The GRAND

is proud to present: God is a Scottish Drag Queen taking place on Wednesday Oct. 2 at The GRAND!

🎤Performance: 7:30PM - 10:00PM
🚪Doors Open: 6:30PM

God, dressed in a floral power suit, comes down to set the record straight and expound on everything from Adam & Eve to Star Wars and answer humankind’s most asked questions in a hilarious, and unforgettable night of comedy!

Loved by Preachers and Atheists alike, this show has quickly become one of the most popular one man shows touring today and has received critical acclaim for its non-stop brilliant look at pop culture and humanity through the eyes of a silly, foul mouthed, and very loveable Scottish Deity.

Use code GIASDQ30G to get 30% off your tickets! Tickets available through link in bio!

Meet dancer, choreographer and community connector, Ish*ta Singla (*tasiingla)! Ish*ta is also the founder and Artistic Director of Madhuban Performing Arts ().

When Ish*ta moved to Canada at age 11, she experienced cultural bullying and retreated into her shell. She found solace and an expressive outlet in dance, describing it as “a space where I felt like myself.”

As a self-taught dancer, Ish*ta felt validated when a choreographer invited her to join a professional dance troupe. She ultimately left the troupe because of its toxic environment, and found herself envisioning a collective that she wanted to be a part of. Around this time, she watched a dance montage by an LA-based artist, and felt a spiritual awakening in her core. In that moment, she realized the value of the arts, and her path forward was illuminated.

In 2016, Ish*ta founded Madhuban, a not-for-profit collective which creates a safe space for dancers, musicians and actors rooted in South Asian heritage and cultural forms. What started as a group of four dancers practicing in ’s corners has since grown to a group of 50+ multi-disciplinary artists who are showcasing and evolving their artistic heritage on a global scale!

Ish*ta is a strong advocate for ethnic art to be celebrated as art by choosing opportunities which bring South Asian art forms to the main-stage, year-round. She is deeply grateful that the universe continues to connect her with others who share this vision.

Ish*ta was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 for her contributions in the community. She also received a South Asian Inspiration Award for her Outstanding Achievement in Arts, Culture & Entertainment, and was recently named one of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40. But her greatest accomplishment to date was creating Madhuban’s show Jeevan with her team. “It changed something in us,” she says. “We were inviting people into our space, and it felt like home.”

Madhuban will perform their next original show, Katha at The GRAND on September 28. Katha delivers a modern, deeper take on a traditional Bollywood show, and explores themes of love and loss while imparting invaluable knowledge and life lessons. “People will leave mesmerized,” she teases.

When asked what she loves about being an artist, Ish*tasays, “Dreaming, envisioning and co-creating with people I love and admire.” Her advice for other artists is to “Say yes! I see people resisting opportunities for no good reason. Some of my biggest breaks came from taking on the things that nobody else will. You never know who you’ll meet, or who will see you.” She also encourages others to follow their hunches: “If something feels good, do it.”

Outside of Madhuban, Ish*ta works full-time as a Senior Communications Officer at , bringing minorities and their stories to the forefront. She is also passionate about serving the community through her board work with , and .

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Solo photos:
Group photos:

🎉 Contest Alert: “Die Alone” Screening Ticket Giveaway! 🎉

In the spirit of the spooky season, we’re thrilled to once again partner with the Taro Group and Filmoption to offer an exciting opportunity for our audience! We are giving away 5 pairs of tickets (a total of 10 tickets) to the special screening of “DIE ALONE,” the latest horror-thriller from directed by Canadian filmmaker Lowell Dean. Join us at Sunridge Cinemas in Calgary for this exclusive event with the director! The screening is tomorrow night, so seize this chance to experience the thrill!

🎟️Here’s how to enter:
1. Follow us: Make sure you’re following and
2. Like this post: Show your enthusiasm for cinema by liking this post.
3. Tag a friend: In the comments, tag a friend you’d love to take with you to the screening. Each new friend tagged equals an additional entry!
4. Share this post: Boost your chances by sharing this post to your story or feed. Don’t forget to tag us!

