Sylvan Lake is giving visitors a brand-new reason to visit—live theatre! From award-winning immersive experiences to dinner shows, musicals, youth drama camps, and adult training, Sylvan Lake Theatre is transforming this lakeside town into a cultural hotspot.
Known for its stunning beaches, Sylvan Lake was missing one thing: theatrical productions. That changed in 2022, when Sylvan Lake Theatre launched under the leadership of Artistic Director Tanya Ryga, a former Red Deer Polytechnic instructor.
“We’ve been very busy since we started,” says Ryga. “We’ve grown to a company of fifty members.”
Theatre tourism is a proven economic driver, and Sylvan Lake Theatre is already attracting audiences and participants from across Alberta. The only thing missing? A dedicated event centre to make Sylvan Lake a true arts and culture destination.
“We’ve been very busy since we started in 2022” said Tanya Ryga, Sylvan Lake Theatre’s Artistic Director. “We have grown to a company of fifty members.” Now all that’s needed is an event centre for Sylvan Lake to truly make Sylvan Lake part of Alberta’s thriving arts & culture scene. It is a known economic driver and Sylvan Lake Theatre is powered up and already drawing audiences and participants from around the province!
Ryga, a former Red Deer Polytechnic theatre instructor, started Sylvan Lake Theatre to provide year-round entertainment, theatre training and opportunities. “We have had people coming from all over the province for our events and especially the Theatre Trail” adds Ryga. The Theatre Trail is an immersive experience where small audience groups follow storytellers on a walking tour through downtown businesses. Each stop hosts a pop-up play, written and performed specifically for that location.
The result? Two hours of comedy, drama, and storytelling that’s earned Gold Awards for Best Local Attraction and Best Summer Event (Sylvan Lake News Reader’s Choice).
The success of the Theatre Trail has paved the way for:
- Dinner theatre shows
- Musicals
- Youth drama camps
- Adult training
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just curious, Sylvan Lake Theatre offers opportunities to learn, connect, and create.
It isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about building community, fostering creativity, and putting Sylvan Lake on Alberta’s cultural map. With sold-out shows and growing demand, this thriving thespian scene is here to stay.