Upcoming events
Bart Millard, lead singer of MercyMe, faces a personal crisis at the peak of his success. As his world unravels, he struggles with his beliefs and inner demons while seeking a path through adversity. Run time 2h 50min (PG)
When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the town where Sidney Prescott has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter becomes the next target. Run time 1h 54min. (R)
Valdy, is a Canadian folk and country music legend who has toured for forty-six years. HIs solo career began in the early 1970s. He is most known for "Rock and Roll Song", his first mainstream single but Valdy has a treasure trove of songs and stories. He is the winner of two JUNO awards including Folksinger of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year. His fourteen albums, including four which are certified gold, have achieved sales of nearly half a million copies. BUY TICKETS
Left heartbroken in Rome after a wedding disaster, a stranded groom finds his ruined honeymoon transformed by a determined local and a few meddling travelers-proving that sometimes heartbreak is only the beginning. Run time 1h 36min (PG)
Roll out the red carpet and join us for a glamorous Academy Awards Party at the historic Empress Theatre! Tickets are $20, which includes one complimentary drink. Enjoy provided snacks while our bar and wine bar remain open all night.
Feeling competitive? Take part in Oscar voting for a $2 entry—guess the winners and take home the pot if you come out on top!
Whether you’re an awards-season expert or don’t know a single category, this is all about mixing, mingling, laughing, and having an awesome night out at the Empress. Come dressed to impress and celebrate film in style. BUY TICKETS
The Canadian premiere of a modern fairy tale that meets an action crime thriller. Run time 2h 28min
Jake and Neytiri's family grapples with grief, encountering a new, aggressive Na'vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges. Run time 3h 17min (PG-13)
PART OF THE 2025-26 CENTRE STAGE SERIES - Eighteen years ago a number of Ian Tyson's one time sidemen, collaborators and musical admirers came together under the banner of The Gift - Words and Music of Ian Tyson. The Gift rolls through 50 years of Tyson's catalogue, finding room for songs going back to the days of Ian and Sylvia and The Great Speckled Bird, through Ian's honky-tonk years, while making room for a large slice of the cowboy culture music that is heard on albums from Old Corrals and Sagebrush, Cowboyography, 18 Inches of Rain, I Outgrew The Saddle and Songs From The Gravel Road. BUY TICKETS
Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and save Earth. An unexpected friendship may be the key. Run time 2h 36min (PG-13)
19-year-old animal lover uses technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver to uncover mysteries within the animal world beyond her imagination. Run time 1h 45min (PG)
Called one of Canada’s Top 5 Female Jazz Singers and Top 35 under 35 Jazz Artists by CBC Radio 2, Lica’s deep passion for the music of classic American vocalists like Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, and Betty Hutton led her to pursue a degree in Jazz Voice Performance at the University of Toronto. Barbra has received accolades for a unique stage approach that stresses subtlty, grace and storytelling, captivating audiences with her genuine warmth and confidence. BUY TICKETS
After prison, a woman attempts to reconnect with her young daughter but faces resistance from everyone except a bar owner with ties to her child. As they grow closer, she must confront her past mistakes to build a hopeful future. Run time 1h 54min (PG-13)
(18+ Only) A fictitious male stripper troupe (played by some of Canada’s best improv comedians) perform sexylarious comedy. Semi undressed and completely unscripted, they take off their shirts and take on your suggestions to create a whole new genre of comedy. They try to be sexy… it just comes out funny. They sing, they “dance”, and they are ready to make you laugh. A SHOW FOR ALL GENDERS… (Adults Only) WARNING! No extreme nudity, just extreme hilarity. BUY TICKETS
Since emigrating to Canada in 2002, Chris Ronald has been recognized as a highly skilled singer, storyteller and musician. His fusion of folk, roots, and Americana music are steeped in his British background and poetic lyrics. One of these early works caught the attention of The Georgia Straight who praised Ronald’s songwriting and “beautifully clear tenor voice” and wondered “where his obvious talent has been hiding for so long.” His sophomore album Timeline catapulted Ronald to a new level in his career with, among other accolades, a nomination for “Songwriter of the Year” at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Ronald was then signed to esteemed Canadian folk label Borealis Records to release Fragments followed by Light & Dark. Both albums achieved top 10 on the The Folk Chart. BUY TICKETS
Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom. Run time 1h 38min (PG)
PART OF THE 2025-26 CENTRE STAGE SERIES - For nearly two decades, Delhi 2 Dublin has been at the forefront of South Asian fusion music, pioneering a global bass sound they call “Subcontinental Pop”—a high-energy blend of Bhangra, electronic, hip-hop, reggae, and Celtic influences that defies genre and unites dance floors worldwide. As they approach their monumental 20th anniversary in 2026, the band is re-energized, re-inspired, and ready to launch a bold new chapter, creating fresh music for the first time in six years. Founding members Sanjay Seran and Ravi Binning continue to lead the charge, pushing Delhi 2 Dublin’s sound and vision to new heights. BUY TICKETS