Contest ends: All entries must be received by end of day today! Winners will be announced and receive a message from by 7pm tonight!

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique event and witness “Die Alone” on the big screen with an insider’s perspective from the director himself. Enter now and good luck! 🍀

Calgary Screening Details:
Location: Sunridge Cinemas (NE)
Date: Friday, September 27th.
Time: 7:05 PM

Starring: Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith and Frank Grillo.

Synopsis: Lost in a world reclaimed by nature and overrun by mysterious creatures, Ethan (Douglas Smith), a young man with amnesia navigates the dangerous landscape in search of his lost love Emma (Kimberly-Sue Murray). His journey takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Mae (Carrie-Anne Moss), a hardened and eccentric survivor. Together, Ethan and Mae face threats both human and otherwise before a fateful encounter with Kai (Frank Grillo) unravels a secret that lies just beyond Ethan’s fractured memory.

⭐️The GRAND is seeking enthusiastic volunteers for our annual Casino Fundraiser on Sunday, October 13th, and Monday, October 14th, 2024, at Pure Casino Calgary (1420 Meridian Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2A 2N9)⭐️

Your participation supports our ongoing commitment to the arts sector, and we deeply appreciate your time, effort, and support!

Here’s what you need to know about volunteering:
-Volunteering at the Casino is enjoyable and straightforward; no prior experience is necessary.
-You’ll receive a complimentary meal while volunteering.
-Experienced Casino advisors and Countroom advisors are available at all times.
-Supportive volunteers and casino staff maintain a comfortable and stress-free atmosphere.
-Shifts are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Those volunteering for both days will be assigned the same role for consistency.

Please note: All volunteers must be over 18 years of age and have no criminal record.

Sign up via the link in our bio!

✨Passionate about the arts and making a difference? The GRAND, Calgary’s iconic theatre, is seeking new board members for a two-year term!✨

Why Join?
• Help establish The GRAND as a vital cultural asset in Calgary.
• Support emerging artists and administrators.
• Collaborate with a vibrant and dynamic team.

Bring your expertise in:
• Fundraising & financial management
• Governance & strategic leadership
• Community connections & partnerships
• Reconciliation & inclusivity initiatives

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Interested or know someone who’s a great fit? Email [email protected] by Sept 30th, 2024.

Let’s create something GRAND together!

Beautiful photos of the Ali Azimi concert in June at The GRaND! Thank you for sharing with us!

PodSummit returns to Calgary September 20th - 21st, 2024 at The Grand with PodSummit YYC 2024! Join Chris Van Vliet, Jeremie Saunders, and talent from Acast, CBC Podcasts, Canadaland, JAR Audio, and many more for the biggest 2-days in Canadian Podcasting!

Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, PodSummit YYC 2024 is the place to connect with fellow creators, learn from industry leaders, and immerse yourself in a Canadian podcasting experience like no other. With panels, speaker sessions, live podcasts, and more, we’ve got something for everyone!

Discover more about what to expect at PodSummit YYC 2024 by visiting www.podsummit.com or the link in our bio!

Register and save 15% by entering the exclusive promo code: PODSUMMIT15

Here’s a fantastic shot of The GRAND captured with a 35mm lens on a Nikon EM Camera by 📸

Share your photos of The GRAND with us—we’d love to showcase your unique perspectives!

We had a full house for ! Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Gaurav Kapoor Live presented by Magic Entertainment Productions

Date: August 9, 2024
Time: 8pm - 9pm
Location: The GRAND - The Flanagan Theatre

Gaurav Kapoor, the funny one from Delhi is coming to Canada for the first time.

One of the funniest and most prolific stand-up acts of the recent times, Gaurav Kapoor's Vlogs have created a fan base of their own. 1M+ on YouTube, 400K+ on Insta, an IMDB 8.2 rated special on Amazon Prime, Gaurav has proven year after year that he is funny and relatable across all formats.

His massive live shows and regular VLogs are making him a household name. His journalism degree and retail job experience now seem like stories from another life, but Gaurav claims he still remembers all the keyboard shortcuts, just in case.

