Recently renovated, the renewed Grand Theatre opened in May 2008. This performing arts venue holds frequent performances by contemporary artists, the Kingston Symphony, and community theatre groups. Theatrical and comedy acts can also be enjoyed. The Grand Theatre building houses a 776 seat auditorium; the Baby Grand, a 105 seat black box theatre; two lounges used for receptions and art exhibits; as well a lobby and backstage facilities.
The Grand Theatre is a community-based, professionally managed civic asset that builds and fosters cultural vitality in Kingston. It creates a partnership of the City of Kingston and the community that sees arts and culture as an important component of everyday life in the City of Kingston. The Grand Theatre also facilitates and supports presentation and production, community development, artist support and the creation of partnerships and collaborations. The Grand Theatre will be governed to:
Be inclusive and culturally responsive — people see themselves in the Grand.
Be community driven/developed and City-supported.
Integrate with other Kingston attractions and initiatives.
Increase civic participation through cultural celebration and presentation.
Promote stewardship of place.
Facilitate social, economic and cultural capacity.
Engage people in public spaces through art and collective cultural experiences.
Strengthen the connections between residents/people through cultural celebrations — engages the voice of the community.
Elevate the community's sense of what it is capable of being.
