On August 27th, 1890, a major fundraising picnic was held in Souris by the newly incorporated Benevolent Irish Society of Souris (BIS) to raise funds for the construction of St. Patrick’s Hall. Since its construction, it has served as a meeting place, live theatre show hall, silent movie theatre, and movie theatre.
In 1912 the silent movies came and played 6 nights a week and the building was converted into a movie theatre. Movies, plays and other events were held at the
hall until approximately 2000.
The Souris Show Hall Foundation, a not-for-profit charity has continued to present a wide variety of events including: musicians Richard Wood, Gordon Belsher and Brad Fremlin; Haines and Leighton; Matt Minglewood; Mi’kmaq Legends;
‘Souris Live’ presented performances; and most recently sell out shows by Lennie Gallant and Buffy Saint Marie.
When the Souris Show Hall was purchased in 2009 by Kier Kenny, the theatre had a ripped movie screen and very well used seats. The Souris Show Hall was operated by The Kier Gallery, a board run non-profit, charitable organization until Fall 2014. At that time, the operating body was renamed the Souris Show Hall Foundation, with a mandate to restore the theatre and to create a vibrant cultural community in Souris. Along with the Show Hall, the Leard Building (formerly Leard Menswear) the ultimate goal was to create a “Cultural Community”.
The Cultural Community would create a year-round learning facility for film, theatre, and music. This workshop-style center would bring teachers, specialists, and students together from Canada and the United States. This influx of people would create a need for restaurants, accommodations, and other amenities in the Souris area.
Upon purchase, Architect Bill Chandler was commissioned to put this vision on paper. The mix of modern and historic buildings would create an attractive addition to the Town of Souris. The architechtural complex envisions space for a large lobby for the Show Hall, a performance/gallery as well as studio, office and meeting spaces and a possible Start -up Zone. The vision is to create a vibrant cultural community complex in Souris.
The Souris Show Hall Foundation continues to work towards this long term vision. With the recent funding of The Feasibility Study regarding the Leard Building and Souris Show Hall, we are moving forward to our goal.
As a charitable, not-for-profit theatre, your donations help the Souris Show Hall Foundation achieve its goal of supporting and presenting the development of Canadian artists, musical programming, and theatre.
All donations are 100% tax-deductible and receipts will be provided.
Thank you for your support. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.Our Charitable Tax Number is 895669216-RR0001
You can donate through Canada Helps Organization by clicking the button below, or you can send a cheque or e-Transfer. For details, see contact us.
With the help of our wonderful volunteers, we have achieved the following improvements:
In addition, volunteers have been instrumental at hosting shows, helping with the set up, intermission, and clean up.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us! We have a variety of roles, such as Board of Directors or occassional opportunities in the box office and canteen.
The Souris Show Hall is also available for private or public functions, presentations, meetings, or shows. We are dedicated to providing venue spaces at affordable rates and assisting community groups in the development of new and innovative cultural products.
The Souris Show Hall is a 150 fixed seat, soft seat, graded Auditorium with a stage. There is a small kitchen, green room, and two dressing rooms.
The Theatre is available for rentals from June to September and is wheelchair accessible.
We are booking the upcoming season at The Souris Show Hall and invite you to join us on stage or in the audience, creating memories and having fun. Interested in partnering on an event or show?
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