About Us

The Civic Theatre is a cultural media arts centre in Nelson BC dedicated to the presentation of film and a wide variety of cultural and educational experiences to the community we serve. As a registered Canadian charity, our mandate is to provide a public amenity by operating and maintaining a theatre as a multi-use facility for film screenings and for other artistic, educational and community-building programs and events for the benefit of the general public; be a home and presenter of lectures, workshops, courses and seminars on topics related to film or utilizing digital media for a diverse range of audiences; and protect, preserve and improve Nelson’s historic Civic Theatre.

Our theatre currently features a 306-seat auditorium with a top-notch digital projector and 7.1 Surround Sound.  We present a wide variety of films, ranging from current blockbusters to local independent films, and all sorts of offerings in between.

We are a proud supporter of our local community.  Throughout the year we offer special events and donated nights to our community for everything from meetings to screenings, making our overall activity much more diverse than at your average cinema.

In short, we are much more than a movie theatre.  We hope to see you in the lobby soon!

Our History

The Civic Theatre opened in 1935 as a live performance venue within Nelson's Civic Centre.

The following year, it was converted into a film theatre and was screening movies on the big screen until September 2010. The theatre remained closed for two years until the Nelson Civic Theatre Society was formed rehabilitate the derelict space and install digital equipment.

A regular program of screenings and events began in June of 2013.

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Our Future

We have big plans to transform our 10,000 square ft, 306-seat auditorium into a three-screen venue.

Once renovations are complete, the Civic Theatre will reopen as an unprecedented point of convergence between past and future.

A historical building where people can continue to experience the wonder of cinema. A home for dialogue and community-building. And a place where we can harness the power of technology to steer our community towards an empowered future.

Our Team

We're a small team of dedicated professionals who love the art of cinema.

Our Staff Team

Eleanor Stacey
Executive Director

Jason Asbell
Programming Director

Devon Caron
Operations Manager

Andromeda Drake
Bookkeeper

Lynn Trinh
Screen-Based Industry Regional Manager

Carla Stephenson
RAIL Program Manager

Sandeep Kaur
Development and Communications Assistant

Caitlyn McGown
Marketing & Volunteer Coordinator

Jack Chipman
Website Administrator and Special Projects

Michael Dill
Custodian & Tech

Our Board of Directors

Marilyn Mint
President

P'nina Shames
Vice-President

Lynda Tynan
Treasurer

Carlo Alcos
Board Member

Kelsey Baerg
Board Member

Jim Drake
Board Member

Sandy Prentice
Board Member

Want to join our administrative team?

Take a look at our current employment and volunteer opportunities.

Are you interested in helping to shape the growth and future of the Nelson Civic Theatre Society?

If so, please consider applying to serve on the Board of Directors? Take a look at our current board opportunities.