Nothing is off limits when this Dilliwala talks about life, relationships, friendships, societal norms, the rich and the poor and everything in between. Raw, unfiltered, and funny. That's what audiences can expect when Gaurav Kapoor gets on the mic.

GET GAY CALGARY! Q***R DANCE WORKSHOP

Date: August 18
Time: 2 – 4PM
Location: The GRAND Studio

Join us at Alphabet Mafia for GET GAY CALGARY's exciting and free Q***r Dance Workshop! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn swing and salsa from .oswaldo the same-sex dance sport champion of the Gay Games 2022. In this engaging two-hour session, you’ll explore the fundamentals of q***r partnering in a fun and welcoming environment. No partner is required, so feel free to come solo and seize the chance to learn from a leading expert in q***r partner dance!

***rArtistry ***rdance

Join us for Liminal Landing: Pride Edition apart of Alphabet Mafia!

Date: August 17
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM
Location: The GRAND

Liminal Landing is a community space to pause on your journey, no matter where you are. Whether it’s in-between, at your destination or just the beginning, the ‘landing’ is an opportunity to stop, reflect and build community with other 2SLGBTQIA+ landers.

Since September 2023, Liminal Landing has been on a journey of carving a thoughtful and playful q***r space! You’re invited to join hosts Priscilla (The Oratory) and Tyson (Recess Calgary) in celebrating one year since the group’s inception. We welcome you to play, experience and retreat as we indulge in Liminal Landing: Pride Edition

Check the link in bio for more info!

***rArtistry

Black Pride YYC + Rang De Pride presents Melanin and Masala

Date: August 17
Time: 6pm - 11:30pm
Location: SpanicArts

Join us at SpanicArts, located next to The GRAND, for the Melanin and Masala Party, presented by Alphabet Mafia. This unforgettable club event unites the Black and South Asian 2SLGBTQ+ communities for a night of celebration and dance. Groove to the hottest Amapiano, Afrobeats, Dancehall, and vibrant South Asian rhythms, from Bhangra to Desi Hip-Hop, ensuring you stay on your feet all night. Enjoy spectacular live drag performances and captivating dance acts that will leave you in awe. This isn't just a party – it's a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and pure joy.

***rArtistry

PECHAKUCHA #45: UNITY

Date: August 16
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: The GRAND - Flanagan Theatre

Join us for Pecha Kucha as part of Alphabet Mafia! Artists, activists, change-makers, and lovers unite for an inspiring evening of connection centered around the theme of "unity." We have an incredible lineup of speakers ready to share their stories in the unique Pecha Kucha 20x20 format—a fast-paced slideshow featuring 20 images that auto-advance every 20 seconds. With just 400 seconds to convey your message, these visuals will guide your

Pecha Kucha was founded in Japan in 2003 by renowned architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, with the term “PechaKucha” meaning “chit chat” in Japanese.

What brings us together? How can we ensure no one is left behind? How powerful can we be when we act as one? Join us as we explore these questions!

Check the link in bio for more info!

***rArtistry

Introducing Alphabet Mafia!

Alphabet Mafia is a vibrant celebration of q***r artistry and culture, showcasing the diverse talents and voices within the q***r community. Over the course of three days at The Grand and SpanicArts, Alphabet Mafia serves as a gathering for individuals to come together, share their stories, and joyfully celebrate their identities in an inclusive atmosphere. This event not only emphasizes artistic expression but also pays tribute to the rich history and legacies that continue to inspire the q***r community.

ALPHABET MAFIA LAUNCH EVENT
Date: August 15
Time: 5 PM until late
Location: The Grand and SpanicArts

Experience an evening filled with powerful visual arts, a fashion show featuring outstanding local designers, electrifying dance performances, and the iconic artistry of vogue. Explore a dynamic art exhibit celebrating the vibrant tapestry of q***r art from diverse sectors. You won’t want to miss this iconic evening of art, fashion, and music!

Check the link in bio for more info!



***rArtistry

Meet filmmaker, Levi Holwell!

