Royal and McPherson Theatres Society

What Royal and McPherson Theatres Society does

Royal and McPherson Theatres Society (RMTS) is a registered not-for-profit charity operating two heritage-designated performing arts venues in downtown Victoria, British Columbia: the Royal Theatre (1,416 seats, opened 1913, National Historic Site of Canada since 1988) and the McPherson Playhouse (772 seats, opened 1914, heritage-designated since 1995). The Society stewards both venues on behalf of their civic owners — the municipalities of Victoria, Saanich, and Oak Bay, with the Capital Regional District holding ownership in trust — under a volunteer Board of Directors. RMTS's operations are anchored by a 51-100 person full-time staff supplemented by over 200 casual production, front-of-house, box office, and custodial workers represented by IATSE Local 168.

The technology stack centers on the Tessitura ticketing platform (rebuilt in 2021 after the discontinuation of its SOAP API), Sennheiser Infra-Red assistive listening systems, 3D Secure payment processing, and state-of-the-art streaming and lighting equipment installed in 2021 with BC Arts Council funding. Both venues have been progressively modernized while preserving their Rococo/Renaissance Revival architecture, and the organization supports accessible performances, sensory-friendly programming, and broadcast/recording capability for hybrid events.

RMTS generates revenue through five primary streams: ticket sales with tiered service charges ($4-$11.50 per ticket), commercial and non-profit venue rentals ($1,525-$3,875 per performance day plus percentage-of-ticket-sales clauses), third-party ticketing services for Vancouver Island venues (since 1965), corporate sponsorships, and charitable donations. Approximately 85% of the operating budget is earned through theatre operations and 15% is covered by municipal operating grants ($100K for Royal Theatre from Oak Bay/Saanich/Victoria and $350K for McPherson Playhouse from City of Victoria). The Society serves 200,000+ patrons annually, facilitates 75 user groups including 45 local presenting organizations (Ballet Victoria, Pacific Opera Victoria, Dance Victoria, Victoria Symphony, VOS Musical Theatre), and runs the Community Opportunities Program and Exhibitions at the Mac to broaden community access.

Name

Royal and McPherson Theatres Society

Legal name

Royal and McPherson Theatres Society

Website

https://rmts.bc.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Royal and McPherson Theatres Society operates two heritage-designated performing arts venues in Victoria, BC — the Royal Theatre (1,416 seats) and McPherson Playhouse (772 seats) — on behalf of municipal owners, serving 200,000+ patrons annually with ticketed performances, venue rentals, and third-party ticketing services for Vancouver Island.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Venue Operations

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Performing Arts Companies (7111)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Theater, Musicals & Performing Arts (THAJAFAB), Venue Food, Beverage & Hospitality Operations (Concessions, Catering, Premium Seating) (MPAGALAN)

Keywords

• Performing arts venues
• Heritage theatre operations
• Ticketing services
• Venue rental services
• Community arts programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Victoria

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales and Service Charges: Primary revenue from ticket sales with per-ticket service charges based on ticket price tiers ($4-$11.50 per ticket). Also charges handling fees for phone ($2/ticket), mail ($3.50/order), and web ($3.50/order) orders. Box Office funds held in trust until event settlement.
2. Venue Rental Income: Revenue from renting venues to commercial, non-profit, and educational organizations. Commercial rates: Royal Theatre $3,875/performance day or 10% of ticket sales (capped at $10,500); McPherson Playhouse $1,525/performance day or 10% of ticket sales (capped at $5,250).
3. Charitable Donations: Registered charity accepting donations online and by mail. Charitable Registration Number: 119036044 RR0001. Donations of $10+ receive tax receipts.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship partnerships offering exposure to 16,000+ OnStage E-news subscribers, 8,500+ social media followers, and 200,000+ annual visitors. Includes ticket wallets and community engagement initiatives.
5. Municipal Operating Grants: Royal Theatre receives $100,000 operating grant (contributed by Oak Bay, Saanich, Victoria). McPherson Playhouse receives $350,000 operating grant from City of Victoria. Total municipal contribution covers 15% of operating costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Royal and McPherson Theatres Society operates two heritage performing arts venues in Victoria, BC — the 1,416-seat Royal Theatre (opened 1913) and the 772-seat McPherson Playhouse (opened 1914). The Society sells tickets to live performances, rents venue space to commercial, non-profit, and educational presenters, and provides third-party ticketing services for other Vancouver Island venues. Supporting offerings include licensed concessions, accessibility accommodations, streaming/broadcast capability, gift certificates, and community engagement programs.

