Great Canadian Theatre Company

I’m such a theatre nerd that I have to adore anyplace that gives me good — and often great — theatre at reasonable prices. For all that I’m thankful for Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, it’s nice to know there’s a place in stodgy Ottawa where gay rap opera (yep, and it was amazing) can thrive. Or simply that another big theatre can thrive at all.
I’ve seen more than a few shows here, and I’m consistently impressed with the enthusiasm, talent, skill, and venue itself. I check the schedule every new season to see what’s coming up. Once we just eenie-meenie-miny-mo’d and went to the play my finger landed on. Wins every time.

In the heart of Westboro, the Great Canadian Theatre Company (formally the Irving Greenberg Theatre) is absolutely one of my favourite places to catch a show in Ottawa. I have been many times for various plays, concerts, events and even a wedding. The venue is modern and up to date, with a chic open concept feel. There is often local art on display, and there is a little café where you can get a pre-​show coffee, beverage or snack. I have had brunch there a couple of times and their fresh baked scones are an EXCELLENT way to start the morning.
The GCTC typically has a intricately themed season, featuring a wide variety of plays for various countries and eras that all coincide with the theme. It is often interesting to read about the season and attend the shows to compare them, as well as their relationship to the theme. I have seen so many shows there that it is hard to pick my favourite, but gun to my head I would have to say «Vimy» a story about the attack on Vimy Ridge during World War II expressed from the view points of various Canadians affected by the war. Heart-​renching and thoroughly Canadian, I would have seen this play every day it was performed if I had the means.
The GCTC is so rich with culture, and I appreciate it’s emphasis on minority communities (such as aboriginals and the LGBT community), as well as it’s support of Canadian Playwrights. The staff is always very friendly, and even though the GCTC runs on a loyal volunteer base, I have never been treated with anything but the utmost professionalism. Tickets are reasonably priced, and offer student pricing, as well as the occasional «pay what you can» night.
The GCTC is the perfect venue for concerts, however I do not find that they showcase very many throughout the year. Keep your eyes pealed for various outside productions that often make their way to the comfortably modern theatre though, as even though they don’t occur often, they are typically well worth attending.
The GCTC also hosts many events, including Urban Craft. I have attended Urban Craft many times as a volunteer as well as a patron and am always excited to see what local Ottawa businesses are up to.

Our first visit here was highly enjoyable. State of the art performance space, with comfort for its patrons. The show we saw was well produced. The space is airy, although their licensed area was closed when we arrived.

Great local theatre!

Most of my favourite theatre experiences in Ottawa have been at the GCTC; my favourite being their play adaptation of Alistair MacLeod’s «No Great Mischief.» I enjoy their ability to choose the best mix of professional and provocative plays. They take risks with their choices like an amateur theatre, but usually produce quality work like a professional theatre.
Their old location relied solely on a cozy theatre with terrible seats, but they have recently moved to new digs in Westboro. The new theatre features a large theatre, small theatre, art gallery, café, bar, apartments and a lobby available for functions. Although it’s not as nearly as small as it used to be, the new large theatre still maintains a close space with the audience and play.
Prices are $ 32 for matinées, $ 42 for evening shows and $ 30 for students. However, at the first Sunday of each performance, admission price is pay what you can. So get out to the GCTC on Oct. 26^th to take advantage of this deal for their new show «Zadie’s Shoes.»