Pumphouse Theatres Society
The Pumphouse Theatres Society is a Canadian nonprofit arts organization based in Calgary, Alberta. Established in 1972 as the Calgary Youth Drama Society, it operates the historic Pumphouse Theatre, a hub for emerging and established performing arts groups. The society holds charitable registration number 119106292RR0001 under the Canada Revenue Agency.

History

The society traces its origins to the adaptive reuse of a decommissioned water-pumping station, designated in 1980 by the American Waterworks Association as "Canada's Third Major Water Landmark" for its significance in public water supply history[2]. Initially leased to the Calgary Youth Drama Society through municipal and cultural government cooperation, the facility became a dedicated cultural venue.

Operations and Mission

The organization provides affordable rental spaces and programs to support Calgary’s performing arts community, hosting over 50 events annually across its two theaters. Productions range from musicals and dramas to experimental performance art and dance[1][5]. Its mission emphasizes accessibility, cultural enrichment, and arts education, with a focus on incubating local talent[4].

Programs

A cornerstone initiative is the Drama Day Camps, operating for over 30 years, which offer youth-focused theater education. The society also collaborates with diverse arts collectives, including both emerging artists and established companies, to stage approximately 600 performances yearly[5].

Impact

Since 1972, the Pumphouse Theatre has facilitated tens of thousands of artists and hosted over a million patrons. It remains a critical resource for Calgary’s arts ecosystem, emphasizing affordability and community engagement[1][5].