We just announced that The Metro Studio will be closing in March, 2026. As we reflect on our 20 years at The Metro, we are looking back on the journey of transforming a former church gym into a successful downtown theatre venue. Here’s a quick walk down memory lane (and a few photos from the archives).

1996 – Intrepid Theatre closed The Planet Theatre located at The Bay Centre and began their search for a new venue.

2005 – The former church gym at the Victoria Conservatory of Music was used for several seasons as a Fringe venue, and in June 2005 Intrepid opened The Metro Studio in this space on the corner of Quadra and Johnson, in a shared usage lease with the landlords, The VCM. The venue needed to be painted black and to have upgrades to sound, lighting, seating and a black floor installed over the gym floor. Janet Munsil was Artistic Director/Producer, Ian Case was General Manager and Nathan Medd was Operations & Development Coordinator.

2006 – The Black Rider, the award-winning musical from November Theatre based on Tom Waits is the first Intrepid Theatre touring presentation at The Metro. In January 2006 the venue is painted black, and that summer red seats are installed.

2009 – Atomic Vaudeville’s Ride the Cyclone is presented at The Metro Studio and a showcase of local dance talent, Light On Our Feet — is held at Metro Studio, with proceeds going towards upgrading the theatre’s equipment.

2013 – After installing fixed seating risers and other upgrades, rezoning of the venue happens, making it a permanent fixture as a theatre venue in downtown Victoria.

2015 – The inaugural OUTstages Festival takes place at The Metro in July, and Ronnie Burkett returns to Victoria after 20 years, selling out a 4 show run at The Metro Studio with The Daisy Theatre.

2021 – The red seats are temporarily replaced by cabaret seating to allow the venue to operate at lowered audience capacities and still maintain an intimate black-box theatre experience, and a project to install a new grid, work lights and drapes is started.

2024 – Ivan Coyote’s Playlist, commissioned for the 10th anniversary of the OUTstages Festival, opens at The Metro Studio in January 2024. Created during a technical residency with the company, the show is rehearsed and designed at The Metro Studio, sells out its run inaugural and begins to tour the country.

2025 – In August 2025, due to rising costs including a large increase in rent, Intrepid Theatre announces it is closing The Metro Studio in the spring of 2026.