
Roxy History

The original Roxy Theatre opened in 1938 and quickly became an entertainment fixture in the Westmount neighbourhood. Designed by prominent architect William G. Blakely – whose Edmonton design credits include another iconic cinema, The Garneau Theatre – The Roxy brought art deco to the heart of Edmonton and became a meeting place, landmark, and cultural touchpoint in the city for generations to come.
Its design was given glowing reviews by the Edmonton Bulletin which wrote “Smartly modern in design, with eye catching neon sign, white stucco with black trim and gleaming, well-lighted foyer, fully air-conditioned, seats arranged to assure positive screen vision and built for comfort upholstery and adequate rest room facilities, the Roxy is truly the up-to-the-minute expression of customer service in theatre construction.” The public seemed to agree. The opening reception was attended by many prominent Edmontonians, including Mayor John Wesley Fry and Lieutenant Governor John C. Bowen.
– Edmonton Historical Board

From 1938 to 1989 The Roxy operated as a movie house, under two different owners – Bill Wilson (son of Capital Theatre owner Walter Wilson), and Odeon (Suburban) Theatres. In ’89 it was donated by Nancy Power, Edmonton businesswoman and Theatre Network board member, and Theatre Network converted it into a live theatre venue. With its characteristic sloping wooden floors, beautiful acoustics and small lobby, The Roxy was home to audiences and artists alike. As the only live theatre venue in the 124 th Street area, The Roxy under Theatre Network’s care became known for its unique character its ability to surprise audiences. As the home of Nextfest, Theatre Network’s emerging artist festival, The Roxy gave birth to the careers of 500+ young artists every year, and was a building of “firsts” for many who entered it.
On January 13, 2015 – midway through Theatre Network’s 40th anniversary season – The Roxy Theatre burned down in a fearsome blaze, and despite their best efforts the firefighters were unable to contain the blaze. She was not without panache on her final night.
Seven years later, Theatre Network is proud to unveil The New Roxy Theatre, purpose-built for live theatre and multidisciplinary arts. April 14-16, 2022 marks the opening of this new place of “firsts” for our neighbourhood and our city. Thank you for being a part of The Roxy’s journey home.
Theatre Network is honoured to announce that The Roxy Theatre is open once again!
Click once to scroll through seasons, click again to exit!
1975
2022
2021
The Highlights
The new Roxy is completed and open!
2022
2021
2019/2020
The Highlights
Construction is ongoing on The Roxy Theatre.
2021
2019/2020
2018/2019
The Highlights
Erin Newell-Lupien joins Theatre Network’s board of directors. The season featured Bed and Breakfast by Mark Crawford and The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius by Colleen Murphy. On March 13, 2020 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, The Roxy on Gateway was closed and all remaining performances at the theatre were canceled including the final show in Theatre Network’s season, Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes by Hannah Moscovitch. Nextfest 2020 forged ahead and presented their festival programming online which included socially distant creations, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Theatre Network was the recipient of three Sterling Awards including: Outstanding Production of a Play (The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius), Outstanding Supporting Performance – Comedy (Hunter Cardinal – The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius), and Outstanding Costume Design (Tessa Stamp – The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius). In July of 2020 Maggie Barton Baird stepped down as Festival Producer of Nextfest. Construction of The New Roxy Theatre continues on 124 Street.
2019/2020
2018/2019
2017/2018
The Highlights
Jared Tabler is named the new President and Paul Manuel is named the new Vice President of Theatre Network’s board of director’s. Marianne Stewart joins the board of directors. In January 2019 MP Randy Boissonnault appeared on behalf of the Government of Canada to announce that Canadian Heritage is committing $2.5 million to the rebuild of The Roxy Theatre on 124 Street. The season featured the Western Canadian Premiere of What A Young Wife Ought to Know by Hannah Moscovitch, We Are Not Alone written & performed by Damien Atkins which was brought in from Crow’s Theatre and the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, and the World Premiere of Darrin Hagen’s The Empress & The Prime Minister. The season closed with Nextfest 2019 produced by The Nextfest Arts Company. Theatre Network was the recipient of three Sterling Awards including: Outstanding Performance in a Support Role – Drama (Bobbi Goddard in What A Young Wife Ought to Know), Outstanding Lighting Design (Kimberly Purtell, We Are Not Alone) and Outstanding Production of a Play (We Are Not Alone). On June 24, 2019 Theatre Network broke ground on The New Roxy Theatre.