Born and raised in Calgary, Levi discovered a passion for making movies as a teenager. Upon graduating high school, he had planned to go to film school, but once he started working at The Camera Store he saw an opportunity to pursue a self-taught route.

Early in his career he found success making narrative short films. In 2016, he was nominated for a Rosie Award for Best Director for his project, “Metanoia”. In 2019, his film, “A Walk Down to Water” won matching awards at the Calgary International Film Festival - CIFF and Edmonton International Film Festival for Best Albertan Short and was screened at Slamdance Film Festival. These early projects enabled Levi to find his voice as a filmmaker.

In 2016, he launched a production company, Leftside Pictures, with his long-time friend and collaborator, Gabe Romero.

His most recent film, Magic Hours, was a happy accident. Edmonton filmmaker, Dylan Rhys Howard reached out, seeking a Calgary-based director to collaborate on a documentary for CBC Gem’s 'Absolutely Canadian series'. Although Levi had not made a documentary before, he proposed several ideas that week. CBC greenlit his pitch to offer a peek behind the curtain of Alberta’s independent cinemas, with a focus on the characters who struggle to keep them alive. Levi also engaged his “good pal and world’s greatest cinematographer” Jaimie Stewart on the 45-min film, which is now available to stream for free on CBC Gem!

Levi is currently working on his next short, “I Was Supposed to Be Happy By Now” which may be his last short film for a while now that he’s discovered his love for documentaries. “I would make another doc in a heartbeat. I really enjoy the interaction with others, and the unexpected things that arise that you can’t plan for and ultimately become part of the film.”

Read more in our July Newsletter! thegrandyyc.ca

On March 10th, 2004, a fire erupted on The GRAND's roof. Thanks to the swift actions of the fire department, the damage was confined to the mechanical building, the penthouse, and the fifth and sixth floors of the Lougheed Building. Thankfully, no one was injured. While arson was ruled out, the fire's cause remains undetermined.

A day of despair for The GRAND ended with hope when the city's finance committee reviewed and supported the owner's restoration plan. After confirming the building could be salvaged, the committee recommended $3.4 million in tax relief and annual grants for fifteen years.

On March 22 2004, City Council recommended The GRAND Theatre continue as a performance space. Theatre Junction bought the theatre on March 30th, finalising the sale on September 2nd, with Neil Richardson symbolically passing the key to Mark Lawes. In 2005, The GRAND, part of the Lougheed Building, achieved Provincial Historical Resource status, protecting it from disturbance or demolition.

Simultaneously, Theatre Junction embarked on the “Theatre Junction Era.” Following a successful fundraising campaign, they raised the $12 million required to refurbish the theatre. In late 2005, the theatre reopened as “Theatre Junction GRAND,” a cultural hub supporting theatre, dance, music, and film.

Theatre Junction owned and operated the theatre until 2018, when publicised rumours of mounting deficits, internal strife, and withheld funds from government and arts groups led them to vacate in 2019.

To learn more about our rich history, submit your GRAND memory, or see what's on at The GRAND, visit: www.thegrandyyc.ca

REFERENCE:
“Calgary's Grand Story” - Donald. B Smith (2005)
Bryan Labby (July 23, 2018). CBC Calgary
Louis B. Hobson, (December 10, 2018). Calgary Herald

We are excited and honored to host the "Inspired by HER" event, brought to you by the BeaYOUtiful Foundation! Join us on July 27th, starting at 10am, for a free city-wide conference designed for female and non-binary youth aged 8-12. This inspiring event will focus on fostering self-love, confidence, and self-worth through engaging workshops, motivational keynote speakers, dance classes, artistic expression, and leadership activities. Don't miss this opportunity to empower the next generation!

To learn more or RSVP visit:
www.thebeayoutifulfoundation.com/inspired-by-her-conference-calgary-2024/

🗓️ July 27, 2024
⏰ 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
📍 The GRAND - 608 1st ST SW, Calgary AB

We are thrilled to be part of Historic Calgary Week once again this year! 🎉

This year's theme is "Community Builders, and we invite you to join us Fri, Aug. 2nd at 6:30PM for a walking tour of The GRAND and discover the rich legacy of Western Canada's oldest performing arts theatre. Uncover our journey from 1912 to the present day, exploring our pivotal role in Calgary's cultural landscape and the diverse community we continue to foster.

