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Set in a former synagogue, this brilliant French troupe has given many young performers, writers and producers their first platform and so has established a loyal audience keen to appreciate new works.

A French theater company founded in 1968 that is committed to writing, staging and producing Québécois plays. It is guided by the passion of artistic director René-Richard Cyr.

Begun in 1951, this is the heart of Québécois theater. The company moved to this heritage building in 1972 and has put on legendary shows ever since.

This is the cultural centerpiece of Montréal. Five modern venues and an outdoor plaza house countless performances and are permanent homes to the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Opéra Montréal and the Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal. It is also the seasonal home of the International Jazz Festival of Montréal, Festival Francofolies and Festival Montréal en lumière (see Festivals and Events).

Montréal’s principal English-language theatrical venue was founded in 1969. Housed in the Old Stock Exchange Building, it has two stages and is fast becoming known for its world-class productions. The program varies between Broadway musicals, contemporary Canadian drama, as well as works by international playwrights, past and present.

For over 50 years (established in 1949) this French-speaking theater has had an outstanding reputation for the quality of its productions. Everything from classics to contemporary works to international tours.

Perhaps the most compelling new theater in the country is hidden on a crowded stretch of the rue du Petit Champlain. The building is a beautiful example of fusing history with contemporary design; inside, the performance space is comfortable and the audience seating generous. The schedule has up-and-coming acts as well as established artists.

Le Capitole is a testament to the committed preservation of historic buildings in Québec City. Built in 1903 and refurbished by New York architect Thomas W. Lamb in the 1920s, it was given a third lease on life in the 1980s and is now the preferred showcase for theater, cabaret and cultural events. Also on site are a restaurant, a chic bar and a luxury hotel.

Conceived by Canadian architect and urban theorist Victor Prus, this inventive space uses a stacked concert hall grid to maximize on space limitations. The theater opened in 1971 and features a spectacular mural by Québec artist Jordi Bonet, which leads to the Salle Louis-Fréchette and Octave-Crémazie concert halls. Théâtre Trident, Opéra de Québec and the Club musical de Québec are based here, as well as concerts by the Orchestre symphonique de Québec. Pop concerts by international artists are also staged here sometimes.

After staging over 100 productions in temporary digs, the French-speaking Théâtre de la Bordée troupe has finally found its own home, in the refurbished Pigalle movie house in the Quartier St-Roch. Under the influence of artistic director Luc Robitaille the company is inviting luminaries such as Robert Lepage (see Robert Lepage) to mount original works.