Conexus Arts Centre

Set beside the lake in Wascana Centre, the Conexus Arts Centre is Regina's principal performing arts venue, a large, modern auditorium built in the era of Canada's centennial. It was originally called the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts, and it was planned as a centennial project in the 1960s, though construction was slow and the doors did not open until 1970. The name changed when Conexus Credit Union took on naming rights in the 2010s, and the building has been renovated and upgraded several times since.

The centre stands in Wascana Centre, the huge urban park of lake, lawns and trees that surrounds Wascana Lake in the middle of the city. The park was laid out in the 1960s as a showpiece for the provincial capital, and it contains the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the MacKenzie Art Gallery and the Saskatchewan Science Centre. The arts centre fits into this cultural cluster, so a visit can easily be combined with a walk around the lake or a museum stop.

The main hall is a proscenium theatre seating roughly 2,000 people, one of the largest in the province, and it is used for a wide variety of events. The Regina Symphony Orchestra performs here, and the hall hosts touring Broadway-style musicals, ballet and dance companies, concerts by national and international musicians, comedy shows and community events. Its stage and acoustics are designed for large productions, while seating arrangements aim to give everyone a decent view. A smaller venue within the complex hosts more intimate productions and rehearsals, and the foyer is used for receptions and exhibitions.

The centre is a working venue, so access is generally limited to ticketed performances and organised events. Show times and ticket availability vary by event, and popular touring acts can sell out, so booking ahead is wise. The building has parking on site, and public transit connects the area to downtown. Walking from the city centre across the park, along the lakeshore, takes about twenty minutes and makes a pleasant approach on a summer evening.

The centre suits theatre-goers, concert audiences and anyone interested in Regina's cultural life. Check the event calendar on the centre's website to see what is on during your visit.