Medicine Hat’s Monarch Theatre expands live performance offerings following summer renovations

In addition to the stage upgrades, the theatre added a sound booth, along with new drapes, paint and other improvements throughout.

Anderson said the renovations are part of an effort to bring more live entertainment to the building, while keeping movies at the heart of its programming.

“Movies are first and foremost; we will forever show movies, but live performances just help us expand on what we can do,” Anderson said.

The theatre’s history with live performance dates back to its early days, when a small orchestra pit housed a four-piece band that accompanied silent films.

Anderson says the Monarch also recently uncovered part of its original silver screen during restoration work, something staff didn’t know was still behind the walls.

“When that silver screen was uncovered, it was under the panelling,” Anderson said.

“We did not even know that that silver screen was there.”

Anderson said the discovery was treated as a historical artifact and preserved as part of the building’s restoration.

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READ: Monarch Theatre adds backstage upgrades and audience accessibility in summer renovation

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The Monarch is now preparing for a series of live performances, including Broadly Speaking Comedy on Oct. 3.

The show features Medicine Hat-area comedians Charlie Wilson and Deb Balmer, who say it will be the final performance of their current production.

Balmer said what the audience can expect from the final performance.

“It’s kind of full circle because we started here. We’re going to wrap it up here,” Balmer said.

“It’s going to be lots of fun. There’s going to be a ton of energy.”

The pair said the decision to end the show in its current form doesn’t mean their work together is over.

“Charlie and I are gonna continue to work together in different formats, but this particular show, this is its last run,” Balmer said.

Tickets for the show are available for purchase on Tixx.ca.

Anderson said bringing live events into the theatre will allow it to serve as a broader community space.

“We want to have this be a community theatre,” Anderson said.

Anderson added that the theatre is entirely volunteer-run, with proceeds from movies and events going toward maintaining and restoring the building.

Upcoming performances include tribute bands, musicians and other live acts in September and October.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat’s Monarch Theatre expands live performance offerings following summer renovations

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