Varscona demolition makes way for new $7.5M theatre

The Varscona Theatre in Old Strathcona is getting set for a new act this morning.

The Old Strathcona landmark at 103rd Street and 83rd Avenue is being gutted to make way for a new 200-seat theatre.

Built in the 1950s as a firehall, the building was later transformed into a neighbourhood theatre.

The offices and theatre itself will be demolished, but the four main walls and the iconic tower will stay in place.

The new $7.5 million state-of-the-art theatre is expected to open next spring.

For now the Varscona will move across the street to the Backstage Theatre at the Fringe Theatre Adventures in the ATB Arts Barns.