McPherson Playhouse Study

Victoria’s 850-seat McPherson Playhouse opened in 1913 as the Pantages Theatre as part of a vaudeville theatre chain. The theatre was saved from demolition in 1963 when it became part of Victoria’s Centennial Square. The 1963 renovations included the addition of lobby spaces and new the Civic Square.

In 1996, Proscenium was engaged to prepare a long-range plan for the facility, including rebuilding the stage tower, isolating the audience chamber, and improving life safety. In 1997, we designed the first phase  which included the seismic restraint of the Government Street façade, the reopening of the original front entrance, the creation of an isolated lighting and sound control room, an increase of handicapped access, and the addition of an acoustic separation between the audience chamber and the lobby areas.