Performance Spaces at St. Francis Xavier University

Our premier space for the Performing Arts Series is Immaculata Auditorium. It is renowned as one of the best Chamber Music halls in Canada. It seats about 250, although under certain circumstances this can be increased somewhat. It has a Yamaha CF-7 grand piano and excellent acoustics. There is a small proscenium stage and VERY simple lighting, controlled by an archaic, partially functional lighting board.  A drawing indicating dimensions is available by clicking on this link.

For choral recitals, the sound in St. Ninian's Cathedral is wonderful. Choirs from everywhere in Canada have acclaimed its acoustics. It seats about 1000 and has a fine Cassavant organ.

For theatrical performances there is the newly renovated Bauer Theatre which seats 220 around a thrust stage. It has professional quality lighting facilities and is the home of Theater Antigonish in the winter and Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre in the summer.

The University Auditorium underneath the University Chapel seats about 600. It has somewhat unsatisfactory acoustics for music, no sound system, and a VERY old lighting system. Load-in is made more difficult by a flight of stairs.

The new Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre has excellent facilities that can host a wide variety of events. Concerts, Lectures, and other special functions can be presented in the acoustically treated main arena to capacities nearing 3,000. The Millennium Centre is equipped with Camlock fittings that permit easy connection of professional lighting systems, has relationships with regional production equipment suppliers, and can assist the user in the acquisition of sound and lighting equipment. The Millennium Centre has a system of amplifiers driving several powerful speakers suspended overhead, that can be used for public address.