The Regent Theatre is a designated heritage building located in Midtown Toronto, and has been in operation as a place of public assembly and cultural purpose for nearly one hundred years. It was built primarily as a movie theatre, but has also operated as a live theatrical venue.  

The Regent Theatre is being fully reconstructed into a multi-purpose theatrical facility that will include:  

• 600 seat theatre with orchestra pit & two circular balconies 
• First venue in Ontario to include moving seating platforms 
• Lobby/café open to the public daytime and evening 
• Rehearsal/Community work space 
• Barrier free dressing rooms & performance space 

What became known as The Regent Theatre was originally designed as a movie theatre for Famous Players. It was then named The Belsize Theatre, built to complement the growing neighbourhood’s retail shops. It underwent more renovations in 1950 and re-opened as The Crest Theatre, screening films.

In 1953, a family of established Canadian actors, Murray and Donald Davis, with their sister Barbara Chilcott leased the building to have it become a local playhouse with affordable theatre and support the professional theatre community. During their tenure (1953-1968), The Crest became one of only two live performance theatres in Toronto, with 13 seasons and 150 productions. Many successful Canadian artists and theatre professionals credit The Crest Theatre in the development of their careers. From 1971 until 2021, the theatre re-established itself as a movie house, reopening after renovations in 1988 as The Regent Theatre.

Terra Bruce Productions purchased the property in 2022, and plans are underway to restore this beauty with Franco Boni as the Executive and Program Director and an experienced team of partners to create the new vision. With endless possibilities for the new life of this almost century-old theatre, we can’t wait to show you what we are planning.

Questions or inquiries please Contact Franco Boni
fboni@terrabruce.com