Registry Theatre, Kitchener

The Registry Theatre is located in a building built between 1938 and 1939 as the Waterloo County Registry Office. It managed land titles and public records until 1977. After that, it was used by the regional police until 1992 and briefly served as storage for the Curling Hall of Fame. The structure is one of the few Art Deco buildings left in the region, and visitors can still see original details such as terrazzo floors, marble walls and steps, and a limestone arch with zigzag designs.

The building was revitalized in 2000 and officially opened as a theatre in January 2001. It was redesigned as a flexible black box space, with seating for about 143 to 166 people, most often set at 150. The compact layout offers clear sightlines and good acoustics, creating a close connection between performers and audience.

Today, the theatre presents Jazz, Folk, and Classics series, along with the biennial IMPACT International Theatre Festival held in odd-numbered years. It is home to JM Drama and hosts dance groups, touring musicians, and local productions, offering an affordable stage for both new and experienced artists.