2018/2019
2017/2018
2016/2017
The Highlights
Lewis Cardinal joins the board of directors. Paul Nahirney is hired as Capital Campaign Fund Development Director to work with the new Roxy Theatre project. In February of 2018 the City of Edmonton and Canadian Heritage host a joint announcement at The Roxy on Gateway that they are both contributing funds (Canadian Heritage – $330,270 & City of Edmonton – $208,000) to the design of a new Roxy Theatre on 124 Street. In April of 2018 the Government of Alberta and the Ministry of Culture & Tourism with the support of Deputy Premiere, MLA for Edmonton-Glenora Sarah Hoffman announced that they are contributing $2.5 towards a new Roxy Theatre on 124 Street. The season featured the world premiere of a new show from The Old Trout Puppet Workshop called Jabberwocky, and Hannah Moscovitch’s Infinity. The season also featured Sheldon Elter’s Métis Mutt which was first developed at Nextfest in 2001 and had a short run in The Roxy Performance Series in 2003. Theatre Network received Sterling Awards for Outstanding Production of a Play (Métis Mutt), Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Sheldon Elter – Métis Mutt), and Outstanding Multi-Media Design (Ian Jackson – Infinity). Theatre Network also received nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Ryan Parker – Infinity), and Outstanding Multi-Media Design (T. Erin Gruber, Métis Mutt).
2017/2018
2016/2017
2015/2016
The Highlights
Jared Tabler is appointed as vice president of Theatre Network Society. Season 42 was Theatre Network’s second full season at The Roxy on Gateway as the company continues conversations and research into rebuilding on 124 Street. The 2016/2017 Season featured two World Premieres from local writers (Bust by Matthew MacKenzie & Irma Voth by Chris Craddock Adapted from the Novel by Miriam Toews) as well as an anniversary production of Darrin Hagen’s Tornado Magnet. Theatre Network received four Sterling Awards including: Outstanding Production of a Play (Irma Voth), Outstanding New Play (Chris Craddock for Irma Voth), Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Andréa Jorawsky for Irma Voth), and Outstanding Multi Media Design (Ian Jackson for Irma Voth). Theatre Network also received nominations for Outstanding New Play (Matthew MacKenzie for Bust), Oustanding Director (Bradley Moss for Irma Voth), Outstanding Set Design (Megan Koshka for Irma Voth) and Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Kendra Connor for Irma Voth).
2016/2017
2015/2016
2014/2015
The Highlights
Theatre Network moves into the space formerly occupied by Catalyst Theatre at 8529 Gateway Blvd and renames it The Roxy on Gateway. The space is rented by Theatre Network and is owned by The Edmonton Jazz Society. Season 42 for Theatre Network featured two musicals: The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown and the a new musical from Guys in Disguise, Klondykes by Darrin Hagen & Trevor Schmidt. The season closed with Morris Panych’s Gordon. Theatre Network won one Sterling Award (Musical Director, Erik Mortimer – The Last Five Years) and was nominated for 12 awards including Outstanding Production of a Play (Gordon) and Outstanding Production of a Musical (The Last Five Years).
2015/2016
2014/2015
2013/2014
The Highlights
Theatre Network celebrates their 40th Anniversary Season. A fire destroys The Roxy Theatre, the long-time home of Theatre Network. Productions for the 40th Season continue with Famous Puppet Death Scenes at Eastglen High School and Armstrong’s War at The Backstage Theatre in the ATB Financial Arts Barns. Theatre Network receives two Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards including: Outstanding Director (Bradley Moss – The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble) and Outstanding Set Design (Cory Sincennes – The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble) with nominations including two for Outstanding Production of a Play (The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble & Armstrong’s War), two for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Clarice Eckford in The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble & Eva Foote in Armstrong’s War) and two nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Patricia Zentilli & Susan Gilmour in The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble). Theatre Network continues operations heading into their 41st Season by taking up residence at 8529 Gateway Blvd beside the Yardbird Suite. The venue is renamed The Roxy on Gateway.
2014/2015
2013/2014
2012/2013
The Highlights
Theatre Network receives two Elizabeth Sterling Hayenes Awards including: Outstanding Production of a Play (Little One) and Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Amber Borotsik in Little One) with nominations including Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Nadien Chu in Pig Girl), Outstanding New Play (Pig Girl by Colleen Murphy), Outstanding Director (Bradley Moss – Little One), Outstanding Lighting Design (Scott Peters – Little One), Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical (Matt Skopyk – Pig Girl & Darrin Hagen – Little One).
