History of the Playhouse

The Prince George Playhouse has been a cornerstone of cultural and artistic expression in Prince George since its inception in the early seventies. Constructed through the dedicated efforts of the Prince George Theatre Workshop Society, the Playhouse has undergone significant transformations over the decades to meet the evolving needs of the performers and the audience.

In 1996, a major renovation funded by the City breathed new life into the Playhouse, expanding its footprint and enhancing its offerings. This renovation not only added more seating, creating space for a larger audience but also saw the implementation of crucial upgrades that elevated the performance experience.

A highlight of the renovation was the significant enhancement of the lighting system. Comprehensive upgrades were made, adding a wealth of circuits and sophisticated equipment like the Chamsys MagicQ MQ70 Console, amplifying the stage’s illumination and overall visual appeal. The exterior of the Playhouse was also thoughtfully revamped, ensuring that the venue not only stood out as a space of performance but also as an architectural emblem within Prince George.

The Playhouse today stands as a versatile and well-equipped venue, boasting a seating capacity of 303, including wheelchair-accessible spots, and a stage thoughtfully designed to accommodate a diverse array of performances and events. The various improvements, ranging from audio, lighting, to stage dimensions, coalesce to make the Prince George Playhouse a premier venue for theatre, live music, comedy, conferences, and even weddings​

The Prince George Playhouse experienced significant damage during a storm in December 2020. A portion of the Playhouse's stucco cladding fell off, revealing extensive underlying rot beyond minimal repair​3. The Playhouse, which was already closed due to COVID-19, required substantial repairs following this incident. The city council approved $501,500 for necessary repairs to allow the Playhouse to reopen, but it was estimated that around $5.17 million in repairs were still needed for comprehensive restoration​​. Despite these challenges, the council and community have shown commitment to restoring and preserving the Playhouse, ensuring its continued role as a vital cultural venue in Prince George​.