Victoria’s Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People is relocating all operations to 613 Pandora Avenue, around the corner from where the company staged their first production almost fifty years ago. 

Founded in 1973, Victoria’s Kaleidoscope Theatre serves as the premier producer of Theatre for Young Audiences in the region – having entertained and inspired over 3 million young people through its imaginative productions for children and family audiences and through classes and camps at the company’s youth theatre school. The company, now under the direction of Pat Rundell and founded by journalist Barbara McLauchlin and actor Paul Liittich has endured as a beloved force within the Victoria arts scene and has helped launch the careers of countless Canadian Theatre artists. 

The two story building located at 613 Pandora Avenue, built in 1906, previously housed The Provincial Capital Commission and most recently the Moksana Yoga Wellness Centre. 

“This is an exciting time for Kaleidoscope!” says Pat Rundell, the company’s Executive Director. “Returning to Victoria’s downtown core and the centre of the cultural hub of the city, will allow Kaleidoscope to continue to grow and inspire young people in our region. Young People need creative outlets now more than ever, and our new arts centre will provide a safe space for children to explore theatre as an art form and for our team of professional artists to explore and create new work for our audiences for many years to come.” 

The building will be home to Kaleidoscope Theatre’s administration, rehearsal studios, and youth theatre school and play a pivotal role as an arts-hub for the countless arts organizations by providing accessible rehearsal, creation, and office space.

Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People is Vancouver Island’s resident professional theatre company for young people and families and is a leader within the national Theatre for Young Audiences sector. Theatre for young audiences (TYA) is a sector within the Canadian and international scope of theatre creation and practice which is managed, presented and performed by adult professionals for children, teens, young adults and families. Established in 1973, Kaleidoscope has a mission to create original, innovative and relevant theatre experiences that stimulate and inspire young people to think critically about the world around them. Under the leadership of Pat Rundell, Kaleidoscope presents a full season of plays for young audiences and operates a full-service theatre school offering extra-curricular classes in musical theatre, acting, and voice.