Red Deer College Performing Arts

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), located in Red Deer, Alberta, was historically home to a robust theatre arts and performance program anchored by its iconic Arts Centre—featuring a 600‑seat theatre, rehearsal spaces, and gallery areas designed by architect Arthur Erickson. The institution previously offered a thriving acting curriculum, famed across Alberta for nurturing local theatre and screen talent.

In recent years, however, the theatre stream—including acting classes and live productions—has been entirely suspended due to low enrollment and provincial budget constraints. News reports note that after 35 years of theatre instruction, faculty for the acting program were laid off, marking the abrupt end of a program with deep community impact.

Today, RDP continues to offer the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film, Theatre & Live Entertainment, but only the film production track remains active. The theatre and live entertainment production options—including Acting—are currently suspended and not enrolling new students.

Despite the program suspension, the legacy of Red Deer’s performing arts is still evident in its facilities: live events still take place at the Arts Centre and community members engage in arts partnerships, though theatrical coursework no longer forms part of degree offerings.