About Us

Our Vision

To be recognized as Ottawa's premiere organization that produces professional quality musical theatre by amateurs.

Our Mission

To produce, perform and promote high-quality musical theatre for the community through our ability to nurture performers and production personnel, both on and off stage.

Orpheus Musical Theatre is a not-for-profit registered charity (No. 11907 0415 RR0001) and is Canada's longest-running organization of its kind. Orpheus has been entertaining Ottawa theatre audiences with musical performances of all kinds since 1906.

How?

1) Artistic Growth: We will take risks to push ourselves and train the next generation of artists.

2) Family: We will foster a supportive environment, celebrate our achievements and always welcome newcomers.

3) Community: We will build a network of partners, donors and artisans to expand the Ottawa theatre audience.

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Our History

For many years a familiar face caught the gaze of many who entered Orpheus House - it was the face of James Alexander Smith, the founder of Orpheus Musical Theatre. This spunky little Scotsman brought his love of music with him from Dundee, Scotland in 1905. The Orpheus Glee Club, which is how we started, participated in its first concert on January 15, 1907.

Over the next few years, seeds were planted for a transition from a Choral Group to an Operatic Society with a view to presenting full staged renditions of operettas which were very popular during World War I. It took a few more years to fully organize a theatre group but during this time, the Choral group continued to assist with the war effort, giving back to the community even then.

Flash forward 117 years and here we are preparing to deliver a fabulous new season—a season with something for everyone. So come, catch our spirit and prepare to be swept away.