At the beginning of the 20th century, Ottawa was home to numerous theatres, each distinct in architectural style and artistic offerings. Among them was the Family Theatre, located on Queen Street. Beyond its architectural uniqueness, the Family Theatre was best known for showcasing vaudeville performances, a popular entertainment genre at the time. More on ottawa-trend.com.
The History of Ottawa’s Family Theatre
The Family Theatre building was constructed on Queen Street in Ottawa during the 1910s. It was a truly unique architectural structure, unlike any other in Canada. Similar theatre designs existed only in a few American cities such as Detroit, San Diego, and New York. The theatre’s defining feature was its grand entrance, shaped like an enormous arch. Its decor was rich with marble finishes, intricately designed tiles featuring rose motifs, and ivory elements. The entire interior was designed in a Moorish style, characterized by warm tones and vibrant colours, including red, orange, and yellow. The theatre had a seating capacity of 1,142.
The Family Theatre first opened its doors to visitors in 1910 as a vaudeville theatre. Vaudeville, a genre that originated in France, was a popular form of stage entertainment in the late 19th century. It typically consisted of light-hearted comedy, theatrical sketches, musical numbers, and dance performances. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, vaudeville gained immense popularity in Canada, leading to the establishment of vaudeville theatres, including Ottawa’s Family Theatre.
This theatre was truly one of a kind and quickly became a favourite among Ottawa residents. In addition to its engaging plays and performances, visitors were drawn to the theatre’s in-house orchestra, composed of seven highly talented Canadian musicians.
No Longer a Vaudeville Theatre
Over time, vaudeville lost its appeal in Canada, and by 1912, the number of performances in this genre declined. Eventually, the Family Theatre completely stopped hosting vaudeville shows.
In 1912, the theatre’s purpose shifted dramatically. Initially known for its theatrical productions, it became the first cultural venue in Ottawa to screen feature-length films. Until the early 1920s, most Ottawa theatres primarily showcased silent films, accompanied by live orchestras.
The Family Theatre’s story came to an end in 1922. Despite its relatively short existence, it left a lasting impact on Ottawa’s cultural history. It is remembered as the city’s premier vaudeville theatre, a venue where this theatrical genre flourished. From 1910 to 1922, the Family Theatre hosted a variety of performances, including plays, burlesque shows, and other stage productions.
Additionally, the theatre did not retain the name “Family Theatre” throughout its existence. Over its 12-year history, it underwent multiple renamings, making it one of the most frequently renamed theatres in Ottawa. Some of its former names included:
- Franklin Theatre
- Capital Theatre
- Galvin Theatre
- Embassy Theatre
Like many other theatres of its time, the Family Theatre building eventually became outdated. By the late 20th century, the theatre was permanently closed, and the building was demolished to make way for a modern structure. Today, the only way to catch a glimpse of the grandeur of Ottawa’s Family Theatre is through historical photographs.
