BMO Theatre Centre

The BMO Theatre Centre is home to two of Vancouver’s popular theatre companies, the Arts Club and Bard on the Beach. In 2016, Proscenium completed the design and renovation of an existing shell space (by GBL Architects) to establish a 250-seat theatre, rehearsal halls, costume shops, rehearsal spaces and offices for the two resident companies.

The project included the infilling of an existing double-height lobby to facilitate a VIP balcony and a perimeter catwalk for the theatre. The lobby now facilitates pre-show gatherings and provides a dynamic area for live music and a wine bar. Back of house spaces were developed in relation to stakeholder needs, including wardrobe storage space and shop space for the theatre companies to use.

A strong example of how to design a successful theatre in a new development, Proscenium saw the project through from the initial study to further development and completion in 2016.