Memberships for our 2023/2024 season are now available!
When you purchase a membership for the low price of $15, you'll get voting rights for the Society's annual general meetings, meaning you get to set the future direction of the Lester Centre.
To purchase a membership, click the button below, and get the following benefits:
Nestled at the bottom of Hays Mountain and one of the first buildings you see when you drive into town, Prince Rupert's Performing Arts Centre officially opened to the public on May 9, 1987. Financed mostly by the City of Prince Rupert, alongside generous contributions from the community and funding from the government of British Columbia, the original budget for the building was $3.5 million.
The original building committee was headed by Dr. William Hick, who tenaciously drove his team to ensure the facility was built in a timely manner and within budget. In 2006, it was renamed to the Lester Centre of the Arts in honour of two strong supporters of the performing arts, Peter and Mary Lester. One of the jewels of Northern B.C., locals still refer to it as the "PAC," the initials of its original name.
As the heart of the arts in Prince Rupert, the Lester Centre can host any type of event, from theatrical performances to weddings; from convocations to town-hall meetings; from rock shows to conferences. The theatre seats 702 audience members, and the facility includes a large lobby, two concession stands, four changerooms, a green room, and a rehearsal room.
To find out how to book your event today, CLICK HERE.
Our stage is well-used, both by community groups who rent the space, and by out-of-town performers
Learn moreAt each event, we will have a number of volunteers who dedicate their time to ensuring our audiences get a great theatrical experience.
Learn moreWe try our best to make sure all theatre-goers who come to our shows enjoy themselves and leave with smiles on their faces.
Learn moreThe City of Prince Rupert owns the building, and contracts the operations out to the Prince Rupert Performing Arts Centre Society. That Society is governed by a Board of Directors, who determine the strategy and governance of the organization. The Society also hires employees to run the day-to-day operations of the Lester Centre.
We are guided by our values in everything we do:
Act with sustainability in mind
Behave respectfully & honestly with everyone who comes through the doors
The show must go on
Leave 'em wanting more
Tickets are passports to fun
Crystal Lorette, President
Amy Dopson, Vice-President
Toni Carlson, Secretary-Treasurer
Nick Adey
Steve Barre
Janet Beil
Kristy Maier
Georgia Riddell
David Tran
Chris Armstrong, General Manager
Dwain Harrison, Technical Director
Anthony Dalzell, Theatre Assistant