This event is FREE to attend with limited spots avlaiable. If it is sold out and you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected].

This tour is part of Historic Calgary Week, hosted by the Chinook Country Historical Society, running from Jul. 26th - Aug. 5th, 2024. For more info, visit www.chinookhistory.ca/historic-calgary-week.

To learn more about this event or RSVP, visit:
www.thegrandyyc.ca/hwc2024

🗓️ Aug 2, 2024
⏰ 6:30 PM
🎟️ RSVP - FREE!
📍 The GRAND - 608 1st ST SW, Calgary AB

Did you know that The GRAND once housed an indoor golf driving range? ⛳️

After Cineplex Odeon declined to renew its lease in 1999, The GRAND faced the threat of demolition. Public outcry ensued, leading to the formation of a committee dedicated to saving the historic theatre by seeking historical status. Unfortunately, multiple attempts to secure this status failed, as extensive renovations over the years had left little of The GRAND's original architecture and decor intact, rendering it ineligible for historical protection.

To preserve The GRAND, the theatre was transformed into the Player’s Grand Golf Centre—an executive indoor golf dome and virtual driving range. This facility opened its doors in 2001, featuring 9 stalls, a putting green, 5 golf simulators, and golf club storage. The projection screen was painted to depict two fairways with a scenic mountain backdrop. The golf centre operated in the space for approximately two years.

Did you golf at The GRAND? If so, let us know in the comments!👇🏌️‍♀️

To learn more about our rich history, submit your GRAND memory, or see what's on at The GRAND, visit:
www.thegrandyyc.ca

REFERENCE:
“Calgary's Grand Story” - Donald. B Smith (2005)

The GRAND is hiring a Head of Stage!

We are extending the deadline for this application. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We hope to hear from you!

If you are interested, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

To learn more, visit:
www.thegrandyyc.ca/jobs-head-of-stage

Beginning in the 1950s, under the management of the Barron family, The GRAND transformed into a bustling movie theatre and became a key player in Calgary's entertainment scene.

Back then, film distribution was much more limited and according to Pierre Gauthier (The GRAND’s general manager from 1961- 1981), if you wanted to see films like “Jaws”, James Bond or films starring Peter Sellers, The GRAND was one of the only places you could go! The GRAND also had specialty reserved seating, and for the premium price of $1.55, patrons could buy tickets on the 2nd floor balcony where smoking was permitted and the view of the screen was much better.

In 1969, the Barron’s sold The GRAND to Odeon (now known as Cinexplex Odeon). Odeon leased the space for 30 years, and during their time split it into twin 625-seat theatres and made more renovations in the 80s which included changing the name of the theatre to “The Showcase GRAND Cinema”.

Later in 1999, Odeon chose to not to renew their lease and left The GRAND in dire straits. Now with no tenant, the financial strain grew tremendously, and The GRAND was under threat of demolition to make room for more office and parking space in downtown Calgary.

To learn more about our rich history, submit your GRAND memory, or see what's on at The GRAND, visit: www.thegrandyyc.ca

Have you ever caught a movie at The GRAND?

For most of The GRAND’s long history it operated as a cinema. Starting in the 1940s, The GRAND shifted its focus increasingly towards cinema, adapting to the changing entertainment landscape.

In 1942, the British WWII film "49th Parallel," starring Laurence Olivier, Leslie Howard, and Raymond Massey, premiered at The GRAND. Filmed in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies, the movie featured many local extras and ads for the blockbuster proclaimed: “Canada Invaded/Impossible! Wait Until You Have Seen 49th Parallel,” and highlighted, “With a Canadian Cast of Thousands including Residents of Calgary.”

The film was so popular that The GRAND had 45 screenings in 9 days. At the time the city’s population was about 90k, and The GRAND had seating for 1500, which means that potentially over half of the city visited The GRAND in only 9 days.

