The Astor Theatre in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, is a national historic site and home to the province’s oldest continuously running performing arts theatre.
Built in 1902 as a combined town hall and theatre, the green-trimmed white building was designed by Halifax architect Herbert Gates in the Classical Revival style, complete with a schooner weathervane atop its cupola. The town hall stopped functioning in 1996, but the theatre, originally called the Liverpool Opera House, has never stopped operating. Renovations in 2014-2015 opened up the former town hall to the theatre, turning the whole structure into an arts and community centre.
Today the Astor hosts just about everything: live theatre, weekly movies, dance recitals, tribute bands, art exhibitions, open mic nights, and the flagship Astor Academy. Their film programming runs from old classics and current blockbusters to documentaries, indie films, MET operas, and Royal Ballet performances—plus short films made by local youth in the Astor’s own film and stop motion clubs, who create their own work with the goal of submitting to the Atlantic International Film Festival’s Youth Competition.
Today, the Astor is fundraising for a much-needed new screen and projector, as well as for their annual summer camp. Support this essential organization today!
We spoke with the Astor about expanding their community programs, adding sensory-friendly screenings, upgrading their equipment, and why their real-butter popcorn is worth a drive to Liverpool.
Tell us about Astor Theatre:
Along Nova Scotia’s South Shore where the Mersey River meets the Atlantic Ocean in Liverpool is the jewel of Queens County, a national historic site and former town hall (1902-1996) that features Nova Scotia’s oldest continuously running performing arts theatre.
Now the Astor Theatre and Arts Centre – or simply The Astor – the structure was built in 1902 on land donated by the Gorham family. It was designed by renowned Halifax architect Herbert Gates (1874-1944) in the Classical Revival Style to serve as both the official town hall and a theatre, back-to-back with separate entrances.
The Astor Theatre, called the Liverpool Opera House until the 1930s, still operates, but the Liverpool Town Hall stopped functioning in its official capacity in 1996, when the Town of Liverpool amalgamated with the Municipality of the County of Queens to become part of the Region of Queens Municipality.
The iconic 2.5-story green-trimmed white building features a hipped roof with gables projecting on each side of the facade, a stylized dormer window between, eave brackets, cupola topped with a schooner weathervane, and a centred portico with double doors and a beautiful arched stained-glass window.
Interior renovations made in 2014-2015 opened the town hall to the theatre and optimized the space as an arts and community centre while retaining its original character and historic features.
The Astor now hosts a full spectrum of performing and visual arts, including live theatre and shows, dance, movies, art shows and exhibitions, community events, and the flagship Astor Academy.
Courtesy Queens County Museum, the venue circa 1902:
And now…
What makes Astor Theatre unique?
The Astor is art in all its forms. We offer workshops hosted by practicing artists, as well as monthly exhibits. We have community groups that create together like our knitting group, crafts & laughs, writing workshops, life drawing, or short film and stop motion clubs. Throughout the year we host live theatre productions by local theatre groups, weekly movies, tribute bands, singers, songwriters, dance recitals, music competitions and open mic night where anyone can have the stage to share their talent.
The Astor is not just about art, we are about community. We are a space where art is valued and respected as a vital connection between people. Sharing a live performance, a movie or an artwork with others is significantly different than doing it in isolation. Everyone is always welcome at the Astor.
What sort of films does the venue show?
Old classics, current blockbusters, documentaries, indie films, MET operas and Royal Ballet, as well as short films created by local youth in our short film and stop motion clubs.
What are the Astor Theatre’s greatest challenges?
As with any not-for-profit charity, our day to day operation relies heavily on federal and provincial grants, as well as fundraising, sponsorships and donations. The revenue that we generate at the theatre through live events, movies and other activities covers approximately 36% of our operating expenses.
What are your favourite compliments that Astor Theatre receives from its audience?
A quote from a parent who had a birthday party at the Astor:
“They (the staff) were incredibly courteous, welcoming, and helpful throughout the entire event…always offering to assist and making sure everything ran smoothly. It genuinely felt like we were in the hands of one of the most delightful teams on the South Shore.”
A quote from one of our musical performers:
“All thanks to your staff and your volunteers…
What a fantastic crowd and great sound techs as well…
We had a wonderful time in Liverpool
You all did a magnificent job….
I’m hoping to perform at the Astor again. Very soon
Thank you for a great night”
This is what makes the Astor the Astor; it is the people, the team. These are individuals who are passionate about movies, love art, believe in music and more importantly, the power of these mediums to build and connect community. The Astor takes great pride in providing exemplary customer service to everyone who enters the space. It absolutely impacts the overall experience for everyone.
What’s a memorable film screening or event hosted at the venue?
It would be very hard to identify the most memorable, but the original works done by our youth film groups that are hosted by the Astor Academy are amazing. There are two programs; short film and stop motion film. The programs are offered annually from September to May and students will write, film, edit and produce their own movies. Students work on several films throughout the year with the goal of submitting their final project to the Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) Youth Film Competition and of course there is an Astor Film Festival.
What are the most popular concession items?
POPCORN! POPCORN! POPCORN! Hands down, no question. When the popcorn gets made, even those not purchasing a ticket for a movie get our popcorn. We use real butter and a salt blend that is amazing. Absolutely worth a drive and visit to the Astor.
What projects are you considering for the future of Astor Theatre?
The sky’s the limit! We are looking to expand our community programs. Movies are a constant and we try to have at least one new title per week, including a sensory friendly showing. In February we added MET Tuesday showings of operas and The Royal Ballet performances. We have Big Stage Open Mic Nights once a month, giving everyone a chance to be a star. We are also looking at expanding school break and summer camps, to engage and support youth in the arts. We always welcome suggestions from the community.
In addition to programming, we are keen to update our equipment in the theatre. We recently invested in a new laser projector and other upgrades on our list that we hope to accomplish in the next few years include a new movie screen, theatre and gallery lighting, new sound system for the theatre and an HVAC system to keep our space cool in the summer.