The show will go on for Intrepid Theatre, but no longer in its home space.
In a heartfelt announcement on Aug. 8, the theatre company announced that the Metro Studio, its prominent 162-seat black box-style theatre at 1411 Quadra St., will close in 2026.
A statement from leadership and the board of directors chalked up the difficult decision to a rent increase and "substantial" increased operating costs on "nearly every budget line."
"While tears were shed over this decision, we are confident it is the responsible choice to make given the financial implications," a statement from leadership and the board of directors said. "This venue has been our cherished home for 20 years, and we are proud of having created such a unique space for indie theatre in Victoria."
The theatre company, which currently rents the space from the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM), will extend its original lease at increased cost so shows can continue until March 2026. That includes a full fall season and three more festivals: the 2025 Victoria Fringe; the 2025 Incoming Festival in November; and the 2026 OUTstages Festival in winter 2026.
Intrepid, which is turning 40 in 2026, has a long history of operating its own venues as well as using other traditional and pop-up venues. It said it will continue to seek new spaces in the city.
“With change comes possibility and opportunity," artistic director Sean Guist said in the press release. "We are really open to what that could look like – a collaborative space, creative partnerships, a shared venue, a new performance space – all are possibilities.”
The Metro opened in 2005 in a creative partnership with the VCM, which allowed the theatre and the conservatory to share use of the former church gym.
"An inventive partnership like this one was something brand new at the time in Victoria," Intrepid Theatre said, adding that it valued its relationship with the VCM.
Nathan Medd, VCM's CEO, praised the partnership, saying it helped inform a number of multi-tenant studio initiatives and strengthen local artist creation.
Medd also hinted that the partnership between the two isn't completely over.
"We look forward to welcoming Intrepid back at every opportunity," he said, noting that the conservatory will take a larger role in the space next year.
Since 2005, Metro has showcased Fringe artists "making their first steps", international superstars like Otto & Astrid, The Tiger Lilies, Taylor Mac and Ronnie Burkett, and presented world premieres like the recent Ivan Coyote’s Playlist.
The company will continue to operate the 45-seat Intrepid Studio at 1609 Blanshard and flexible space next door at the Festival Hub, the press release said.
In its statement, Intrepid lamented the fact that internal successes – including new programming and partnerships – weren't enough to beat external stresses.
OUTstages, Intrepid's queer theatre festival – a first of its kind for Victoria – had its highest grossing year in 2024 in its 10 year history.
To celebrate these successes of the past 20 years and mourn the closure, the theatre plans to host a closing party, to be announced in the future.
As per how the public can support them, the theatre said to buy tickets, subscribe to the newsletter, donate, and make arts part of one's regular conversation.
And, perhaps, help them find a new space.
“We are really looking positively to the future and what our next steps may be," managing director Julie Haddow said. "If you are a developer, property manager, or a community minded organization that loves weird and wonderful art, and wants to support the next generation of artists, we’d love to hear from you.”
