I love theatre!! I've heard about Zuppa Theatre from a friend, but I have never been to a show,…read moreuntil yesterday! Being a Yelp Elite got me invited to one of the first showings of 'Uncle Oscars Experiment' in 10 years! It was awesome! The performers were incredibility talented in every way possible; it was so good I was left with chills a few times. The songs were catchy the music was a treat to the ear and the story line was creative, interesting and humorous! If you get a chance to check out a Zuppa Theatre production i highly recommend it - I'll definitely be checking out more.

My first visit to a Zuppa Theatre Co. show felt like a true, deep cut of our local indie theatre…read morescene. It's not Neptune, it's not a touring show at the Metro Centre...it's a completely intimate experience that feels more like sitting in on the inner circle of an artist collective than just any old performance. Part of that secret society feel comes from the anticipation of it all. Without a permanent theatre venue, Zuppa seems to swoop through various locations for whatever show they happen to be offering at the time. The Debacle, for example, brought me to a tiny 30-seater inside the Armbrae Academy, where the close quarters made the entire audience feel like family. A little too intimate for you? Then keep an eye out for their amazing concert line-ups and creative fundraisers that keep their shows going. The ticket prices are fantastic for the talent you get to see at each event.

Yesterday was my first time seeing a performance at the 'Bus Stop Theatre' and I got much more than…read moreI paid and bargained for! Not having heard of this theatre before or the company playing last night, I was sort of expecting a few Dal theatre grads to be running a show out of a converted rec room. (I apparently have abysmally low expectation for things i've never heard of) Anyways, I was pleasantly surprised when we walked into the 'Bus Stop Theatre' to see 'East of Berlin' last night. Located between local MP Megan Leslie's office and Seadogs Sauna, you might pass by the 'Bus Stop Theatre' without even realizing what it is. This little theatre can best be described as clean and modern. No frills, aside from tea lights but a great venue nonetheless. I would have LOVED more comfortable chairs. 90 minutes with no intermission, sitting on old metal chairs didn't prove too comfortable. Overall, a great little venue!

This is a great theatre/performance space in Halifax. I've seen a variety of shows here - from…read moreestablished theatre troupes to amateur crews, as well as musical performances and eclectic talent shows. I've also had the luxury of performing here; presenting a racy monologue as part of a feminist talent show, as well as playing a Darfur benefit in a kitchy 90s band. The space is great but can be a little challenging to light and also figure out the best setups for maximum visibility, but nonetheless, it's pretty good. I like the layout of the place as a whole. Upon entering, there's a bar and often some pretty great art on display in the main foyer. The bathrooms, which are easily accessible, have little lights above the doors to signal when they're in use - a nice touch indeed. If you have the chance to see a performance at this space, I advice that you cease the opportunity. I like this area of town and this theatre space makes it all the more pleasant. Head in and check out some local talent on the ASAP.

Shakespeare By The Sea is a Halifax classic and one of the many things I love about this city in…read morethe summer. What better way to make use of a gorgeous outdoor setting littered with historical forts than to turn them into al fresco stages six days a week? Yep - that's right: these hardworking actors put on three shows per season that all run at the same time. One night, they're a playing card from Alice in Wonderland, the next afternoon they're a Merry Wife of Windsor, and that evening they're casualties in Titus Andronicus. So all summer you get to pick from their daily show selection based on exactly what you're in the mood for. Funny ('ha ha'), Shakespearean funny ('a ha!'), or Shakespearean brutality ('yiiiiiikes'). But that's just one small portion of the many beauties that it SBTS. The outdoor auditorium, so to speak, is outfitted with chairs available to rent for the evening ($2) in case you don't feel like lugging you're own through the park, or you can plop down in the blanket seating area in the front. Whatever you do, bring blankets and sweaters. No matter how warm it is during the day, that ocean breeze cools you down quickly after sunset. There are port-a-potties on site which is to say you should go before you get to the park, there are small concessions sold on site like chips and candy but plenty of people bring there own (no love to the people eating the worst smelling 'barbecue garlic plague of the earth' flavoured something or other next to me last night), but other than that, this is all about the performance, baby! Entrance is cash-only with a suggested donation of $15. Now, a word on this: don't be a jerk. $15 is pretty much what you'd pay to go see a movie at Empire. This is not a movie. This is live theatre and these people work their asses off. If you can afford the $15, pay them the $15. Or more. They deserve it.

