History

Mulgrave Road Theatre’s roots in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia extend back to 1977, when a group of energetic young artists and playwrights founded the company in the historic community of Guysborough. From its earliest beginnings, the company’s vision has been to create, develop and produce theatre inspired by the Atlantic Canadian experience. The foundation is now entering its 30th Season, celebrating an international reputation for the quality and integrity of its productions. From small beginnings in Eastern Nova Scotia, the company and its extended family of artists have made an enormous contribution to the growth of Canadian theatre.

Mulgrave Road Theatre is dedicated to making theatre accessible to communities throughout the province. Because of the company’s commitment to touring, East Coast audiences have had the opportunity to experience first-hand, acclaimed works by some of Atlantic Canada’s most respected playwrights. The company’s production roster has included Robbie O’Neill’s much-loved play Tighten the Traces, Marguerite McNeils’ An Island Woman, Catherine Bank’s Three Storey Ocean View and Mary Vingoe’s adaptation of Sheldon Currie’s The Company Store.

Many of the works originating at Mulgrave Road have gone on to be produced at theatres throughout the country, including Daniel MacIvor’s Marion Bridge, Mary-Colin Chisholm’s Safe Haven, Jenny Munday’s Battle Fatigue, Carol Sinclair’s Idyll Gossip, Cindy Cowan’s Beinn Bhreagh and Mike Melski’s Caribou. The theatre has steadily fostered a tradition of support for regional playwrights, by offering writers the opportunity to create new works in the inspiring and supportive environment of the Mulgrave Road Theatre Centre.

At the Theatre Centre, playwrights work towards the creation of a first draft, a subsequent development workshop, and a possible first production. Mulgrave Road’s newly renovated facilities in downtown Guysborough house the company’s administrative office, a technical workshop and a multi-purpose room - used for rehearsals, studio space, writing workshops, special events and meetings. Mulgrave Road Theatre is under the direction of Artistic Director Emmy Alcorn, who is well known to both regional audiences and the Canadian theatre community as a distinguished performer, director, and supporter of new script development.