all about our beautiful theatre
A historic gathering space since 1912
For more than a century, the Empress Theatre has stood at the heart of Fort Macleod as a place where audiences experience film, music, and live entertainment together.
What began as an opera house in 1912 has evolved through generations of entertainment while remaining one of Alberta’s treasured historic theatres. Today, the Empress Theatre continues to welcome audiences through film screenings, concerts, live performances, community theatre, educational programming, and special events
VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS ————> https://www.macleodempress.com/news-2
THE EARLY YEaRS
When the Empress Theatre first opened its doors in 1912, it was created as a cultural destination for the growing community of Fort Macleod.
In its earliest years, audiences experienced live performances, travelling productions, music, and opera-style entertainment in an elegant theatre setting that quickly became part of the town’s identity and social life.
As entertainment evolved thgrough the decades, the Empress adapted while preserving its historic character and enduring role within the community.
From silent films to live performance
During the eaqrly decades of cinema, the Empress Theatre became a destination for silent films before transitioning into the era of “taking pictures” from the 1930s through the 1950s.
Throughout every era, the theatre remained more than a movie house
The Empress continued to host concerts, performances, community productions, and public events that brought audiences together through shared experiences, creativity, and entertainment.
Today, that tradition continues through a diverse range of programming that includes:
Film screenings
Concert series
Community theatre
Touring performers
Live entertainment
Classes and workshops
Special community events
See what films are playing —————> https://www.macleodempress.com/new-page
a theatre built by community
The story of the Empress Theatre is also the story of the community itself. For generations, volunteers, performers, sponsors, donors, and audiences have helped preserve and sustain this historic venue. Their passion and dedication have allowed the theatre not only to survive, but to continue evolving as an active cultural space in Southern Alberta.
The Empress remains a place where people connect through shared experiences, creativity, and community celebration.
THE empress today
Today, the Empress Theatre continues to grow while honouring its historic roots.
In addition to its film programming and acclaimed concert series, the theatre is expanding opportunities for live theatre productions, educational programming, workshops, and community-based arts experiences.
As both a historic landmark and a living performance venue, the Empress is committed to preserving the past while creating opportunities for future generations of artists, audiences, and community members.
More than a theatre
The Empress Theatre is a living part of Fort Macleod’s history - a place where entertainment, heritage, and community continue to come together under one historic roof.
In the spirit of respect and reconciliation, The EMPRESS THEATRE acknowledges that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
The Empress Theatre is a member of the Cultural Heritage Tourism Alliance. Check out ways to explore and enjoy all the events in Fort Macleod right here:
tourismfortmacleod.ca