Continuing my summer of crossing items off my Halifax to-do list, I booked a couple tickets for my…read moregirlfriend and I to see Hamlet at Shakespeare by the Sea. A great date night event, I took advantage of their new 'Sweet Seats' option to reserve seats and get a bottle of water. This definitely beat lugging a camp chair or two on the bus to Point Pleasant, or worse, walking with them the whole way. Booking just a few days in advance gave us some of the best seats in the (outdoor) house, in the front row centre. Beyond Simpsons parodies, I haven't had any contact with Hamlet since high school, so it was a nice refresher for a classic, one which was performed marvelously by the whole cast, but especially by Rhys Bevan-John who played the titular role with great range and skill. I can't help but be impressed with a live theatre actor's ability to memorize huge amounts of lines, and all the more so when they're in a less than familiar form of English, as Shakespeare's is. The Cambridge Battery makes for a great stage and set, and although it was a bit windy, it was a beautiful night to watch the show. If you haven't gone to SbtS yet, do like me and give it a try, you won't regret it!

I had such a horrible experience as promoter in Spatz Theatre recently…read more Rented Spatz theatre around dozen times for events I promoted in 2018-2019. Spatz Theatre was managed by Sara who always did a great job. I had a show scheduled for March 2020 that was postponed due Covid restrictions. I was so excited finally to reschedule my show for March 21 2022, day when NS was going to lift some Covid Restrictions. Around 2 weeks ago i got an email from Cathy, who replaced Sara as manager, informing me that Spatz Theatre and school board decided to cancel my event, because " they are not ready to host full capacity event yet" even i told them all patrons going to wear masks at the show so that would help to avoid some risk. They also told me that even if they would reschedule my event all tickets should be refunded first because they want to change a box office provider. That really disappointed me because unnecessary refunds always are stressful for a promoter and ticket holders. 2 weeks before an actual event i had to look for another venue and change so many things: advertising, contract, setting a new box office for event , etc. Luckily Rebecca Cohn Auditorium was available for the same date and they had no issue to host a big event even they are located in educational facility as well. Just couple hours before refunds to ticket holders i found out that Spatz and Ticket Halifax want to hold CC fees and box office fees and do not refund it to ticket holders, even cancellation of event was completely not their fault. I literally had to fight with Cathy about it and made them refund my ticket holders in full amount. After posting announcement about changing venue on event page and refunds started to get processed i was receiving a lot of messages asking about directions to buy tickets on presale even it supposed to be sent in email with cancellation explanation that supposed to be sent before refunds would be made and then few more times after that, to be sure all patrons was noticed about changes. I asked Ticket Halifax representative Lindsay to fix that issue but they denied it and didn't do anything to help me and my show ticket holders. Just now i received a copy of email from Ticket Halifax from one of my ticket holders and I found that text of letter was not one that i approved. They changed it and removed an explanation why Spatz Theatre cancelled this event. Not only actions of Spatz Theatre and Ticket Halifax caused stress and financial loss for me and ticket holders but they also lied to me. I don't think that's behaviour appropriate for people who manage the theatre. It's not ok to treat your loyal customers like that! Extremely disappointed.

The Spatz Theatre is the new venue built into Citadel High just outside of the downtown core. Every…read morepart of is it so new that it still has that 'new theatre smell' if such a thing exists! I made it in the other night for a limited run of RENT. While I won't make this review all about the show (which I LOVED by the way), it was a great space for that sort of a production and I'm thrilled that Spatz opened their doors to a new theatre troupe ready to make a splash. Seats are comfortable, acoustics seem fine (I know nothing about that stuff), and there's plenty of room both around you when seated, and in the auditorium in general (there's even a balcony). Downsides? Well, it's a little weird to enter through a high school especially when waiting for the doors to open in a cafeteria type space. It was all a little too Degrassi for my liking.

Great place' Always find great entertainment at Neptune…read more Have been there a few times and it's always been a good experience.

The mamma Mia musical was really beautiful and the professional actors did a amazing job I hope…read moreI'll come back in November for Wizard of oz

The Chester Play House is situated in downtown Chester. It was built in 1938 as a movie theater…read more In 1968 it held its first live entertainment production. A lot has been done with the Playhouse over the years, but it remains as one of the greatest places to see a play or view live entertainment , The inside of the theatre has a balcony section as well as lower seating for 176 in total. The Playhouse has a very warm appeal, it takes you back for those who can remember ,to the old style theatres. There has been some great talent come through the doors and grace the stage. It is a first rate Playhouse.

Well it was interesting to see how much I enjoyed this small little theatre. My Niece has become…read moreinterested in theatre and has enjoyed many plays at this particular Playhouse. This is a staple in Chester for the folks that live there. Great live entertainment though out the year. Visiting this small and cozy playhouse I have leaned that it used to me a old movie theatre that was done over to the Playhouse. The Staff are truly amazing with the work that they do with the kids to have them up and running for these productions. Cynthia I think is here name normally creates these plays and directs all these children. Hats off to her for all her hard work. Catch a play some night or in the summer get the venue as they do have local artist as well as different things going on through the summer.