Given the success of “The 49th Parallel” and with the imminent completion of the larger Jubilee Auditorium, in the winter of 1947/48, The Barrons invested an additional $500,000 to convert the theatre into a modern movie house. This renovation removed most of the remaining theatre elements, including the stage, dressing rooms, and interior decor, and installed new seating.

In the coming years, particularly after the Jubilee Auditorium opened, The GRAND operated exclusively as a movie theatre for decades. The Barron Family reflected, “We would like to have kept up The GRAND as a site for legitimate theatre, but we just couldn’t compete with the Jubilee’s seating capacity, modern sound, and stage equipment.”

Share what movies you’ve seen at The GRAND in the comments below!

To learn more about our rich history, submit your GRAND memory, or see what's on at The GRAND, visit: www.thegrandyyc.ca

REFERENCE:
“Calgary's Grand Story” - Donald. B Smith (2005)

Attention Calgary Technicians!

The GRAND is seeking candidates for the positions of Head of Stage and Head of Lighting!

If you are interested, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

To learn more visit: www.thegrandyyc.ca/careers

Work With Us — The GRAND WORK AT THEGRANDBe part of a vibrant team in Western Canada’s oldest theatre.Please click through the Current Opportunities below, which has information on how to apply to each position. For more information, contact [email protected]. CURRENT OPPORTUNITIESHead of StageHead of Lighting VOLUNTEER...

Marshall Vielle is an actor, playwright, and director from the Kainai Nation in Southern Alberta. Marshall also performs drag as Mavis Vontrese, a “granny-chic” alter-ego inspired by the persona they used when prank-calling their Grandma as a teenager!

Growing up, Marshall enjoyed making others laugh and being “very extra.” While pursuing a Fine Arts degree at the University of Lethbridge, they enrolled in a drama class, and were instantly “addicted to the stress” of performing on-stage in front of an audience. “I love rehearsing a show then going on stage to perform it and knowing at any point something could go wrong. It’s how I know I’m alive!”

Marshall has graced many stages over the years. One of their favourite gigs to date is playing the Ghost of Christmas Present in Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol, a role which Marshall manifested and has been performing and re-inventing since 2019. Another role close to their heart was their recent portrayal of Granny in an Indigenous re-telling of Father Tartuffe, presented by Arts Club Theatre Company in Vancouver, which allowed them to pay homage to the women who raised and uplifted them.

A common thread through all of Marshall’s projects is their desire to share stories which create visibility, facilitate understanding, and build connection and support. Last year, Marshall co-wrote and co-directed the theatrical show Yisstsiiyi (Blackfoot word for ‘Listen’), a collection of stories and reflections about the land and its history contributed by artists from Making Treaty 7 and students from U of L. Marshall’s piece about a residential school survivor is also immortalised in the MT7 film Istotsi (Blackfoot word for ‘to immerse yourself’).

Marshall identifies as Two-Spirit, and continually looks for opportunities to create visibility and space for Two-Spirit and Indigiq***r people. In their role at CFS - Sexual Health Centre, they strive to ensure that the needs of these communities are represented and served. In 2022, they partnered with The GRAND to debut the exhibit, 50 Shades of Brown, which featured photographs by Alanna Onespot Bluebird, of Two-Spirit and Indigiq***r people living in Mohkinstsis and Treaty 7.

They also created Where the Two-Spirit Lives, a 1-person memoir and drag show encompassing movement, storytelling, and lots of lip syncing about stepping into one’s power, which had its world premiere with Theatre Outré in 2019. Marshall has performed the show in multiple Canadian cities and hopes to one day share it with family and friends in Calgary.

Marshall encourages others to “to show up and show out . . .representation is a two-way street and it's important to show up for yourself and your community and hold space for others, even if they're still navigating parts of themselves that they aren't yet ready to celebrate.” They also live by Maya Angelou’s words: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Outside of their artistic pursuits, Marshall enjoys reality TV, horror flicks, driving, going for brunch, and baking banana bread with Nutella and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. More recently, they’ve discovered peace and joy in being a plant-Mom.