Metro Theatre in south Vancouver
Metro Theatre is a long-standing community-driven theatre company in South Vancouver. For more than 50 years, it has showcased local talent through plays, musicals and special performances. The venue is intimate. Seating around 300 guests, it offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that highlights the spirit of community theatre.
Unlike larger venues that host major touring Broadway-style productions, Metro Theatre focuses on smaller-scale performances. Its shows typically feature local actors, directors, and playwrights. The theatre can be rented by groups, but it also puts on its own productions.
At Metro Theatre guests can expect a mix of classic works, comedies, dramas and family-friendly productions, all brought to life by passionate community performers. The quality of the shows is high.
The theatre has a cozy licensed lounge where visitors can enjoy a drink before or after a show. You can sometimes even chat there with members of the cast and crew. This relaxed, personal touch is a hallmark of the Metro Theatre experience.
For full details about the theatre and its upcoming shows, click MetroTheatre.com.
Location
Metro Theatre’s address is 1370 SW Marine Drive. It’s in South Vancouver, not far from the Arthur Laing Bridge. The venue sits in an industrial area, so most visitors choose to drive, with both onsite and nearby parking options available.
Season and Performances
Metro Theatre runs a full season of productions each year, typically spanning from fall through spring. The lineup usually includes a mix of well-known plays, comedies, musicals, and the theatre’s beloved annual holiday pantomime. Each show runs for several weeks. Performances take place on evenings and select matinees on weekends.
Shows in the 2025/2026 season are Lend Me a Tenor, Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley, Jack and the Beanstalk, Barefoot in the Park, Nunsense, Shakespeare in Love, and Legally Blonde: The Musical.
Operated by a non-profit society and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, the theatre is a dynamic and creative organization. This community-based model gives the venue its unique charm and makes it an important part of Vancouver’s local arts scene.
For tickets and more information about the theatre, see the Metro Theatre website.
About the Venue
- Seating: The main auditorium features cushioned seating on both the floor level and upper balcony. The layout is cozy and the slope is gentle, so shorter guests may want to use booster cushions (which are available at the theatre).
- The Lounge: The upstairs Metro Theatre Lounge is decorated with photos from past productions. It provides a space to buy snacks and beverages. Alcoholic drinks are available, but can only be consumed inside the lounge area, not in the auditorium.
- Atmosphere: From the moment you arrive, you’ll find a welcoming environment where the audience, volunteers and performers come together to celebrate live theatre.
History of Metro Theatre
The Metro Theatre building originally opened in the 1930s as a cinema. It later transformed into a live performance space in the 1960s. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of Vancouver’s community theatre scene.
The theatre no longer receives much if any government funding. Instead it continues to survive thanks to community support, private donations, and the many volunteers who dedicate their time to running the venue and producing shows.
Other Information
In summary, Vancouver’s Metro Theatre offers a unique, community-focused theatre experience you won’t find at larger venues. Whether you’re looking for a night of comedy, drama or family-friendly entertainment, the theatre is an inviting place to enjoy live performances while supporting local artists.
For more details about upcoming shows and memberships, visit the venue’s official website at MetroTheatre.com.
To learn about other theatres, see our article about Lower Mainland Theatre Venues.