It is a sad day for the arts community in Victoria, as Intrepid Theatre announced they will be moving out of the beloved Metro Studio Theatre, in March 2026.
The Metro Studio Theatre has been operated by Intrepid Theatre for the past 20 years, but due to “substantial increased costs” and a recent rent increase, they can no longer afford to lease the venue.
Intrepid says they have extended their original lease at an increased cost, to keep the space operating until March of next year, when they will wrap up their time on Quadra Street.
“It’s the end of an era at The Metro,” wrote Intrepid Theatre’s board of directors in a media release.
“While tears were shed over this decision, we are confident it is the responsible choice to make given the financial implications.”
Intrepid Theatre says the Metro has been a cherished space to audiences, performers and those behind the scenes for two decades now, and they are proud to have created such a unique indie arts venue in Victoria.
The Metro Studio Theatre has been a pillar of the performing arts community since 2005, and will no doubt be missed by all after the venue’s last curtain call.
“It holds two decades of memories for audiences, artists, staff, and community,” said Intrepid.
Over the years, the Metro has welcomed and showcased Fringe artists making their first steps; international superstars like Otto & Astrid, The Tiger Lilies, Taylor Mac and Ronnie Burkett; and has presented countless Intrepid premieres.
Intrepid Theatre says that running the Metro space was only possible in the first place through a creative collaboration with the building’s landlords, the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM).
Both organizations signed onto a shared-space lease that allowed both Intrepid Theatre and the VCM to use the former church gym at the corner of Quadra and Johnson Streets.
Intrepid added that this inventive partnership was the first of its kind in Victoria at the time, and allowed freedom to the theatre company to operate the space however they wished.
Once Intrepid moves out, the Metro will be no more, and the VCM will be taking full control of the space.
“As the Conservatory prepares to take a larger role in the space next year, we are committed to ensuring it remains a place full of artistic activity,” said Nathan Medd, CEO at the VCM.
“We look forward to welcoming Intrepid back at every opportunity.”
Intrepid says that they greatly value their relationship with the VCM, and appreciate the lease extension, but the venue is no longer financially viable for their long-term, sustainable operations.
“We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of artists, patrons, donors, community members, past Intrepid leadership, and our funders and supporters who collectively made The Metro possible,” said Intrepid’s board of directors.
What is next for Intrepid Theatre
Intrepid Theatre still has three big festivals ahead of them before they give up their space, which are the 2025 Victoria Fringe, the 2025 Incoming Festival in November and the 2026 OUTstages Festival in winter 2026.
Additionally, Intrepid Theatre is celebrating their 40th anniversary of producing shows in Victoria next year, and the VCM says that they will certainly be welcomed back into the space for future productions and for the 2026 Fringe Festival.
“The 2024 OUTstages was the highest grossing in its ten year history, and the team has created successful new programming and partnerships, despite increased expenses on nearly every budget line from insurance to artist flights to rent,” said Maggie Chapin Caravaca, Intrepid Theatre’s Board President.
“While it is sad to see this end of an era at The Metro, financially, we could not handle this large cost increase to our bottom line.”
Intrepid will go back to their roots and operate out of various traditional venues in the city, as well as creating unique pop-up venues.
As they transition out of the Metro Studio Theatre, they will be moving their assets and theatrical equipment into storage, while exploring other venues for their upcoming programming.
Additionally, the company will continue to operate the 45-seat Intrepid Studio and the flexible space next door at the Festival Hub.
“With change comes possibility and opportunity, and we are looking for our next adventure,” Sean Guist, Intrepid’s Artistic Director.
“We are really open to what that could look like – a collaborative space, creative partnerships, a shared venue, a new performance space – all are possibilities that align with Intrepid’s goal of creating an improved experience for artists, audiences, volunteers, staff and anyone who called The Metro home. Let’s dream together.”
How to help Intrepid Theatre
Simply put, Intrepid Theatre says the best way to support them is to buy tickets to upcoming shows and festivals.
Last week, they launched the 39th Victoria Fringe Festival and will be announcing a full fall program of shows shortly.
Other ways to support them is to subscribe to their newsletter, make a donation and to support local arts organizations like theirs in any way possible.
“We are really looking positively to the future and what our next steps may be,” said Julie Haddow, Intrepid’s Managing Director.
“If you are a developer, property manager, or a community minded organization that loves weird and wonderful art, and wants to support the next generation of artists, we’d love to hear from you!”
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