Downstage is a Calgary-based company dedicated to producing Canadian theatre that creates meaningful conversation around social issues. Our work provokes vibrant dialogue between Calgarians both informally and through our nightly post-show discussions. We are a company dedicated to creating relevant, playful and innovative theatrical experiences while stoking a need for social change. We are a small and mighty team of 4 staff members nestled into the Werklund Centre ecology as one of 5 resident companies.

Our plays have tackled topics as diverse as fat phobia, political extremism, social isolation, queer identity & bullying, socio-economic inequality, and anxiety among youth.

Our Downstage Creation Ensemble has explored questions of ocean health (In the Wake), personal debt (Bust) and the relationship between oil & gas and agriculture in Alberta (Good Fences). Our plays have received critical acclaim and awards, including many Betty Mitchell Nominations and Awards in recent years. As a Resident Company of the Werklund Centre, Downstage curates the Motel Theatre as an affordable venue for a range of smaller companies and emerging artists. 

We’re working hard to make our shows accessible to a wide range of Calgarians - whether that’s by touring our creation work to community halls around the city and province (like the Downstage Creation Ensemble’s Good Fences), doing a free run of a play that’s available online (Deer Woman by Tara Beagan, rihannaboi95 by Jordan Tannahill) or offering tickets at no cost through our Pay It Forward program.

Join us for a show and add your voice to the conversation!