I've been to a solid number of shows and events at the Rebecca Cohn over the years and am always…read moremore than happy to come back. From headlining comics to marathon TV filmings, Rankin Family Christmases to symphonies and ballets, I love to think of the Cohn as a place that doesn't let just anyone up on its stage - although a brief boy-bandy history begs to differ. The building is pretty central on the Dal campus and easily found but parking can sometimes be an issue. Give yourself some extra time and maybe even try parking on the other side of Coburg and strolling down. But once you're there, you'll have no problems. The bar is on the main level, bathrooms are one floor down, and balcony (obviously) is one floor up. There are stairs and ramps everywhere though so you don't get the horrible post-show congestion that you might experience elsewhere. Seats are comfortable enough, acoustics are pretty stellar, and there aren't many bad views in the house. Decor? Yeah, getting a little dated but the Cohn is more Hellen Mirren than Real Housewife of Any County, so I'm okay with it.

I really like the Rebecca Cohn. I just can't bring myself to call this building anything else…read more Even though it's the Dalhousie Arts Centre, I don't even associate it with Dal. Must be the result of an impression made on me as a kid. At any rate, when I say Cohn, I mean Dal. :-D I've seen several shows here in my life. The latest was either Henry Rollins or Gerry Dee. The lobby is nice and spacious, lots of room for event-goers to establish their personal space while waiting for the doors to open (unlike Neptune). It has a 70s feel, but it has nice warm woods and if it were upgraded it would become tinted glass and steel like all the other new developments in this city. Yuck. Seating is roomy enough. Seats are clean, plush and comfortable. Sight lines are pretty darn good. The balconies are fabulous. Sound carries well and isn't distorted. Overall this is probably the best concert venue in Halifax: not too big, not too small, good south-end location and a good venue for a variety of events.

This year was a stellar year for the Nocturne crew. Considering it's all volunteer, it was VERY…read morewell planned and perfectly executed. Their use of social media was outstanding this year (which last year lacked). Facebook and twitter were a buzz with Nocturne posts. The atmosphere on the street was awesome. Happy, relaxed, and just plain 'ol fun. It was easy to tell the "bar goers" from the "Nocturne crawlers" from the way they were dressed, Nocturnites were sporting layers, whilst the bar people sported mini skirts that could have been belts (not that I'm complaining). Many small businesses stayed open late to accommodate the 20,000+ people that hit Halifax for the evening. It's good to see a city pull together for an art event, now that we see the cities potential we need to do it more (not just art events). 5 stars all the way Nocturne! Already looking forward and planning next year!

Wow! How can you not give this event a strong five. The work alone that was put into it, I thought…read morewas fabulous. This was my first time being part of this event and what a night it turned out to be. I was amazed at the amount of people that filled out streets, around five thousand I believe. My favorite was the "Car Wash", that song along brought back memories. The waterfront had a fabulous outdoor acrobatic event. Also - we went to where you could talk on a cell phone to people around the world, our person was in Cambodia. I will say, I think they need to make it a two day event next year. There was too much for us to cover and it had so many zones in all areas of the downtown core, it even expanded to Dartmouth which I hear had a roller rink, how cool is that. One thing Please: Put the map and details up sooner on the website for everyone to look at so you can map out your evening or you could do as us, roll the dice and hope you hit something you like. I loved the DD bus to get from zone to zone. See you on the streets!

I honestly think live theatre performances can intimidate some people. They are often perceived as…read moreexpensive, lengthy and stuffy. Thankfully, we have Fringe to combat that! If you've never been to (or heard of) Fringe before, it's an annual theatre festival made up of smaller, independent and alternative plays. Some are locally works; some have toured internationally. Some are making their grand debut; others have been around for years. Many of the plays are short, they don't cost much and no one's expecting you to get all gussied up to go see them. And the topics? Range wildly. Everything from the life of sex workers to exploring someone's imagination to domestic violence to the changing nature of friendships to robot apocalypses. And they're everywhere! Fringe is hosted at a variety of venues across the city and each play has multiple performances at a weird mix of times so you'll almost definitely be able to fit it into your schedule. Seriously, get some theatre in your life, people.

The Conservatory is a one-stop shop for lessons in all things musical--voice, piano, instruments,…read moreand dance. Housed in an old school on Chebucto Road, the setting itself is a bit shabby chic. You get the feeling the place was grander back in the day and perhaps shows its wear a bit. The classrooms have high ceilings and large windows, giving the learning spaces and dance studios a nice feel. I will say the Performance Hall is an awesome and beautiful space for recitals and concerts. These folks take their music seriously. All of the musical instructors have extensive musical education and experience and many of them perform with local arts organizations. That being said, the Conservatory is a place for everyone, beginners, hoobyists and more serious students. The prices are not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. My daughter is currently enrolled in her first year of piano lessons and after just six weeks, the children are being given an opportunity to perform at the department Hallowe'en party. She might not be Beethoven but being given an opportunity to perform means that she can get used to playing in front of others at an early age. Her instructor teaches good technique and is very personable and, best of all, motivating in a friendly way. The Conservatory to me at least seems to emphasize a more classical approach to performance so if you're looking to join a rock band maybe you would take lessons elsewhere.