Majestic Theatre

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The Bashaw Majestic Theatre is a rural, wood frame “Boomtown” style theatre. It is not the first to be built in Alberta but is now believed to be the last remaining theatre of its kind in western Canada. It is not a “grand theatre” by any means, but the Majestic is of historical and architectural significance. Built in 1915, the Majestic is an indicator of Alberta’s early settlement history and has been home to magic lantern shows, local theatre productions, silent movies, and early “talkies.” After serving as Bashaw’s first Catholic Church, the theatre resumed its role as a modern movie theatre in the 1940’s when it was renamed the Dixie.

The exterior of the building, now restored to its ca. 1930 façade, replicates a photograph from the same time period and – with the possible exception of white paint – is how the theatre would have looked in 1915. The theatre was likely built by the founder of Bashaw, Eugene Bashaw, at the request of Mrs. Ella Wing of Ponoka who acquired the property in 1913. Local theatrical productions, concerts and other social events were held in the building. Purchased by a local projectionist, the building opened its doors as the Majestic Theatre in June of 1921. The first known silent film shown in the theatre was a Paramount Art Craft film starring Ethel Claymore in ‘More Deadly Than the Male,’ accompanied by a Max Sennett comedy film. The very next week, the first movie version of ‘Last of the Mohicans’ was entrancing local audiences.

Founded in 1998, the Friends of the Majestic Theatre Society is a registered non profit organization whose goal is to preserve and restore the old Majestic Theatre as a self-sustaining working theatre and museum. As part of this endeavour, the Majestic Players, an amateur theatre group was formed to assist in fundraising efforts. In 2000, the Majestic was designated an Alberta Registered Historical Resource as well as a Government of Canada Millennium Bureau of Canada Project. 

Working in partnership with dozens of local and non-local volunteers as well as corporate provincial and federal supporters, the Majestic Theatre Restoration Project is now in its final phase, which involves interior restoration and development. Restored and re-integrated back into the community as a working live theatre and museum, the Majestic will once again serve its original function, which was to bring rural and urban people of all ages, backgrounds, and genders together in pursuit of a richer cultural and social community life.

If you would like to help the Majestic Theatre resume its rightful and historical place in this community, please contact the Friends of the Majestic Theatre Society in Bashaw. Membership in the society is open to everyone. Through your assistance and involvement, the Majestic Theatre Project will continue to play a role in the community and in the economic and tourism development of promoting Bashaw to the world.

  • The Majestic Theatre hosts a musical jam and dance on the first Sunday of each month from 1:00-4:00 pm.
  • The Friends of the Majestic Theatre Society holds its meeting on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm.
  • You can rent the Majestic Theatre for your events by contacting:
    Val Wandler @ 780.358.8575 or Shelley Boileau @ 403.588.9958.

The Majestic Theatre holds a Municipal Designation as a Historic Resource.

Read more here

Majestic Theatre Designation Bylaw 730-2011

Majestic Theatre Statement