The Avon Theatre has stood in downtown Stratford since 1900 and is the Festival's only traditional proscenium-arch stage, the kind with a frame around the picture and room for elaborate scenery. It sits at 99 Downie Street, among the shops and restaurants, with 1,077 seats on two levels. Where the Festival Theatre pushes its stage into the crowd, the Avon plays in the classic style, so it suits productions that rely on big sets, flying effects and detailed design. It is also where the Festival often puts its family-friendly shows. In some seasons this stage has kept playing later into the autumn than the others, with performances stretching into November. Because it is in the middle of town, it is the easiest theatre to combine with dinner, a stroll and a hotel within a few minutes' walk.
What to do
See a play, then use the central position. The Avon is a good pick for visitors who find a thrust stage unfamiliar, since the layout is the traditional one, and for families, because the productions here often suit younger audiences. Arrive early to look at the building and the posters, and leave time for the restaurants on Downie and Ontario Streets before or after.
Seasons and planning
The theatre is dark outside the Festival season, which runs roughly from late April to the end of October. The Avon has sometimes kept playing into November, so it is the stage to check first if you want a late-season visit. The Festival announces its playbill and ticket sale dates each year, so check its site for the current plays and times. Special access seating is on the orchestra level, and the Festival's phone line can help with accessibility needs and relaxed performances.
Fitting it in
Allow a long evening or three hours for a matinee. There is no parking lot at the theatre, so use the metered parking downtown or, better, stay within walking distance. Coaches should use the north side of George Street, not the front of the theatre. A number of hotels, including Foster's Inn and the Parlour Inn, are only a few minutes away on foot, and the Studio Theatre, Tom Patterson Theatre and Festival Theatre are all reachable on foot, so you can plan more than one show in a visit.
What to expect
The experience
A play or family show on the Festival's only proscenium-arch stage, in a downtown theatre with 1,077 seats.
Best time
The season runs from late April, and the Avon sometimes plays latest, into November; the theatre is dark outside the season.
How long
Allow three hours for a matinee or an evening, plus time for a meal on the way.
Tips
Stay within walking distance because the theatre has no parking lot, and check the Festival's site for relaxed performances and accessibility details.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who like classic staging, big sets and family-friendly shows in the middle of town.
- Families
- Look at the Avon first, since the Festival often puts its family productions on this stage.
- Couples
- Eat on Downie or Ontario Street, then walk to the show without needing a car.
- Pair with
- The Studio Theatre, Gallery Stratford and the downtown restaurants are close by.
- Time needed
- About three hours for a show, plus dinner time.
Good questions
Is the Avon Theatre open in winter?+
No. The Avon is dark outside the Festival season, which runs roughly from late April to the end of October and sometimes into November.
How is the Avon different from the Festival Theatre?+
The Avon is the Festival's only proscenium-arch stage, which suits big sets and traditional staging, and it has 1,077 seats. The Festival Theatre has a thrust stage and 1,833 seats.
What is on at the Avon?+
The Festival announces each season's plays and usually puts a big production and family shows here. Check the Festival's site for current dates and tickets.
Where do I park for the Avon Theatre?+
There is no theatre lot, so use the City of Stratford's metered parking downtown. Walking from a nearby hotel is the easiest option.
Is the Avon suitable for children?+
Often yes, because the Festival tends to put its family shows here, but check the age guidance for each production. Look for productions marked as suitable for families.
