Pacific Theatre, a Vancouver-based theatre company, has announced its departure from the historic Chalmers building due to structural issues. The organization will be leaving its long-time home in the former Chalmers Presbyterian Church basement after three decades of staging intimate productions. The building, now owned and operated by the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, requires over $500,000 worth of major structural upgrades, prompting Pacific Theatre to pause all programming starting January 2026.
Lilac Bosma, the board chair of Pacific Theatre, revealed that the company first became aware of the building’s structural problems last fall. Water ingress has caused significant damage, leading to high levels of mold in the backstage area. While Pacific Theatre hopes to return to the space after the necessary upgrades are completed, the plan is yet to be confirmed.
The Chalmers building, situated at the corner of West 12th Avenue and Hemlock Street, opened to the public in August 1912 and closed in the 1990s due to a declining population in the area. Designed by architects Samuel Buttrey Birds and Edward Evans Blackmore, the Neoclassical structure features a distinctive brick exterior with a central dome, massive columns, and ornate pediments.
As Pacific Theatre wraps up its 2024-25 season with Katherine Gauthier’s play “Meeting,” the company plans to proceed with a mini-season starting in September 2025. This upcoming season will include a mainstage production, a film screening with a panel discussion, and the annual Christmas Presence show. However, challenges such as limited seating capacity and sound-bleeding restrictions have impacted the organization’s revenue potential.
Despite the setbacks, Pacific Theatre remains optimistic about its future. The company is exploring various options, including securing additional funding, reimagining its operational model, or finding a new home. Conversations with Holy Trinity Church regarding necessary changes have been positive, indicating a potential path forward for Pacific Theatre.
While the timeline for the company’s programming pause remains uncertain, Pacific Theatre’s staff will be streamlined to its artistic director and executive director. The board of directors will continue planning alongside them as upgrades to the Chalmers building are expected to extend through 2026. Bosma emphasized the importance of maintaining the company’s artistic vision and community support during this challenging period.
Reflecting on the decision to depart from the Chalmers building, Bosma acknowledged the company’s recent artistic and commercial successes. Despite the difficulties, Pacific Theatre aims to emerge stronger and more vibrant, with a deep reservoir of community support. The organization’s commitment to producing meaningful theatre and supporting Vancouver’s artistic community remains unwavering, setting the stage for a promising future.
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