Lunchbox Theatre
Since 1975, Lunchbox Theatre has been motivated by our founders’ desire “to present live theatre during the lunch hour to downtown shoppers and workers.” This simple yet profound statement from the founders continues to inspire us as we pursue our Vision:
To provide lunch for the soul—nourish the community through meaningful and uplifting entertainment.
We hope to be the best part of your day by executing our Mission:
Lunchbox Theatre presents engaging, accessible one-act plays primarily at lunchtime, focusing on new Canadian works that examine and explore socially relevant issues. We seek to provide memorable experiences that reflect today’s realities and expand our understanding of life. Lunchbox is a hub for artistic learning — for audiences, artists as well as new plays
Our work reflects our core Values:
We are accessible, inclusive and anti-oppressive
We celebrate everyone’s stories to foster understanding
We engage—with playfulness and joy
We are accountable, respectful and sustainable
Lunchbox Theatre is the most successful lunchtime theatre in the world. The very first performance, September 15, 1975, sold out every seat. One acts created at Lunchbox are now produced internationally. Lunchbox actors have become names on stage and screen. Bravo to all of you who share in the artistic miracle!
– Bartley and Margaret Bard
Our Story
(counter-clockwise) Bartley Bard, Margaret Bard and Betty Gibb
Bartley and Margaret Bard and Betty Gibb were looking for a way to present live theatre during the lunch hour to downtown shoppers and workers, so in 1975 they founded Lunchbox Theatre. Located in Calgary’s downtown core, it is now recognized as one of the most successful and longest running noon hour theatre companies in the world!
Lunchbox Theatre delivers a fun and unique experience to its audience – upbeat performances in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. Patrons are encouraged to eat their lunch while they enjoy the show. This friendly approach makes Lunchbox Theatre an ideal place to introduce theatre to new audiences, both young and old.
Lunchbox Theatre focuses on the development and production of original one-act plays; many of which are written by local Calgarians. There are up to five plays produced in a season, along with the Stage One Festival of New Work and the RBC Emerging Director's Showcase.
Lunchbox Theatre spent its initial years presenting one-act comedies, musicals and revues in four different theatre spaces in Calgary’s Bow Valley Square. In the fall of 2008 the theatre relocated to a location in the Calgary Tower Centre in the heart of the city’s cultural district. It seated up to 110 patrons in different seating configurations, depending on the size of the stage. In March of 2020 when the Covid-19 Pandemic hit Canada, the remaining productions of the 2019/20 season were canceled, and the Board and Management made the decision to take the next year and a half to to reflect, to re-imagine and to revise a new and improved Lunchbox Theatre. The choice was also made to close the most recent venue’s doors for good, and while we were sad to say goodby to our own space, we are thrilled to be presenting our 2021-22 season in the Studio Theatre at Vertigo, just across the hall.
What's a One-Act Play?
A one-act play is a short play that takes place in one act consisting of one or more scenes. It is often referred to as the “short story” of plays because it is told in a concise and creatively efficient manner. One-act plays, as with full length plays, come in all genres: comedies, dramas and musicals. Lunchbox Theatre mainly programs comedies and musicals to provide a noontime oasis for busy audience members.
