New flexible theatre space in the Werklund Centre Transformation Expansion to be named McCann Family Studio Theatre through $4M contribution

    · 6 min read

    Transformation of Calgary’s premier performing arts centre makes dramatic construction progress

    As Werklund Centre celebrates the start of its 41st performance season, construction progress on the Werklund Centre Transformation (WCT) Expansion and Olympic Plaza Transformation (OPT) gains momentum in downtown Calgary.

    “CMLC and our partners at Werklund Centre and The City of Calgary are thrilled with the progress we are making on the WCT Expansion and revitalization of Olympic Plaza,” said Kate Thompson, President and CEO of CMLC, who serve as Development Manager for the campus transformation. “The transformation of the Werklund Centre campus represents a bold and ambitious vision for our city’s arts and culture sector, and as steel and concrete continue to take shape on site, Calgarians and visitors alike can begin to see a more tangible expression of that vision come to life.”

    Growing philanthropic support for the campus transformation

    Building on the generous funding contributions of the Government of Alberta, The City of Calgary, Dave Werklund and Family, and others, upon completion in 2028, the new 200-seat studio theatre in the WCT Expansion will be named the McCann Family Studio Theatre. Through a $4 million gift from Rodney (Rod) J. McCann, Karen McCann, and their immediate family, the naming recognizes the family’s longstanding commitment to Calgary’s arts community through their leadership, volunteerism and philanthropic investment in arts spaces and programming.

    "Cities need spaces where creativity at every scale can take root and thrive, places that make room for experimentation, connection, and the full breadth of artistic expression,” said Alex Sarian, President and CEO of Werklund Centre. “The McCann Family Studio Theatre will be one of those places: an intimate, flexible venue designed to open doors for artists and welcome communities more deeply into the creative process. This space will help broaden who gets to make art, who gets to gather around it, and whose stories are seen, heard, and valued in our city.”

    Complementing the campus’ larger performance halls, the McCann Family Studio Theatre addresses the need for professionally equipped, flexible performance venues. It will cater to local artists and creators, providing an adaptable venue that supports culturally diverse and community-based programming, emerging artists, arts education, and experimental work.

    "We are honoured to support a project that will have a lasting impact on Calgary's cultural community," said Rod McCann. "We believe in the power of the arts to inspire, connect and strengthen communities. Our hope is that this theatre will provide opportunities for artists and audiences alike and help foster creativity for many years to come.”

    A cultural landmark realized

    Fully funded and on track to be completed in 2028, construction on the WCT Expansion and adjacent OPT is progressing well, with construction management by EllisDon and more than 100 crew members on site every day.

    Since construction began on the Expansion in January 2025, crews have steadily advanced work on foundations, concrete installation, and the theatre box for the new 1,000-seat Osten-Victor Playhouse. Now, work is underway on the 170,000 sq. ft. building’s structural steel and McCann Family Studio Theatre, with progress on the Expansion’s lobbies and gathering spaces to follow.

    Construction is also underway on the revitalization of Olympic Plaza which, when complete, will become a more accessible space for daily users and a more flexible programmable space as part of the Werklund Centre campus. Foundations for the new pavilion – which will contain public washrooms and food and beverage offerings – are nearly complete, with further infrastructure and utility work ongoing.

    Design for the third phase of the campus transformation – the Modernization of the existing Werklund Centre facility – is complete and, as planned, construction will begin once funding and regulatory approvals for that phase of the project are secured. Efforts are underway to secure the remaining required funding to enable the start of construction in 2029.

    A bold vision, a critical investment

    "The transformation of important civic spaces like Olympic Plaza and Werklund Centre is a critical component of The City’s strategy to revitalize downtown," said Thom Mahler, Director, Downtown Strategy at The City of Calgary. "Investments in cultural and public infrastructure play a key role in creating a dynamic downtown where residents, visitors, businesses and community organizations can thrive."

    The Werklund Centre and Olympic Plaza Transformation projects will expand opportunities for artists, audiences and community organizations while creating long-term social and economic benefits for downtown and for all of Calgary.

    “City-building investments like the Werklund Centre and Olympic Plaza Transformation projects ensure that Calgary remains a place people are proud to call home for generations to come,” said Ward 7 Councillor Myke Atkinson. “In expanding and improving this critical cultural infrastructure, we will create a central gathering place where all Calgarians can come together to celebrate and enjoy the arts."

    Together, the three phases of the transformation of the Werklund Centre campus – the Expansion, Olympic Plaza and the Modernization of the existing facility – are a generational investment in Calgary's premier performing arts centre and in Calgary’s cultural identity.

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