2013/2014
2012/2013
2011/2012
The Highlights
Fawnda Mithrush is appointed General Manager. Theatre Network’s production of Let the Light of Day Through receives four Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards including Outstanding Light Design (Award to Scott Peters), Outstanding New Play (Award to Collin Doyle), Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Award to Jesse Gervais) and Outstanding Production of a Play. Theatre Network productions were also nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Lora Brovold in Let the Light of Day Through, Outstanding Director: Bradley Moss for Let the Light of Day Through, Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Craig Lauzon in Where the Blood Mixes and Outstanding Production of a Musical: Typhoon Judy.
2012/2013
2011/2012
2010/2011
The Highlights
Jill Roszell steps down as General Manager. Theatre Network is nominated for Outstanding Production of a Play and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Michel & Ti-Jean and In on It), Outstanding Director and Outstanding Set Design (Michel & Ti-Jean).
2011/2012
2010/2011
2009/2010
The Highlights
Theatre Network is nominated for Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Public Speaking), Outstanding Director and Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Communion), Outstanding Costume Design (Hard Core Logo: Live), Outstanding Set Design (Mump and Smoot Cracked)
2010/2011
2009/2010
2008/2009
The Highlights
Theatre Network’s production on The Erotic Anguish of Don Juan receives the Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, as well as Costume and Lighting Design Sterling Awards. Marianne Copithorne receives the Sterling Award for Outstanding Director for The Woman in Black.
2009/2010
2008/2009
2007/2008
The Highlights
Theatre Network’s past president Nancy Power receives the Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre in Edmonton. Theatre Network is nominated for eleven Sterling Awards including Outstanding New Play (Buddy). Natasha Girgis receives the Sterling Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Palace of the End).
2008/2009
2007/2008
2006/2007
The Highlights
Jill Roszell is appointed General Manager. Theatre Network’s infamous publicist Kevin Hendricks receives The Margaret Mooney Award for Outstanding Achievement in Administration.
2007/2008
2006/2007
2005/2006
The Highlights
David Cheoros steps down as General Manager. Theatre Network breaks all previous subscription records. Ronnie Burkett’s 10 Days On Earth marked Theatre Network’s longest running production and breaks all box office records. Theatre Network takes the hit production Summer of My Amazing Luck on a Western Canada tour
2006/2007
2005/2006
2004/2005
The Highlights
Theatre Network receives Sterling Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role (Caroline Livingstone, Girl in a Goldfish Bowl) and Outstanding Set Design (Roger Schultz, The Leisure Society)
2005/2006
2004/2005
2003/200
The Highlights
Theatre Network receives 18 Sterling Nominations and 8 Sterling Awards, including Outstanding New Play for Summer of My Amazing Luck and Outstanding Production of a Musical for Black Rider.
2004/2005
2003/200
2002/2003
The Highlights
David Cheoros is appointed General Manager. Theatre Network receives the Sterling Award for Outstanding New Play (Provenance), Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Vanessa Holmes, Vincent in Brixton and Outstanding Set Design (Roger Schultz, A Skull in Conemmara)
2003/200
2002/2003
2001/2002
The Highlights
Theatre Network receives 8 Sterling Awards, including Best Production of a Play for Perfect Pie, and Best Production of a Musical for Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Hedwig is held over for a week and breaks all Box Office records.
2002/2003
2001/2002
2000/2001
The Highlights
General Manager Jacquie Richardson receives the MacLab Enterprises Award for Excellence in Arts Management. Theatre Network begins a feasibility study of the Roxy Theatre with Proscenium Architecture + Interiors Inc. NextFest expands to a 10-day festival format. And yellowpencil.com develops Theatre Network’s web site www.attheroxy.com.
2001/2002
2000/2001
1999/2000
The Highlights
Jacquie Richardson is appointed General Manager. Steve Pirot is appointed Festival Director of Nextfest. Theatre Network breaks previous box office records and wins the Sterling award for Outstanding Production of a Play for Ronnie Burkett’s marionette production of Happy. NeWest Press publishes the NeXtFest Anthology, edited by Festival Director Glenda Stirling.
2000/2001
1999/2000
1998/99
The Highlights
Theatre Network announces Bradley Moss as its new Artistic Director. Theatre Network celebrates its 25th Anniversary Season and invites past artistic director Stephen Heatley to direct Your Wildest Dreams by Marianne Copithorne & Murray McCune. NeXtFest 2000 – Syncrude NeXt Generation Arts Festival goes world wide with its CKUA Live Theatre Broadcast. Theatre Network continues to break box office records with the success of Ronnie Burkett’s Street Of Blood and High Life by Lee MacDougall.
