Tuesday November 24, 2026 @10:30am
Morning Concert with Coffee & Treats – Classical Music … Enjoy all six shows throughout the season with the Coffee Concerts 6-Pack: $225 ($45 Savings). Limited availability. These tickets sell fast! A classical pianist with a wry wit, Sarah Hagen enjoys a rich and diverse concertizing life across Canada and internationally, including twice to New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Highlights of recent seasons include solo sets at…
The Port Theatre Society Presents
COFFEE CONCERT: Elinor Frey
Celebrated Canadian American Cellist
Tuesday February 2, 2027 @10:30am
Morning Concert with Coffee & Treats – Classical Music … Enjoy all six shows throughout the season with the Coffee Concerts 6-Pack: $225 ($45 Savings). Limited availability. These tickets sell fast! Born in Seattle and living in Montréal, Elinor Frey is a leading Canadian American cellist, gambist, and researcher. Her albums on the Belgian label Passacaille and Canadian label Analekta – many of which are world premiere…
The Port Theatre Society Presents
COFFEE CONCERT: Gryphon Trio
Annalee Patipatanakoon, Roman Borys, Jamie Parker
Tuesday March 9, 2027 @10:30am
Morning Concert with Coffee & Treats – Classical Music … Enjoy all six shows throughout the season with the Coffee Concerts 6-Pack: $225 ($45 Savings). Limited availability. These tickets sell fast! The endlessly inventive Gryphon Trio has captivated international audiences for over 30 years with dynamic, deeply expressive performances. Recognized among the world’s leading piano trios, the Gryphon bridges tradition and…
The Port Theatre Society Presents
COFFEE CONCERT: Percussiano3
Bergmann Piano Duo & Rod Thomas Squance
Tuesday April 20, 2027 @10:30am
Morning Concert with Coffee & Treats – Classical Music … Enjoy all six shows throughout the season with the Coffee Concerts 6-Pack: $225 ($45 Savings). Limited availability. These tickets sell fast! Returning artists Elizabeth Bergmann and Marcel Bergmann join percussionist Rod Thomas Squance in a distinguished collaboration for piano and percussion. With a dazzling array of instruments and an assured command of virtuosity…
The Port Theatre Society Presents
COFFEE CONCERT: LOVUR String Quartet
Esther Hwang, David Lee, Luci Barz, Allen Zhou
Morning Concert with Coffee & Treats – Classical Music … Enjoy all six shows throughout the season with the Coffee Concerts 6-Pack: $225 ($45 Savings). Limited availability. These tickets sell fast! The LOVUR String Quartet , based in Vancouver, is a dynamic and genre-defying ensemble known for its captivating performances that bridge the gap between classical tradition and modern flair. Founded and led by Juilliard School…
School Shows
Food & Drinks
Want to enhance your evening out at the theatre?
Enjoy food & drinks before (or after) the show!
Check out the Courtyard Bistro's Crafted Classics menu.
HOURS: Friday & Saturday - 3:30 pm to 11 pm | Sunday to Thursday - 3:30 pm to 10 pm.
Contact: courtyardbistro@hotelequities.com
Location: Across the street from the Port Theatre (100 Gordon St., Nanaimo)
Thank you to our official Accommodation Partner, Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo!
