Whether you just moved to Halifax or you’ve lived here your entire life, exploring the theatre scene in the city is a must-do activity. The Watch gathered the main spots that King’s students need to know to explore the Haligonian theatrical world.
King’s Theatrical Society (KTS)
If you don’t want to stray too far from the comfort of campus, the KTS is a great place to start. They are one of the biggest and oldest societies on campus. Their first play of every school year — Classics in the Quad — has become a staple in the King’s community. The classic Greek dramas star first-year students and are performed on the steps of the King’s library. If you want to experiment with writing your own play, or don’t have time to commit to a fall or winter show, they also put on the Infringement Festival every February. The festival is a week long and consists of several short plays that are written and performed by students.
Neptune Theatre
When it comes to professional theatre in Halifax, Neptune is the place to go. With multiple shows a year, ranging from classic heart-wrenching dramas to fun contemporary musicals, Neptune has something for every taste. Although it’s more expensive than non-professional theatres, Neptune tries to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. For most of their shows, they have a Pay What You Choose performance, where people that might not be able to afford the full price of a ticket can still watch the show. They also offer sensory-friendly performances and ASL interpreted performances.
Shakespeare by the Sea
If you consider yourself a Shakespeare fan, or want to learn more about his work after Section III in FYP, Shakespeare by the Sea might pique your interest. The performances happen during the summer in Point Pleasant Park, and they usually do about three different shows per season. One unique aspect is their annual one-night only performance of an unrehearsed Shakespearian play. Even though these shows are limited, they are always fun.
Dal Theatre Society
No matter what your major is, the Dal Theatre Society is an open space for everyone. If you have never done anything theatre related but want to try something that is low commitment, the society holds workshops that are open to everyone. They range from improv classes to playwriting workshops. The society also has great resources for people who want to learn more about the theatre scene in Halifax. They provide support for students in every aspect of theatre — including writing, directing, acting or backstage production.
Bus Stop Theatre Co-op
With over 100 shows every year, the Bus Stop Theatre Co-op is an independent black-box space in the North End. The theatre hosts new groups and performances every week. They prioritize accessibility and affordability as much as possible. They value collaboration between artists and incentivize people to take risks with their art. The co-op also organizes The Bus Stop Writers Circle, a free monthly meeting where writers can share and get feedback on their work.