1999/2000
1998/99
1997/98
The Highlights
Glenda Stirling is appointed Festival Director for NeXtFest’99. Theatre Network breaks all previous box office records with the successful runs of; Marty Chan’s Mom, Dad, I’m Living With A White Girl (Sterling winner for Outstanding New Play).
1998/99
1997/98
1997
The Highlights
Theatre Network appoints Bradley Moss as their interim Artistic Director on the eve of the third annual Next Fest’98.Theatre Network takes the initiative to expand its mandate to include contemporary works without geographic borders, and incorporates the artistic vision of the Phoenix Theatre – to provide the very best of contemporary theatre from around the world. Theatre Network receives a Sterling award for Outstanding Production of a Play for Ronnie Burkett’s Tinka’s New Dress. David Hennessey – General Manager – wins a Sterling for Outstanding Administration.
1997/98
1997
1996
The Highlights
Theatre Network’s The Stone Angel based on the novel by Margaret Lawrence receives an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for Outstanding Production of a Play.
1997
1996
1995
The Highlights
Theatre Network creates their annual NextFest – the Syncrude NeXt Generation Arts Festival, under the founding Festival Director/Producer Bradley Moss.
1996
1995
1994
The Highlights
Scraping The Surface by Lyle Victor Albert receives a Sterling for Outstanding New Play.
1995
1994
1993/94
The Highlights
David Hennessey is appointed General Manager.
1994
1993/94
1992/93
The Highlights
Ben Henderson is appointed Artistic Director.
1993/94
1992/93
1991
The Highlights
Castrato by Greg Nelson receives a Sterling for Outstanding New Play, and Skippy Gets A Boner by Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie wins a Sterling for Outstanding Production of a Musical.
1992/93
1991
1990
The Highlights
The Other Side of the Pole by Stephen Heatley and Others receives a Sterling for Outstanding Production for Young Audiences.
1991
1990
1988
The Highlights
Theatre Network finds a new home in the historic Roxy Theatre donated to the company by Nancy Power. Built in 1938, the Roxy had become an alternative second-run movie house by the 1970’s. Learn more about the history of The Roxy Theatre by clicking here.
1990
1988
1985/86
The Highlights
Haunting Melody by Marianne Copithorne & Murray McCune receives an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical. The Third Ascent by Frank Moher wins a Sterling for Outstanding New Play.
1988
1985/86
1983
The Highlights
Odd Jobs by Frank Moher and Walt and Roy by Michael McKinlay are nominated for the Governor General’s Award for Drama.
1985/86
1983
1982
The Highlights
Due South and Men with Brooms actor Paul Gross premiere’s his new play The Deer and Antelope Play.
1983
1982
1982
The Highlights
Theatre Network launches the world premiere of Wolfboy by Brad Fraser.
1982
1982
1981
The Highlights
Country Chorale by Raymond Storey makes its musical debut at Theatre Network, and it also marks the stage debut of future Grammy Award winner kd Lang.
1982
1981
1980
The Highlights
1981
Stephen Heatley is appointed Artistic Director. Under Heatley, Theatre Network’s new mandate or artistic mission statement becomes “to assist, develop, and perform original plays by Alberta playwrights”. Theatre Network on their Dark Monday’s launches Theatresports.
1981
1980
1977/78
The Highlights
Andras Tahn serves as interim Artistic Director while on leave from 25th Street Theatre
1980
1977/78
1975
The Highlights
Hard Hats and Stolen Hearts: A Tar Sand Myth (Collective/Gordon Penguilly), a play about life in boomtown Fort McMurray, was Theatre Network’s (and Edmonton’s) first professional play to grace the off-Broadway stages of New York City at Richard Schechner’s Performance Garage.
1977/78
1975
2022
The Highlights
Theatre Network (1975) Society was founded in 1975 as a co-operative; headed by Artistic Director Mark Manson, with Jonathan Barker, Jeurgen Beerwald, Theresa Bryson, Shay Garner, Dennis Robinson, Tanya Ryga, Gerry Zelinski. The original objective was to produce plays “about Alberta for Albertans” with an overall mandate to foster the development of original regional theatre, and to promote the arts in Alberta through the medium of Theatre.