Product overview

Royal and McPherson Theatres Society operates two historic performing arts venues in Victoria, BC: the Royal Theatre (1,416 seats, opened 1913) and McPherson Playhouse (772 seats, opened 1914). The core offering consists of venue operations for live performances including Broadway tours, opera, dance, comedy, concerts, and more. Supporting services include comprehensive box office and ticketing operations, venue accessibility accommodations, food and beverage concessions, and theatre rentals for external organizers. The society also runs community engagement programs including the Community Opportunities Program providing subsidized venue access for non-profits, Exhibitions at the Mac showcasing local artists in the theatre lobby, the OnStage E-Newsletter for audience engagement, corporate sponsorship packages, and a charitable donation program. In 2021, the organization expanded its capabilities by launching a new website and adding streaming equipment to enable virtual and hybrid performance events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Royal Theatre The Royal Theatre is a 1,416-seat premier performing arts venue located at 805 Broughton Street in Victoria, BC. It is Vancouver Island's largest venue for the performing arts, hosting Broadway tours, drag shows, dance, comedy, opera, jazz, symphony, and rock concerts. It features heritage architecture fused with 21st-century technology and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada on May 12, 1988.
• McPherson Playhouse The McPherson Playhouse is a 772-seat heritage theatre located at #3 Centennial Square in Victoria, BC. It hosts professional, community, and amateur events and is one of the most impeccably maintained examples of theatres from its era in Canada, granted heritage designation on October 25, 1995.
• Box Office and Ticketing Services Comprehensive ticketing services including in-person sales at two box office locations, phone orders (toll-free and local lines), and 24/7 online ticket purchasing through the secure RMTS website. The McPherson Box Office serves as the central ticketing hub for all Vancouver Island venues.
• Theatre Rental Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 200,000+ patrons served annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• CTV Vancouver IslandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive television media sponsor providing broadcast coverage and promotion of Royal and McPherson Theatres events to Vancouver Island audiences through news coverage and media partnerships.
• Virgin Radio VictoriaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive radio media sponsor offering promotional airtime and on-air interviews with performers, reaching radio listeners across Greater Victoria.
• CFAX1070minorGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive radio media sponsor providing talk radio coverage and community engagement for theatre events targeting Victoria's adult demographics.
• Ballet VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual performing arts partner presenting The Gift and children's programming at Royal Theatre and McPherson Playhouse. Provides discounted rentals and collaborative programming for dance education.
• Pacific Opera VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary opera partner with Community Preview programs and main stage productions. Long-standing collaborative relationship supporting opera performances at both venues.
• Dance VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey dance programming partner offering Pay Your Age, Nutcracker Kids programs, and annual Nutcracker performances. Collaborative accessibility initiatives.
• Victoria SymphonycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary symphony partner presenting classical concerts including Beethoven Symphony No. 8 and Viennese New Year performances at the Royal Theatre.
• City of VictoriacoreOthersCivic owner providing $350,000 annual operating grant for McPherson Playhouse, permissive tax exception, and capital investment in HVAC systems and renovations. Manages the theatres through RMTS on behalf of citizens.
• Municipal Partners (Oak Bay, Saanich, Victoria)coreOthersJoint municipal ownership of Royal Theatre with $100,000 combined annual operating grant contribution. Collectively represent civic ownership through Capital Regional District.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Greater Vancouver Civic Theatres Society: Manages multiple civic performing arts venues (Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Orpheum, Vancouver Playhouse) on behalf of the City of Vancouver. Highly comparable as a multi-venue civic theatre operator with rental, box office, and presenting functions.
• Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival: Vancouver-based non-profit producing annual Shakespeare seasons in outdoor tent venues. Comparable as a BC non-profit performing arts organization reliant on ticketing, donations, and grants, though focused on festival rather than year-round venue operations.
• Massey Theatre Society: Operates the Massey Theatre, a 1,250-seat heritage venue in New Westminster, BC. Closely comparable as a non-profit society managing a single historic performing arts venue in British Columbia with similar civic ownership and rental/box office models.
• TO Live: City of Toronto's performing arts venue operator managing the Meridian Hall, St. Lawrence Centre, and Meridian Arts Centre. Directly comparable as a municipal-affiliated multi-venue performing arts operator with rental and ticketing operations.
• Arts Club Theatre Company: Vancouver-based non-profit theatre company operating multiple venues (Belfry, Revue Stage, Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre). Comparable as a BC non-profit performing arts operator with venue management and presenting functions, though smaller-scale.
• Pacific Theatre: Vancouver-based professional theatre company producing its own seasons and operating a small venue. Comparable as a BC non-profit performing arts operator with presenting and venue-management functions, though at smaller scale and different community focus.

Regional players

• The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts: UBC-based performing arts centre in Vancouver with three venues. Comparable as a BC performing arts venue operator, though university-affiliated rather than municipally owned, and not a direct geographic competitor.

Others

• Broadway Across Canada: Touring Broadway presenter in Canada whose shows play at RMTS venues. Comparable as a counterparty that books RMTS and as an adjacent live-entertainment operator, though it does not own or operate its own venues.

Broad incumbents

• National Arts Centre (Canada): Canada's largest bilingual performing arts venue, federally funded, presenting its own programming and hosting rentals. Comparable in scale and mission (civic-owned performing arts venue with presenting and rental operations), though federally rather than municipally supported.
• Live Nation Canada: Global live entertainment promoter and venue operator. Comparable as a touring-content buyer (Royal and McPherson host Live Nation-presented shows like Amanda Marshall) and as a broad incumbent in the live entertainment space, though operating at vastly greater scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TheRoyalMcPhersonTheatres
• Instagraminstagram.com/royalmcphersontheatres
• Xx.com/RMTS_Victoria

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles28 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Royal and McPherson Theatres Society