A salute to one Canada's most celebrated songwriters - Troubadour "The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot" with Duane Steele and a killer band, brings the timeless music and story of Gordon Lightfoot to life on our stage with amazing songs, multi-media images, and wonderful stories about Gordon's life and career. We guarantee you’ll leave the theatre humming Sundown, Carefree Highway, If You Could Read My Mind and a ton of other great Lightfoot hits. Amazing harmonies, rich storytelling, and a night that feels like coming home. BUY TICKETS
Back by popular demand, Ikons: the Kiss Experience will rock Fort Macleod’s Empress Theatre once again. This authentic concert experience is guaranteed to satisfy even the most diehard Kiss fans. Beginning in the 1970s, with chart-toppers including “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” and “Beth”, Kiss is known for its members’ face paint and stage outfits and its pyrotechnics. Come experience the Starchild, the Demon, the Spaceman, and the Catman. You just might think it’s the real deal once you see Ikons’ authentic looks, moves and music. BUY TICKETS
Join us for a week for young creators who are ready to move, express, and make an impact. Theatre on the Move introduces kids to the dynamic world where movement speaks louder than words and every gesture tells a story. Through playful exploration of mime, puppetry, clowning, and expressive movement, campers will create original theatre pieces from their own point of view. Using basic props and physical attitudes, they’ll discover how to communicate powerful ideas, challenge perspectives, and amplify the world they live in. We will be looking a staging, society, chorus work, rhythm and dynamic play. Whether it's a stomp, a spin, or a silent stare, every motion matters. ENROLL HERE
Step into the captivating world of magic, mind-reading, comedy, and a daring escape with Mind Bender's electrifying live show - The Experience!
Now touring across Canada - including a special stop in Alberta, right here in Fort Macleod! The Experience is a high-energy, interactive spectacle that blurs the line between reality and illusion. From impossible feats to mentalism to Mind Bender's shocking body bag escape, this is a show you have to see to believe. Are you ready to witness the impossible? BUY TICKETS
Step into a world where imagination takes center stage and characters come to life—no strings attached! This hands-on, high-energy summer camp invites kids to explore the art of puppetry through rod and hand puppets in a week packed with creativity, laughter, and storytelling. Campers will learn voice techniques and character development, rehearse and perform original puppet skits, play theater games that boost confidence and teamwork, and howcase their creations in a final performance for family and friends! This camp hits the Empress stage with the discovery of self-expression, collaboration, and unforgettable summer memories. ENROLL HERE
A week of fun, connection and creative discovery. Through games and scenes, we’ll explore spontaneity, storytelling, physicality, character and presence. What Will You Learn? Ensemble techniques to strengthen group mind and trust, haracter creation and physical embodiment, status play and emotional range, improvised storytelling and narrative structure, performance polish and stage confidence, spontaneity, listening, and responding in the moment. Each day features a mix of group work, scene practice, games and exercises. ENROLL HERE
Come jam with us in an absolutely joy-filled space where we focus on safety, story, and style — and maybe make a few new friends along the way. This camp joins slapstick and farce together! We will slip on items on the ground, trip over low-lying props, walk into unseen objects, accidentally run into characters, be hit by moving objects held by other performers, and sit on chairs removed beneath us for another purpose. We are going to have a blast together! ENROLL HERE
Want to rob from the rich to give to the poor? While the King is away, the people of England suffer under the oppressive rule of his tax-happy brother, Prince John. Only a straight arrow like Robin Hood, the best archer in the land, can save England! By stealing from the rich and giving back to the poor, Robin keeps the spirit of justice alive, with the help of a few friends along the way, including Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, and Little John. But what if the Prince and the dreaded Sheriff of Nottingham lay a trap for our hero? Join us to find out! Come away to Sherwood Forest this winter as the greenwood rings with daring and laughter! ENROLL HERE
What happens when Shakespeare’s most famous love story gets a comedic twist? In this high-energy, one-week theatre program, teens will reimagine Romeo and Juliet as a hilarious, modern-day parody—complete with awkward love confessions, over-the-top sword fights (pool noodles, anyone? Or do you have an even better idea?), and a dramatic nurse who moonlights as a TikTok influencer. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just curious about theatre, this program is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and deliver big laughs. ENROLL HERE
All concerts are supported by Alberta Foundation for the Arts
EMPRESS THEATRE
FORT MACLEOD, ALBERTA
Since 1912 the Empress Theatre has provided a broad spectrum of high quality arts and cultural events to the people of rural Southern Alberta. The Empress is a not-for-profit registered charity that hosts live theatre, world-class music, cinema, summer theatre camps, film festivals, community musicals, weddings, private screenings, conventions, tours, meetings, conferences, symposia, workshops, lectures, debates, rehearsals, memorials, celebrations, benefit concerts, location shoots, live recordings, spiritual experiences, paranormal investigations, parties and more.
The theatre is currently designated an Alberta Historic Resource, is owned and maintained by the Town of Fort Macleod and is operated on their behalf by the Empress Theatre Society.
