Randolph Theatre

A quaint church converted to a theatre that is just a little south of Bathurst and Bloor. Seating was quite comfortable and we sat in the orchestra section that was three rows away from the stage, so definitely a good view of the whole stage.
The performance was Hairspray and most all the characters were casted quite well. The dance choreography and acting was actually quite good. Plus the majority of the performers danced and acted with lots of enthusiasm and passion which makes for an enjoyable performance. It was definitely a pleasure to watch and I felt their energy light up on stage.
Although not quite the full crowds as larger and known venues, it was a nice and small venue which offers performances from up and coming performers.
There was a concession stand, but we didn’t buy anything and remained seated during the 15 minutes intermission, so I cannot comment much on it.
Overall, it’s worth checking out a performance that won’t damage the wallet and you won’t be disappointed.

Yet another old church that now hosts stage events and serves booze! Although it is part of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, so I’m not sure of the technicalities of renting this space out, but it seems to be a college that rents out their theatre to events such as the one I was at. It’s a great looking place, reminded me a little of Massey Hall but I found the seats to be more comfortable, I did sit in the orch level though and I believe as long as you’re not in the extreme corners, the venue is small enough that even a seat in the last few rows can offer a great view of the stage.
I came in here for a night of stand up and was impressed at everything from the lighting, sound and video on stage (they had a large screen up there for sketch clips). The little cons for this place would be that washrooms are not easily accessible and that their bar (which might double up as a concession stand) is tiny and for our event it served only Canadian and Coors Light (I’m hoping this was a sponsorship issue and not the only things you could get to drink in here). But the beers were served in ACC style’d sippy cups and that was a big plus for me.
I mistakenly went upstairs (thinking that’s where the washrooms were) and ended up walking in on some dance or drama class, so while this big show was going on downstairs the «Academy for Performing Arts» that seems to run the theatre was still going on. So it is just like catching a show at a university or college with students around as soon as you leave the theatre section.
Staff were friendly and the venue is intimate enough to have a solid experience here. I’d highly recommend this place for catching or hosting a large event!