North America's premier classical repertory theatre, the Stratford Festival presents a season of Shakespeare, musicals, and modern classics each year in four venues along the Avon River in Ontario. Founded by Tyrone Guthrie in 1953, it draws audiences from around the world to one of the finest permanent repertory companies in the English-speaking world.
Acoustics, seating, and what to expect
The Festival Theatre's acoustics are generally considered good, with the thrust stage design facilitating clear projection and audience engagement across the three-sided seating arrangement.
At the Festival Theatre, seats F23-F37 offer an ideal balance of proximity and sightline; Row A in the balcony provides excellent unobstructed views. At the Avon Theatre, center seats in rows A-D (seats 13-20) are preferred. The Tom Patterson Theatre's smaller thrust stage ensures excellent sightlines throughout, with rows B-D in center and side sections particularly recommended.
Varies by Event
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Plan Your Visit
Pre-show dining, bars & more for Stratford Festival visitors.
Performer guide coming soon
Housing, coaches & studio spaces for this city
Architect
Tanya Moiseiwitsch (original thrust stage design)
Architecture
Modern thrust stage design (Festival Theatre, 1957); the Festival operates across four venues including the restored Avon Theatre (1900 vaudeville house), the Tom Patterson Theatre (rebuilt 2022), and the Studio Theatre.
Heritage
Designated a national historic event in 2018 by Parks Canada; commemorative plaque at 55 Queen Street
Main Stage
Festival Theatre
Stages
4 performance spaces
Resident Company
Stratford Festival
Works that first saw the light on this stage
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View Full Directory55 Queen St, Stratford, ON N5A 6V2, Canada