The historic Empress Theatre in downtown Fort Macleod has officially reopened its doors to the public after completing extensive renovations that began in early May. The 113-year-old cultural landmark welcomed back patrons last Friday with significant improvements aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.
Comprehensive Seating Upgrades
According to Empress Theatre Society president Jackie Nelson, the renovations focused on much-needed modernization and updates throughout the facility. The most noticeable changes involve the theatre seating, where existing seat frames were preserved but completely refurbished with new cushioning, springs, and fabric.
The seating configuration underwent a complete redesign, with increased spacing between rows and angled aisles that improved sightlines to the stage. These enhancements came at the cost of reduced capacity, with the theatre losing approximately 19 seats. The auditorium now accommodates around 270 patrons, down from the previous configuration.
Unexpected Flooring Replacement
During the renovation process, contractors discovered that the auditorium flooring required more extensive work than initially planned. "Originally the plan was to refinish the flooring, but during construction it became apparent it was too far gone," Nelson explained. The complete floor replacement, along with new aisle carpets, represents one of the more substantial unplanned aspects of the renovation project.
The theatre also addressed practical concerns by reconfiguring the washroom facilities. The women's washroom was expanded by utilizing some space from the men's facilities, a change that immediately proved beneficial during the reopening events with noticeably shorter lineups.
Community Response and Future Programming
The first event following the renovation featured Juno-nominated Canadian music duo Madison Violet on Friday evening. Theatre-goers expressed enthusiasm for the changes, particularly noting the improved comfort of the refurbished seats. "You don't see people rocking and fidgeting in their seats, and they're not having to shuffle around so much," Nelson observed from audience reactions.
Fort Macleod residents have eagerly anticipated the theatre's reopening, especially for movie screenings. The thriller "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" will mark the return of cinema, beginning this Friday with a week-long run.
The theatre is expanding its programming beyond traditional offerings, hosting its first One-Day, One Act Festival on November 21, featuring two plays in a single evening. This new format represents the theatre's commitment to diversifying its cultural offerings.
Fort Macleod Mayor Brent Feyter emphasized the theatre's importance as a community gathering place. "Having the Empress refurbished a little bit more will definitely be a good draw for downtown, and that's vital for downtown businesses," Feyter stated.
The theatre renovations coincide with other downtown improvements, including the ongoing restoration of the nearby Queen's Hotel. The mayor expressed optimism about potential tourism packages combining dinner and theatre experiences to attract more visitors to the area.
A fundraising campaign called "Save our Seats" continues to support the renovation costs, with approximately $200,000 raised to date. The total cost of the renovations has not been finalized, but community support remains strong for what Nelson describes as "the jewel of Fort Macleod."
