"THE REIGN OF THE EMPRESS 1912-2012"

The Empress Theatre Society 2012 Centennial Committee engaged Peter J. Scott as the writer/researcher for its book to commemorate the history of the Empress Theatre. The book entitled "Reign of the Empress1912--2012" will be released in mid-June and will be available at the Empress Theatre Office in Fort Macleod as well as in several outlets throughout Southern Alberta. 

Scott, who has spent 39 as a journalist, says he is excited to bring the history of this vaudeville theatre to his readers. "The Empress is such a well-known landmark in southern Alberta," says Scott. “It creates a sense of wonder in its patrons and performers."

He uses a variety of existing historical items ranging from photos, posters and handbills, programmes and media articles. The Empress Theatre has some materials from 1988 to the present. It was a challenge to find items from 1912 to 1988.   Through the help of many people through personal interviews, memories, letters and photos, Scott brought the early days of the theatre to life.           

The book will be published in June 2012, one hundred years after the theatre opened in June 1912. It will be marketed for $34.95 plus GST throughout southern Alberta and beyond.

You are invited to call the Empress Theatre Office at 403-553-4404 or 1-800-540-9229 to purchase a copy. You may download an order form on this website.

Everyone Loves a Party!

Everyone loves a party and in 2012-2013 the Empress Theatre Society is hosting lots of activities to celebrate the 100 years of the theatre. As with every party, special planning must be done and a legacy left for the future.

Therefore, the Empress Theatre 2012 Centennial Committee has been created with former MLA Dave Coutts as Honourary Chair and Ed Granger as Committee Chair. Other members include: Pam Young, Secretary; Denise Calderwood and Debbie Sutley,

Society Board Representatives; Bonnie Kennedy, History; Ed Granger and Cindy Vizutti, Fund Development; Sebastian David, Programme; and Mary Oordt, PR/Marketing.

The committee meets regularly to plan and organize the upcoming fund raising and programmes.   A history book, Reign of the Empress 1912—2012, to be released in mid-June, 2012, will be for sale at the Empress Office and several outlets throughout southern Alberta. Sebastian David, with his committee, is planning great new programmes for the year-long celebrations. A commissioned play by Ron Chambers, University of Lethbridge drama professor, entitled The Stage That Made Us has been written in celebration of the Empress Theatre’s 100^th birthday.

As with all 100-year-old buildings, there is always restoration to be looked after. Fund Development is a necessary part of maintaining the wonderful "Jewel on Main Street." The roof needs replacement along with renewal of the heating and air conditioning that connects into electrical upgrading. The seats should be improved for our patron's comfort; the old floor must be sanded and repaired for safety and to restore the original beauty to the theatre. The Empress Centennial Fund is already at the halfway mark toward its goal of $500,000!

If you are interested in helping with or participating in any of these activities, please contact the Empress Theatre Office at 403-553-4404 or 1-800-540-9229.