Ross Wooldridge FLATO Academy Theatre Lindsay

The FLATO Academy Theatre is a multipurpose performing arts venue located in historic downtown Lindsay, Canada. It is an ideal spot for rehearsals and other performances. The theatre opened for the public in 1893. Upon its inception, the venue was declared the most technically perfect theatre in the country. The architecture of the building was designed by architect W. Blackwell of Peterborough, Fred Knowlton, and R. J. Matchett. It has a seating capacity of 900. The theater is one of the great attractions for a night out in the town.

The FLATO Academy Theatre is now a busy cultural center and operates as a non-profit organization. It currently presents incredible concerts along with community productions. The Academy is strongly supported by the generosity of the public and relies upon rental income. Marie Dressler made her first stage appearance at the theater when she was only 5. The venue also hosted the Marx Brothers, a young Sammy Davis Jr., and more notable names.

Silent movies began to play at the Theatre in 1918. Later in 1923, the venue began to show speaking films. In 1953, when the new movie showhouse, The Century Theatre, opened, the Academy’s owner Mr. Meehan faced hard times. Over the next ten years, the venue was closed and eventually put on sale. The Academy Theatre Foundation bought it in 1963 for $18,000. The theater properly began in 1965 with the opening show named “Charlie’s Aunt.”