Shadbolt Centre For the Arts

The Shadbolt is where my friends used to play piano recitals but I hadn’t ever gone until now. I was struck by the distance out from the city but it’s a gorgeous setting on a hill, very forested, very relaxing. It’s in the same park as Hart House restaurant which I’ve heard mixed things about but it’s quite a cozy little nook in Burnaby (oddly enough, only about 2 minutes from the highway).
I went to see a play, and found that theatre was well lit but very cold. The facilities in the centre seemed good. As per my friend’s recollections, there were a huge amount of grand pianos (I counted 3 just near the theatre we were at), which indicates that this hall really has a great breadth of various activities.
Also, there was a really sweet staff that gave out free hot chocolate as it was a cold winter night. And they sold shortbread cookies for 75 cents! Sweeeeeet.
I like this hall — the whole setting is idyllic.

What a great venue!
I’ve been here once for a Christmas party and it was perfect. Staff was super friendly and inside the room was perfect.
I’ve also been here quite a lot for courses or programs and the venue doesn’t disappoint. Catering staff are really great and always checking to see if we need anything.
Grounds around the Center are beautifully maintained and nice for a walk.
Don’t hesitate to come here for anything. It’s a great spot!

Loved the free concert in the lobby! Was dropping off a child for ballet class, and the entire lobby was set up for a (free) flute concert. It was delightful! What a great idea.

Great Coffee and Soups at Encore’s Café in the Shadbolt Centre. Tuesdays are $ 2 dollar lattes/​specialty coffees and Wednesdays are $ 2 tea lattes.

It’s a big theatre with a modern look, glass and concrete in the middle of Burnaby and the woods. In the middle of Deer Lake park, the theatre has over 200 seats, there are 6 dance studios, rehearsal spaces, meeting places, a pottery room, a café and an art room. I saw a one woman play here and it was really good. I know you can rent out the space for private parties and even weddings I think. So overall, if you’re looking for that experience, check it out.

The Shadbolt’s got it all: a striking building in a gorgeous natural setting, loads of free parking, and on transit and bike routes, and a great line-​up of live theatre and music. They also run a full slate of art classes for both children and adults. I’ve never taken a class but the offerings look tempting.
I have seen quite a few shows here, and they have a beautiful spacious theatre with comfy seats and great sightlines. If you miss the Fringe Fest, there is often an encore run of Pick of the Fringe here. As well, there are symphony concerts, musicals, dance, and plenty of plays — from a great variety of companies. Burnaby-​based companies are well-​represented, but well-​known companies from Vancouver and beyond also play here.
If you’re into some hassle-​free yet quality theatre, get thee to the Shadbolt. It’s purty.