COMPANY HISTORY

We are celebrating 38 years!

Theatre Aquarius is in its 38th season as Hamilton's professional theatre with 8,000 annual subscribers and over 130,000 annual patrons. A registered charitable organization (11921 3957 RR001), Theatre Aquarius is recognized as a leader in Canadian theatre. We produce work of the highest quality, premiere new plays, develop the skills of professional artists, invest in youth and families and contribute to the quality of life in this region.

Theatre Aquarius is dedicated to improving this region through the arts and embodies the qualities that define us as a community: an appreciation for excellence, an appetite for diverse ideas and a need to connect with one another.

Our vision to provide a leadership role in this region drives everything we do as we seek to create outstanding, accessible live theatre that entertains, challenges and educates.

Facilities

Theatre Aquarius owns and manages the Dofasco Centre for the Arts which houses the fully equipped 750 seat, proscenium style, Irving Zucker Auditorium and the 125 seat Norman and Louise Haac Studio Theatre which doubles as the Rehearsal Hall.  The Dofasco Centre for the Arts also features the stunning two-storey glass and steel encased Ron and Donna Patterson Lobby, as well as the upscale Michael and Jane Schwenger Director’s Lounge which is used exclusively by Director’s Circle Members on performance dates.

History and Important Milestones

Since its inception by Peter Mandia in 1973, Theatre Aquarius performed primarily at Hamilton Place, filling the Studio Theatre to the brim with delighted audiences. Since 1991, Theatre Aquarius has performed in its own theatre centre, the Dofasco Centre for the Arts. In 1976, the Performing Arts Programme - theatre school for ages 8 and up was launched. Upon the untimely passing of Peter Mandia, Founding Artistic Director, Max Reimer was appointed Artistic Director in 1996. In 1997, Theatre Aquarius received a Lieutenant Governor's Award for Business Excellence in the Arts; 1988 the School Board liaison program was instituted which serves over 14,000 students annually. In 2005, Theatre Aquarius received the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Award and in 2008 received Tourism Hamilton's Arts & Entertainment Ambassador Award. In September 2008, Ron Ulrich was appointed Artistic Director. In February 2010, Tuesdays with Morrie starring Jamie Farr became the highest grossing box office for a straight play in our mainstage subscription series and this was followed in May 2010, with The Rocky Horror Show starring Cameron MacDuffee becoming the highest grossing box office for a musical in our mainstage subscription series. As Theatre Aquarius' third Artistic Director, Ron Ulrich's mandate is to create a solid supportive environment for artists, produce works of high quality and sustain the company's financial health.