The Horowitz Theatre is a multi-purpose concert hall, providing a comfortable and intimate atmosphere for all to enjoy the fine arts. Every seat in the 720-seat theatre offers a great view of the stage. Since opening in 1967, millions of people have come through the doors to experience thousands of performances--including concerts, graduation and award ceremonies, film screenings, variety shows, cultural events, dance competitions, lectures, comedians, and more!
The Horowitz Theatre is conveniently located in the Students' Union Building on the University of Alberta North campus close by to two covered parkades, direct access via the Edmonton public transit system, and many restaurants and amenities nearby.
Features of this venue include:
- Top-of-the-line sound and lighting systems capable of handling full scale concert productions
- Lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows, easily adapted for stand-up receptions
- Fully equipped box office
- Two large dressing rooms available off stage left with washrooms, showers, ample counter space, and mirrors
- Sprung stage floor made of tongue-and-groove maple, painted black - ideal for dance
- Soundshell: Wenger three-panel high shell with a maximum width of five panels
- Baldwin SF 10 seven foot grand piano
Every event is different, with unique requirements and demands. The rental rate is based on two factors: the type of organization booking the venue, and the type of event being held. If you are interested in booking the Horowitz Theatre, please contact us for an estimate.
As a part of the University of Alberta community, we have specific rental rates for University groups as well as registered student groups. Please contact us for details.
Yes, external bookings are a majority of our events.
Your rental of the Horowitz Theatre includes use of the stage and seating areas, the lobby, the green room, two dressing rooms and the use of the Theatre Loading Dock for load in and load out. The use of in house lighting and audio equipment, as well as our piano, is also included.
To receive a formal estimate for an event we require a hold to be placed for the theatre. To ensure you are receiving the most accurate information possible, we do not give out ballpark figures or casual estimates. Please view our rate sheets for base costs.
All events must be confirmed with a contract and deposit 60 days prior to the event. We suggest initiating the booking process with a coordinator at least 90 days in advance.
With general admission seating, a maximum of 680 seats can be sold. In an assigned seating configuration the total number of sellable seats will be between 680 and 700 seats, subject to an advance with our technical staff.
These are seats that are unable to be occupied or put on sale because of event configurations or the requirements of the contract. Certain layouts a performance or show may require may result in some seats being unsellable to patrons.
All ticketing is exclusively handled by the Horowitz Events Centre to ensure a reliable product for our clients and patrons. We use Eventbrite for online tickets or we can print tickets for you to sell in person. After you submit a venue booking request, your event contact will provide you with more information.
The lobby and box office open one hours before show starts. Guests can begin taking their seats approximately 30 minutes before the show starts. These timelines are followed in order to deliver a consistent experience to regular patrons of the space.
Arrangements for specialized equipment or other rentals can be made with our Technical Director.
Yes – there is an elevator located at the main entrance, just across from the Box Office. A ramp provides access into the audience seating area. Stadium Parkade is also wheelchair accessible, and provides a covered walkway directly the the west doors of the Students' Union Building. It should be noted that seating in the balcony is not wheelchair accessible.
The Horowitz Theatre is unable to provide booster seats, hearing assisting devices, or visual aids.
Of course! Contact us at bookings@su.ualberta.ca or call 780-492-4764 to arrange a tour.
These policies are specific to booking the Horowitz Theatre. More detail on Horowitz Events Centre general policies can be found on Booking Procedures, including information on details, ticketing, merchandise and bar services.
Booking
- Holds for the Horowitz Theatre may be placed up to 13 months in advance.
- A date in the Horowitz Theatre must be confirmed with a contract and deposit 60 days before the event date. Therefore, we recommend initiating a request at least 90 days before the event date.
Ticketing
- All ticketing for the Horowitz Theatre is managed through HEC. Depending on your preference, tickets can be listed online using Eventbrite or printed out for in person sales. Tickets cannot be sold online on another platform.
- A maximum of 680 seats can be sold in the theatre with general admission seating. In an assigned seating configuration the total number of sellable seats will be between 680 and 700 seats, subject to an advance with our technical staff.
Bar Service
- The HEC offers bar service for events with a minimum of 90 minutes of service time (generally 1 hour prior to the event and one 30 minute intermission).
- If you are interested in having us provide bar service for a reception after your event, please submit a request at least 30 days in advance. The Post-Show Reception Fee includes all staff and rental time for 75 minutes of service.
Merchandise Sales
- The Horowitz Theatre has a 15% commission rate on all merchandise sales. This rate is applied to gross sales, including GST. It is the renter’s responsibility to inform all parties involved of this commission.
- Front of House staff can be scheduled to assist with merch sales – please contact us with your request at least 30 days in advance of the booking.
The Myer Horowitz Theatre plays a role on campus as a space to educate, entertain, and bring the campus community together. It is an essential resource that the University of Alberta uses to create moments for student and provide experiences in the arts, intellectual debate, and community events. The theatre serves as a venue for community events for both the campus and the city as a whole. The goal of this project is to restore and expand the Theatre’s ability to meet this vision, by bringing the design and technical elements of the Theatre up-to-date and judiciously expanding the flexibility and size of the pre-performance spaces to allow for a wider range of activities and programming.
Through intensive renovation, the SU will upgrade the Theatre to a fully modern and welcoming experience that continues to attract high-calibre performances and events. Planned upgrades and improvements include highly visible elements such as a newer and more comfortable seating, greater accessibility for all patrons and an inspiring and contemporary interior configuration. Renovations will also include crucial behind-the-scenes elements, such as improved acoustics, new sound and lighting equipment, a new control room, stage enhancements and a larger rehearsal space
Summary of Theatre Chamber Renovations
- Replacement of chairs
- Black slatted walls covering side and rear walls of the chamber to assist with acoustics
- Installation of new light fixtures and sound system to enhance the experience of both the performer and audience member
Summary of Interior Lobby Renovations
- Expansion to increase capacity
- Maintain the central staircases in the heart of the lobby
- Utilize finishes and furnishes to revitalize the space while maintaining its character
- Plumed bar
- Coat Check
- Merchandising space
- Plaster feature wall with light projections
Summary of Exterior Upgrades
- Building out and enhancing the exterior Theatre entrance for greater accessibility and visibility
- Expanding and dramatically opening the current lobby to enable better functionality
- Upgrading the box office footprint to more efficiently and comfortably serve users
- Updating the current elevator to improve flow and greater handicap accessibility
Timeline
The Students' Union is currently reviewing funding options for renovating the theatre. At this time, no schedule for renovations has been agreed to, but if funding is secured, there will be at least 13 months before renovations can begin.
