Factory Theatre – Producing Canadian Plays for Over 50 Years

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TorontoJourney416
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2021 - Factory Theatre is located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W. The main building that houses the theatres was once St Mary’s Catholic Literary and Athletic Association
2021 – Factory Theatre is located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W. The main building that houses the theatres was once St Mary’s Catholic Literary and Athletic Association

Factory Theatre is located at 125 Bathurst St (at Adelaide St W on the northeast corner) in the Fashion District of Toronto.

The Building’s History

A combination of two buildings, the Queen Anne Gothic-style house fronting Bathurst St was built in 1869. It’s known as the John Mulvey House and is today home to the theatre’s administration offices, greenrooms and lounge.

The extension facing Adelaide St W that houses the theatres was built in 1909/10. Designed by architect James M Cowan, the building was originally constructed for St Mary’s Parish as their literary and athletic club.

In 1983, along with receiving heritage status from the city, the buildings became home to Factory Theatre. In 1999, Factory purchased the historic building and began restorations. The space was adapted for theatre use; however, it still has many original elements, including the maple bowling alley floor in the Studio Theatre as well as the proscenium arch and balcony in the Main Space Theatre.

2020 – Factory Theatre, also known as the “Home of the Canadian Playwright,” is located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W
2020 – Factory Theatre, also known as the “Home of the Canadian Playwright,” is located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W

Factory Theatre Company

In 1970, Ken Gass and Frank Trotz founded the Factory Theatre Lab. It was the first theatre company in Canada to produce all-Canadian plays. After operating from various venues in Toronto, they moved to their present-day location at Bathurst St and Adelaide St W and were renamed Factory Theatre.

For over 50 years, the Factory Theatre, also known as the “Home of the Canadian Playwright,” has produced more than 300 plays in mainstage productions and an additional 600 in workshops and other formats.

Factory Theatre Photos

2021 - Factory Theatre is located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W. The main building that houses the theatres was once St Mary’s Catholic Literary and Athletic Association
2021 – Factory Theatre is located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W. The main building that houses the theatres was once St Mary’s Catholic Literary and Athletic Association
Between 1984 and 1998 - The northeast corner of Bathurst St at Adelaide St W is home to the Factory Theatre
Between 1984 and 1998 – The northeast corner of Bathurst St at Adelaide St W is home to the Factory Theatre (City of Toronto Archives, Series 1465, File 51 Item 62)
2022 – Looking north from Adelaide St W towards the front entrance of the Factory Theatre
2022 – Looking north from Adelaide St W towards the front entrance of the Factory Theatre
2020 – Factory Theatre, also known as the “Home of the Canadian Playwright,” is located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W
2020 – Factory Theatre, also known as the “Home of the Canadian Playwright,” is located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W
1956 – A view of St Mary's Church, looking west from Adelaide St W towards Bathurst St. Notice the future home of the Factory Theatre on the right
1956 – A view of St Mary’s Church, looking west from Adelaide St W towards Bathurst St. Notice the future home of the Factory Theatre on the right (Toronto Public Library R-5634)
2022 – Looking northeast towards the Factory Theatre located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W
2022 – Looking northeast towards the Factory Theatre located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W
2020 – Looking up at the main facade of Factory Theatre at Adelaide St W and Bathurst St, on the northeast corner
2020 – Looking up at the main facade of Factory Theatre at Adelaide St W and Bathurst St, on the northeast corner
2020 – Looking northeast towards the Factory Theatre at Bathurst St and Adelaide St W. A combination of two buildings, the house fronting Bathurst St was built in 1869 and is known as the John Mulvey House. The extension facing Adelaide St W that houses the theatres was constructed in 1909/10
2020 – Looking northeast towards the Factory Theatre at Bathurst St and Adelaide St W. A combination of two buildings, the house fronting Bathurst St was built in 1869 and is known as the John Mulvey House. The extension facing Adelaide St W that houses the theatres was constructed in 1909/10
2020 – Factory Theatre is located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W. The house facing Bathurst St was built in 1869. It's known as the John Mulvey House and features Queen Anne Gothic-style architecture. Today it's home to the theatre's administration offices, lounge and greenrooms
2020 – Factory Theatre is located at 125 Bathurst St and Adelaide St W. The house facing Bathurst St was built in 1869. It’s known as the John Mulvey House and features Queen Anne Gothic-style architecture. Today it’s home to the theatre’s administration offices, lounge and greenrooms
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