The Segal Centre for the Performing Arts is located in Cotes-des-Neiges/NDG, beside Parc Mackenzie-King and a five-minute walk from Metro Côte-Sainte-Catherine. It’s an unusual location for a premiere English language theatre, away from the Quartier des Spectacles and without many local amenities. However, as Manager Jon Rondeau explains, this also means the audience is always dedicated, vocal and engaged.
Originally built in 1967 by architect Phyllis Lambert for her mother Saidye Bronfman, the Centre was designed for use by the Jewish community and to support English language theatre in Montreal. Along with a performance venue, the Centre hosted artists’ studios and a gallery for fine arts. The large open windows were designed so passersby could see the fine art on display, and the Centre was kept open to the public. The open design was more difficult for a theatre, so in 1987, the performance space was transformed, and gained the distinctive red seats still in the main theatre today.
In 2007, the Bronfmans retired from running the Centre, and the Segal family took over. Alvin Segal and his wife Leanor had been fans and patrons for many years. Under their tenure, the Centre renewed its focus on the performing arts. A second Centre for independent and emerging artists was created, while the main theatre was kept for regular bookings. A centre for cinema was established, and other rooms for special interests.
