The building originally operated under the name 'The Palace' before being renamed the Avon Theatre in 1928.
The proscenium arch at the Avon provides a more traditional 'fourth wall' experience compared to the theatre-in-the-round style of the main Stratford Festival stage.
The theatre is located directly on Downie Street, which was the historic commercial hub of the city.
It is one of four main performance venues managed by the Stratford Festival organization.
The venue has served as a central site for the Festival's exploration of large-scale Broadway-style musicals.
The Avon Theatre is a cornerstone of the Stratford Festival, located in downtown Stratford, Ontario, and primarily hosts large-scale musical productions and classic plays. Originally opened in 1901 as a vaudeville house, the building was later repurposed as a cinema before being acquired by the Festival in 1963. The venue features a traditional proscenium arch stage, distinguishing it from the thrust-stage design used at the flagship Festival Theatre. The seating capacity accommodates approximately 1,080 patrons across the orchestra and balcony levels. Its interior underwent a significant renovation in 2002 to modernize technical capabilities and improve audience comfort while retaining heritage elements. As a heritage-designated site, it serves as one of the primary indoor venues for the multi-theatre Stratford Festival company.
The theatre’s exterior marquee on Downie Street, especially when illuminated at night.
Select balcony seats for a comprehensive view of the proscenium stage architecture.
Arrive early to explore the lobby's historical photographic displays detailing the building's transformation.
Use the festival's shuttle service between theatres if you are attending multiple shows in one day.
Do not attempt to photograph the stage during the performance, as this is strictly prohibited.
The venue operates seasonally from late spring through late autumn, aligning with the Stratford Festival programming schedule.
Business casual to smart casual attire is standard; late arrivals are typically held until an appropriate break in the performance.
