A theatre bearing the name of one of the most famous British Columbians will no longer be available for community bookings after June 30.
Staff at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby received an 11-week working notice on April 13.
In March, the theatre technicians unanimously voted to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and, in a release, said that they learned of the upcoming change only weeks later.
“We have to save the Michael J. Fox Theatre,” said IATSE international vice-president Damian Petti in a statement. “These workers are facing an uncertain future and the community risks losing a beloved local venue. Now is the time for the City of Burnaby to act.”
At the end of the school year, the Burnaby School District will be transitioning to exclusive use of the theatre.
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IATSE said that they also learned in January 2025 that the Burnaby City Council voted unanimously to explore whether the city should play a role in managing the theatre. They said they are still waiting for a report back on that issue.
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IATSE is now calling on the City of Burnaby to step up and invest in keeping the theatre open for all who want to use it.
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In a statement on April 14, Burnaby Board of Education Chair Kristin Schnider said, “As a Board, we are extremely proud of the theatre’s lasting legacy and contributions to the performing arts in Burnaby. While we know this planned shift in how the Michael J Fox Theatre is used may be disappointing for some, the fiscal reality is that we cannot afford to manage the theatre for community usage beyond the current budget year.”
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In a statement, the City of Burnaby said the theatre is owned and operated by the Burnaby School District and they decided on operations and closures.
“City staff will be reporting back to Burnaby City Council soon on the outcomes of discussions with the school district, and the analysis and feasibility of any city involvement,” the city said in a statement.
“Until council has made a decision, it would be inappropriate to speculate on next steps.
“The city recognizes the significance of the Michael J. Fox Theatre to the community and remains committed to being transparent as the process concludes.”
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