CELEBRATING ART, HISTORY & CULTURE
.webp)
Sarnia’s theatre with over 100 years of history
It is a great privilege to gather and share stories on this beautiful territory, which has been the site of human activity - and therefore storytelling - for many thousands of years. We wish to honour the ancestral guardians of this land and its waterways:
The Chippewa, Odawa, Potawatomi peoples, referred to collectively as the Anishinaabeg. Today many indigenous peoples continue to call this land home and act as its stewards. This responsibility extends to all peoples, to share and care for this land for generations to come.
Theatre Sarnia earns from events at the Imperial Theatre.
.svg){kind=icon}
Productions
5-6 shows per season via ticket sales and service charges.
.svg){kind=icon}
Rentals
Income from community and professional event rentals, plus service and technical fees.
.svg){kind=icon}
Imperial Presents
In-house shows for revenue and diverse entertainment.
A small staff manages operations, supported by volunteers. Grants from agencies help sustain the theatre.
Inside Imperial Theatre
The Imperial Theatre is a facility that includes the 600 seat theatre, two fully licensed bars, the Nova Room - which is available for small functions, the Theatre Box Office, the R. W. Lawton Gallery, rehearsal halls, wardrobe, workshops and administrative offices.
Theatre Sarnia is the legal owner and operator of the Imperial Theatre with business and artistic direction under the guidance of a Board of Directors from within its membership. Theatre Sarnia is one of the oldest operating Community Theatre groups in Canada with it's roots in the Sarnia Drama Club formed in 1927.
Theatre Sarnia is now mortgage free!
The Imperial Theatre receives no operational funding from City, County or Provincial Governments. Ticket sales, Rentals, Donations and Sponsorships provide the major sources of operating revenue. The City of Sarnia provided an interest free mortgage during the rebuilding of the Theatre in 1996 and the required annual repayment was made on time each year back to the City.
The final payment was made on November 30, 2016 with a presentation of the cheque to the Mayor and members of City Council on stage at the Imperial Theatre.
Grants & Support
Theatre Sarnia, proud owners of the Imperial Theatre, deeply appreciates the generosity of our supporting agencies. Their continued support helps us maintain a top-tier performing arts venue, enriching our community with exceptional entertainment.
Find Your Perfect Seat
View your seat before the show — explore our seating layout and choose the best spot in the house.
Plan your visit
Planning a visit to the Imperial theatre? Make a day (or night) of it! Our vibrant community is filled with great places to eat, stay, and explore.
168 Christina Street North, PO Box 43, Sarnia, Ontario N7T 7H8, Canada
Directions & Accessibility
Find everything you need to plan your visit, including directions, parking options, public transport details, and information about wheelchair access, ramps, elevators, restrooms, and other accessibility services we offer.
theatre etiquette
The Imperial Theatre strives to provide you with a memorable theatre experience and we want you to help by remembering to show common courtesy to those around you. The following practices will ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the show.