About us

The Port Theatre is a non-profit performing arts centre in beautiful Nanaimo, BC

Traditional Territory

We’re grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and celebrate the Arts on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. hay ce:p q̓a.

Vision

We see Vancouver Island as a nationally significant hub for arts and culture and a home to thriving communities.

Mission

To build and serve our community by bringing people together as a vital gathering place.
To deliver exceptional performance experiences for artists and audiences.
To act as a catalyst in the creation, collaboration, and development of transformative new works and talent.

Core Values

We are compassionate, accessible, inclusive, and welcoming.
We care deeply about our patrons, artists, donors, staff, and volunteers.
We are a committed partner of the community in which we serve.
We are a leader in arts and culture.

Showing Leadership… Building Community.

History

The Port Theatre Society is a charitable not-for-profit organization and, together with the City of Nanaimo, co-manages the Port Theatre, a community performing arts centre location on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, in the heart of Nanaimo on Central Vancouver Island. The theatre has earned a national reputation for its acclaimed Spotlight Series which presents Canadian and internationally renowned artists. We are an important gathering place which serves as a home for many professional arts organizations and community groups. Situated on Canada’s western edge, the theatre is a strategically important stop on the touring circuit where many national tours either begin or end their journey.

The City of Nanaimo formed The Port Theatre Society in 1989 to build an 800-seat theatre on the breathtaking waterfront in downtown Nanaimo. The Port Theatre opened in September of 1998, thanks to grants from the Federal/Provincial Infrastructure Works Program and an outstanding level of community support. Of the $13.1 million budget, $8.6 million came from the Infrastructure Works program. The remaining $4.5 million was from individuals, service clubs and corporate donations, the City of Nanaimo and Regional District Areas A, B, C, D and E. The Port Theatre contains an 804-seat theatre, ten galleries, and several gathering spaces.

Today, the theatre is a focal point for residents and visitors and serves a broad range of interests and needs ranging from music concerts, theatre, dance, dance recitals and competitions, graduation ceremonies, conferences, and community events. On average, over 250 events are held in the theatre each year, attracting over 100,000 people.

Architect of the Port Theatre, Terry Williams, had a goal to build a theatre that had good sight lines from all seats, excellent acoustics and a wonderful sense of intimacy. Audiences have raved about these features since it opened.

Our Volunteers

Join one of the largest volunteer rosters in Nanaimo!

Pick up a Volunteer Application Form in-person at the Port Theatre Admin Office, 125 Front Street
or print a copy to complete at home and bring in to the office

With over 150 volunteers, the Port Theatre Society’s volunteer roster is one of the largest in Nanaimo. We’re privileged to have such dedication within our organization. The depth and experience of the volunteers ensures the seamless execution of the many events presented at the Port Theatre every year.

Volunteer shifts take place during events at the Port Theatre, including concerts, comedy, symphony, dance, receptions and more. We host over 250 events every year, which means that as a volunteer you have a lot of events to choose from! Volunteer positions include Ushers, Ticket Checkers, Audience Services, Coffee or Ice Cream Vendors, and Merchandise Assistants—all integral to running a successful event for the public to enjoy.

Total volunteer hours in 2022: 10,650
Total volunteer hours since 1998 opening: 315,733

Theatre Angels

The Port Theatre Society is able to increase access to performing arts and help dissolve social, physical and financial barriers throughout our communities through the generous support of our donors. We offer our sincere appreciation for help in spreading the gift of joy through the magic of live performance plus the sense of belonging that comes from sharing an audience experience.

The Port Theatre Society’s Theatre Angels Program provides tickets to the following social service agencies in the Mid-Island area, who in turn distribute the tickets to clients who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend live performances. 1,480 tickets were made available in 2019 to the following 56 agencies and groups.