Mamdani Opera Centre

This converted church (leased by Calgary Opera) is home to several small thespian troupes and associated business offices. The building itself is quite old, and is not without its own charms, but a few downsides too. The most notable are the limited parking compared to most theatre venues, and the somewhat rickety men’s bathroom. On the plus side, the lobby area has a nicely stocked bar, and is adorned with lots of interesting local opera pictures (and sometimes original art work). The «stage» area can be quite intimate, depending on the particular production, as there are no fixed seats like you will find at Pumphouse or EPCOR. The focus here is on the acting, not the set production. The smaller scale productions and the «rustic» building combine to give a non-​pretentious feel to night out at the theatre.

I’ve been told that this location previously was a church, and walking through the venue, you can still see pews in the second level and a giant pipe organ on the main level.
These days, this space is used mainly for opera rehearsals and as an arts hub that houses many small and independent arts and theatre companies, but the space can also be rented out for events.
I was here yesterday for Swallow-a-Bicycle’s «Elastic Galactic Shakedown: A Kaleidoscopic Art Party,» a show featuring Freak Motif, Seven Story Redhead, and an art party prior to the live entertainment that had collaborative painting, Theatre-​in-​a-​Box, and more.
This is a great space. I didn’t get a chance to explore all of it, but the main area can fit 175 people and can be configured in a number of ways. This particular night had a stage set up for the band, a dance floor, plus art installation stations set up on the periphery.
Because it’s essentially a retro-​fitted church, the acoustics in the main area are wonderful.
If you’re ever looking for a venue to rent out for an event, the Arrata Opera Centre might be worth a look.
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The Arrata Opera centre is a 29,000 square foot facility set in the newly redesigned Wesley United Church on 7^th Street SW. Its prime function is to support the education and the development of new opera works in Canada.
It also provides a very central and funky space for events, rehearsal, gatherings and productions. The rehearsal hall can occupy 175 people and the Nexen Gallery can accommodate 228. They also have a Studio and a greenroom for smaller groups. The Arrata also provides seating, lighting, and sound facilities and even has a costume and laundry shop for costume rentals. There are non profit rates that are very reasonable as well as corporate rates.
Because of their relation and the beautiful architecture of the previous historic church incarnation, Arrata can provide a unique venue for your special events.