Place des Arts Summer Theatre Troupe in Coquitlam
Every summer, Place des Arts in Coquitlam presents the Summer Theatre Troupe, a free community theatre program that showcases the talents of young performers. The annual production combines acting, music and storytelling in a show that welcomes audiences of all ages.
Presented by one of Metro Vancouver’s leading arts education centres, the Summer Theatre Troupe has become a popular seasonal tradition, giving youth the opportunity to learn from experienced theatre professionals while providing free entertainment for the community.
Visit placedesarts.ca for the event’s official website.
About Place des Arts
Located in Coquitlam, Place des Arts is a non-profit arts centre offering year-round classes and workshops in visual arts, music, dance and theatre. Children, teens and adults can participate in creative programs throughout the year, while summer brings an expanded lineup of camps and live performances.
One of the centre’s signature seasonal events is the Summer Theatre Troupe, which features a new stage production each year performed by a cast of local youth.
The 2026 Production
The 2026 Summer Theatre Troupe presented The Emperor’s New Threads, a light-hearted adaptation inspired by the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale.
Filled with humour, colourful characters and playful storytelling, the production followed an emperor whose obsession with fashion leads him into an unforgettable adventure after two clever tricksters arrive at his palace. The show was designed to entertain children and adults alike with plenty of laughs and imaginative theatre.
When and Where
Performances in 2026 ran from July 24 to August 2.
Most shows each year take place at Place des Arts, located at 1120 Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam. Additional performances happen at the City Centre Branch of the Coquitlam Public Library, located at 1169 Pinetree Way.
Admission is always free, but advance ticket reservations are required as seating is limited.
For full details about the show, click placedesarts.ca.
A Community Production
The Summer Theatre Troupe provides young performers with valuable stage experience while working alongside professional theatre artists. Although the cast is made up primarily of local students, the production is supported by experienced directors, designers and stage management staff, creating a polished performance each season.
Summer Camps at Place des Arts
In addition to the theatre performances, Place des Arts hosts a wide variety of summer camps for children and youth throughout July and August.
Programs include visual arts, musical theatre, drama, dance and other creative activities for children between the ages of 5 and 14. Families can choose from both half-day and full-day camps, with weekly registration fees generally ranging from about $120 to $310, depending on the program and age group.
Why Visit?
The Place des Arts Summer Theatre Troupe offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy free live theatre in Coquitlam while supporting young local performers. Combined with the centre’s popular summer camps and arts programs, the show is one of the Tri-Cities’ top family-friendly and affordable cultural attractions during the summer season.
Whether you’re introducing children to live theatre or simply looking for an enjoyable community performance, the Summer Theatre Troupe delivers an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.
For more information about events and performances at the education centre, see the Place des Arts website.
To learn about other companies that put on shows in the Lower Mainland, click Vancouver Theatre Companies.