Toronto

Performing Arts

Toronto is widely known for the abundance and variety of its performing arts scene. In particular, it is one of the English-speaking world's major theater venues, surpassed only by New York and London. Its major performing arts centers include the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres, venues for all types of theatrical and music performances and extensively renovated in the 1980s. Broadway musicals are seen at the restored Pantages Theatre, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, and the Princess of Wales Theatre.

The city's theater companies include the Canadian Stage Company, which performs at the St. Lawrence Centre and gives free outdoor Shakespeare performances in the summer; the Factory Theatre and Tarragon Theatre, known for their productions of works by Canadian playwrights; Young People's Theatre, which is dedicated to presenting theatrical works for children; Theatre Passe Muraille, a leading alternative theater; Buddies in Bad Times, a gay theater whose plays deal with issues of gender and identity; and the Native Earth Performing Arts Theatre, whose productions address issues of importance to Native Canadians. Toronto is also famous as a center for live comedy; many major comedic talents—both Canadian and American—who went on to success in the United States honed their skills at Second City Toronto and in comedy clubs such as Yuk Yuk's.

The Toronto Symphony performs in Roy Thomson Hall, with the Mendelssohn Choir participating in programs that include choral works. In the summer, the orchestra performs outdoors at Ontario Place at the lakeshore. The Canadian Opera performs at the Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts. Toronto's other musical groups include the Orford String Quartet, Tafelmusik, and the Elmer Isler Singers. Many types of popular music are heard in clubs and concerts, many held at the Molson Amphitheatre.

Toronto is the home of Canada's premier dance troupe, the National Ballet of Canada, founded nearly 50 years ago. The company performs both ballet classics and modern works at the O'Keefe Theatre in Toronto and also tours throughout Canada and the United States. Toronto's leading contemporary dance ensemble is the Toronto Dance Theatre, which performs at the Premiere Dance Theatre.