Roxy History
Building History1938 - Construction began in May of 1938. The ROXY opened as a “neighbourhood” movie house on October 13,1938 and featured Deanna Durbin in Mad About Music. “The Roxy Theatre opens with state-of-the art Mircophonic Sound Equipment, Air Conditioning and a Seating Arrangement reaching a new high standard of comfort.” - The Edmonton Bulletin. Manager Bill Wilson hosted an open house for the community on the afternoon of October13th and served tea to the ladies.
1941 - The ROXY Theatre is sold to Odeon (Suburban) Theatres Ltd.
1955 - Renovations designed by Rule, Wynn, Rule Architects are completed.
1988 - The ROXY Music Hall Variety Show featuring Tom Wildgoose.
1989 - Theatre Network assumes ownership and moves into the ROXY Theatre with the assistance of an anonymous donor. The first production is One Beautiful Evening (Or Two), a co-production with Small Change Theatre in December of 1989.
1993/94 - Theatre Network completes $160,000 renovation of the ROXY Theatre. The stage, the lobby and the outside of the building are redone. This project was possible with the generous support of the Edmonton Community Facility Enhancement Program, Theatre Network’s Board of Directors, and from members of the Edmonton community.
1998/99 - Technical upgrades to our Sound & Lighting gear, and renovations to the technical booth are completed thanks to the Edmonton Community Foundation.
1999 - Theatre Network gets a new $30,000 roof thanks to our Millennium Brick Fundraising Campaign and the Edmonton Community Facility Enhancement Program.
2000 - Theatre Network installs a new telephone system and a new Marquee thanks to the Edmonton Community Lottery Board. Theatre Network also installs a power upgrade to the building and soft blacks for the stage thanks to the Edmonton Community Foundation.
2001 - Theatre Network begins a feasibility study for the redevelopment of the ROXY Theatre venue with Proscenium Architecture + Interiors Inc.
2002 – Theatre Network purchases $60,000 of Brand New seats with the support of the Edmonton Community Lottery Board. As well, renovations are made to the performance space to accommodate the new look. A sprucing up.
2004 - Redid the stage. Added two new furnaces thanks to the generous contributions of Phoenix Insurance
2007 - Repainted the Roxy Lobby
2008 - Repainted the infamous Roxy sign; Re-painted & re-carpted the lobby