Location Winnipeg, Manitoba
Architect Number TEN Architectural Group
Opened in 1970, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (RMTC) was designed by Winnipeg firm Number TEN Architectural Group (originally Waisman Ross Blankstein Coop Gillmor Hanna).
The Manitoba Theatre Centre is a leading example of small-scale Brutalist architecture in Canada. Photo by Henry Kalen
The Manitoba Theatre Centre was founded in 1958 by John Hirsch and Tom Hendry as the first regional theatre in Canada. Its Winnipeg home is recognized as a National Historic Site, both for the company?s influence on the development of Canadian theatre and for the building?s expression of small-scale Brutalist architecture in Canada.
The principal architect for the 785-seat theatre was Allan H. Waisman, FRAIC, and the design architect was Robert Kirby, who worked closely with the artistic director of the theatre company, Eddie Gilbert. The RMTC is one of only three National Historic Sites in Canada designated for the excellence of their Brutalist architecture. (The other two are Charlottetown?s Confederation Centre for the Arts and Ottawa?s National Arts Centre.) The foyer includes textured concrete whose wave pattern has become a motif for the Centre. Photo by Henry Kalen
One of the theatre?s two foyers includes viewing windows to the backstage workshop area, where theatregoers can see all the aspects of work that go into a production. Architectural historian Andrew Waldron says, ?A thrust stage, calm semi-private spa...