Venables Theatre

Venables Theatre Venables Theatre is the premier performing arts theatre in the South Okanagan. Both structures were under renovation at the time.

Venables Theatre is a modern, fully-equipped community theatre available for rental for a wide range of performing arts activities from dance and music, to theatre, children's events and community activities. With its spacious lobby and ample stage, the theatre boasts sophisticated lighting and audio systems

We are proud to welcome groups from within the Okanagan and from around the globe. Venabl

es Theatre opened its doors in February 2014, replacing the historic, much-loved and lamented Venables Auditorium which burnt down, along with the adjacent secondary school, in 2011.

Yesterday we held our annual volunteer training, and we're so grateful for the incredible group who showed up ready to l...
08/26/2026

Yesterday we held our annual volunteer training, and we're so grateful for the incredible group who showed up ready to learn. Many thanks to the Oliver Fire Department Chief Ash, who walked everyone through emergency procedures and safety protocols to keep our patrons, performers, and volunteers safe all season long. Thanks as well to Kai and Scott from the Fire Department who shared invaluable information on FireSmart and lithium ion batteries.

Running a 400-seat theatre takes a village, and our volunteers are the heart of it. Thank you to everyone who gives their time to make Venables Theatre run smoothly, show after show!

08/21/2026

Puppetry like you've never seen it. Epidermis Circus brings Ingrid Hansen's darkly funny, visually inventive vignettes to the Venables stage, blending puppetry, film, and live performance with hand-in-motion characters projected larger than life.

Ingrid has worked with Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock and Sesame Workshop, and this SNAFU production is unlike anything else on our season. Recommended for ages 14+.

📅 Thursday, September 24 at 7:30 PM
🎟️ $35 regular / $30 senior
🌐 www.venablestheatre.ca

08/20/2026

We've got a new addition at Venables Theatre, and it's not a performer. Say hello to our new wheelchair lift, giving direct access to the stage! ♿

This means performers, presenters, and community members who use mobility devices can now get on stage here, no workarounds needed. One more way we're making Venables Theatre a place everyone in Oliver can be part of, not just watch from the seats.

The Venables stage is getting a little summer glow-up. 🎨✨After years of concerts, theatre, dance, comedy, school shows, ...
08/19/2026

The Venables stage is getting a little summer glow-up. 🎨✨

After years of concerts, theatre, dance, comedy, school shows, and more than a few dramatic moments, our stage floor was ready for a fresh coat of paint.

It’s currently in the “trust the process” phase, but soon it’ll be looking fresh, polished, and ready for a brand new season of standing ovations.

Because apparently even stages need a little work done now and then. 😉

Ever wonder why we say "break a leg" instead of "good luck" before a show?Nobody actually knows for certain, and that's ...
08/05/2026

Ever wonder why we say "break a leg" instead of "good luck" before a show?

Nobody actually knows for certain, and that's half the fun. A few of the leading theories floating around theatre history:

🎭 Actors have long believed wishing someone "good luck" jinxes it, so the tradition flipped to wishing the opposite
🎭 Old stages had curtain pieces called "legs" framing the sides, so to "break" one meant you'd made it far enough into the show to be seen
🎭 It might describe the deep bow at curtain call, bending so low it looked like your leg was breaking
🎭 Some say it goes back to vaudeville days, when actors bent down to scoop up coins tossed on stage as tips

Which version do you believe? Tell us in the comments 👇

See you at the theatre. www.venablestheatre.ca

The stories in the comments on our July 25th post floored us.Tunnels to the hospital. A boiler room tour. A shooting ran...
07/29/2026

The stories in the comments on our July 25th post floored us.

Tunnels to the hospital. A boiler room tour. A shooting range in the school basement. Memories of watching the old auditorium burn from across town. We had no idea how much history was still out there, just waiting to be told.

So we're asking again. What's a Venables Theatre or old Auditorium memory, rumor, or story you've been holding onto? Something you were told by a long time resident, something you experienced yourself, something you're not even sure is true.

Tell us below. We want to hear all of it. 👇

Laugh-out-loud show or something that makes you think?Some nights you want sore cheeks from smiling. Other nights, you w...
07/27/2026

Laugh-out-loud show or something that makes you think?

Some nights you want sore cheeks from smiling. Other nights, you want a performance that follows you home and stays with you for a while.

Which kind of show do you love most?

From loss came light.Venables Theatre opened its doors in February 2014, after the much-loved Venables Auditorium was de...
07/25/2026

From loss came light.

Venables Theatre opened its doors in February 2014, after the much-loved Venables Auditorium was destroyed by fire in 2011, along with the adjacent secondary school.

Many in our community still remember the old auditorium fondly, and its loss was deeply felt. But from that loss came a new gathering place for music, theatre, dance, comedy, school events, community celebrations and so many shared moments.

A true phoenix from the ashes, built with memory, resilience and a whole lot of community spirit.

View from the catwalks.This is one of those theatre views most people never get to see. High above the stage, the catwal...
07/23/2026

View from the catwalks.

This is one of those theatre views most people never get to see. High above the stage, the catwalks are part of the behind-the-scenes world that helps bring performances to life.

Different angle. Same stage magic.

Address

6100 Gala Street
Oliver, BC
V0H1T0

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm

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