15 Best Performing Arts Venues in Toronto, Ontario

This gem of Toronto’s arts scene includes two former vaudeville halls, built in 1913 and stacked one on top of the other. It's the world’s last operating double-decker theater complex—Elgin Theater on the lower level and Winter Garden Theater above—and a designated Canadian National Historic Site. Until 1928, the venues hosted silent-film and vaudeville stars like George Burns, Gracie Allen, and Edgar Bergen with Charlie McCarthy. Today, audiences still enjoy performances in stunning surroundings: the Elgin’s dramatic gold-leaf-and-cherub interior and the Winter Garden’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream–inspired décor, complete with tree branches overhead. The stages host Broadway-style musicals, comedians, jazz concerts, operas, and Toronto International Film Festival screenings. Monday-afternoon guided tours (90 minutes long) are usually offered a few select days each month.

Founded in 1998 by twelve Canadian artists, Soulpepper is one of Toronto’s most well-known, independent, not-for-profit theater companies. Known for its bold and thoughtful programming, Soulpepper stages a dynamic mix of classics, original plays, musicals, and concerts throughout the year. One of its most famous productions was Ins Choi's play Kim's Convenience, which became a popular TV show. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, this company is a cornerstone of the city's vibrant performing arts scene.

Canada's largest queer theater company presents edgy plays and festivals, as well as specialty events like parties, burlesque, and stand-up. 

Canadian Stage is the country’s leading contemporary performing arts organization, focusing on cross-disciplinary works that integrate theater, dance, film, visual arts, and more to reflect the complexity and cultural richness of Canada. It stages productions at the Bluma Appel Theatre ( 27 Front St. E), which seats 867, and the more intimate Berkeley Street Theatre ( 26 Berkeley St.), which has a capacity of 244 seats.

This 1920 vaudeville theater has gone by many names over the years, including the Pantages, the Imperial and the Canon. Now named for local businessman and theater impresario Ed Mirvish, it ranks among the most architecturally and acoustically impressive live theaters in Toronto. Designers consider it one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. The building underwent a major refurbishment in 1989. World-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb designed the space, which features a grand staircase, gold-leaf detailing, and crystal chandeliers.

This is the country's largest producer of exclusively Canadian plays. Many of the company's shows are world premieres that have gone on to tour Canada and win prestigious awards.

The main theater space of the University of Toronto since 1919, Hart House mounts emerging-artist and student productions throughout the school year, with musicals, dance, Shakespeare, contemporary plays, and classics all represented.

State-of-the-art facilities and wonderful murals by American artist Frank Stella grace this 2,000-seat theater, built by father-and-son producer team Ed and David Mirvish in 1993 to accommodate the technically demanding musical Miss Saigon. Big-budget musicals like Come from Away and The Book of Mormon and plays such as War Horse are also showcased.

The most historic of the Mirvish theaters, the \"Royal Alex\" has been the place to be seen in Toronto since 1907 and is the oldest continuously operating legitimate theater in North America. The restored and reconfigured theater features 1,244 plush red seats, gold plasterwork, and baroque swirls and flourishes that make theatergoing a refined experience. Charlton Heston made his debut here and Lawrence Olivier, Edith Piaf, Mary Pickford, Alan Bates, and John Gielgud have also graced the stage. Programs are a mix of blockbuster musicals and dramatic productions, some touring before or after Broadway appearances.

This modern, intimate theater is home to long-running local company Crow's Theatre, which is devoted to thought-provoking contemporary theater from Canadian and international playwrights. Italian eatery Piano Piano is on-site for pre- or post-show eats and cocktails.

This converted warehouse presents plays by new and established Canadian playwrights, with special focus on nurturing emerging voices in Canadian theater. The complex features multiple theater spaces and studios, and maverick companies will occasionally mount interesting experimental productions in some of the smaller rooms.

Built in 1909 as a library funded by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, this heritage property underwent extensive renovations and reopened as a theater space in 2016. As well as boundary-pushing programming, visitors will find an open-door policy that reflects its community-first ethos—drop in for a coffee, set up your laptop for the day, or simply relax without pressure to make a purchase. The café/bar is open late on performance nights.

Founded in 1967, the company is a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant performing arts scene, offering high-caliber French-language drama with English subtitles for accessibility. The company's repertoire spans classical pieces to bold contemporary works, spotlighting French and French-Canadian voices. Each season includes productions for a general audience, children and teens, making it a great cultural outing for all ages. Whether you're a Francophone or simply a Francophile, TfT delivers compelling theatre that transcends language barriers.

Toronto's oldest alternative theater company, established in 1968, focuses on presenting themes of the unique Canadian cultural mosaic through collaborative productions and has launched the careers of many actors and playwrights.

Canada’s largest and oldest professional theatre for young audiences offers high-quality productions that engage both kids and adults. With a mix of fun, interactive shows like Where the Wild Things Are and powerful dramas like Hana’s Suitcase, YPT never talks down to its audience. Performances are thoughtful, age-appropriate, and rich with meaning—making it a must-visit for families seeking meaningful, entertaining theatre.