Performing Arts

The Arts Resource Centre is the main hub for cultural programming offered by the City of Oshawa. The on-site auditorium can seat up to 100 people for performances, presentations and more and is available for rental. 

For more information regarding hours and availability, visit Arts Resource Centre or call 905-436-3311. 

Recognized as Ontario’s leading outdoor summer touring theatre company, Driftwood Theatre believes in accessible, live theatre for everyone in Ontario and has been on the road with The Bard’s Bus Tour visiting Ontario communities since 1995.

Performances have taken place in City parks, campus fields, schools, heritage museums, castles, private estates and even a parking lots.

For more information about programs and upcoming performances, visit Driftwood Theatre. 

Founded in 1974 by Jeannine Butler, the Durham Shoestring Performers present challenging and entertaining plays with an emphasis on innovative acting, writing, directing and design and to produce these plays keeping costs low so that live theatre can be accessible to all members of the community.

Performances take place in the Arts Resource Centre Auditorium.

For more information on audition opportunities and upcoming performances, visit Durham Shoestring Performers.

Founded in 1928 by Vera Conant, the Oshawa Little Theatre has provided a community entertainment platform and developed theatrical talent of all ages, and has continued to share their immense experience, traditions and talent with other theatre groups and the broader community.

To learn more about the performances, programs and rental opportunities available, visit the Oshawa Little Theatre. 

Built in 1919, the Regent Theatre opened to the public in 1920 and has been a key venue in Oshawa's cultural community since that time. The owners were unsure of the longevity of moving pictures, which were the main activity of the theatre at that time, and so they incorporated elements to support live performances including a fly tower, dressing rooms, prop storage and an orchestra pit.

Ontario Tech University (previously known as University of Ontario Institute of Technology) took ownership of the venue in 2009. Through hosting performances, presentations, community celebrations and student lectures, the Regent Theatre continues to be a place where visitors can come together and share experiences. 

For more information on the venue's history as well as performance schedules, ticket prices and hours of operation, visit Regent Theatre. 

Founded in 1967 by Joe and Joyce Wainright, the County Town Singers community choir was created to celebrate Canada's 100th birthday. Since then, the ensemble has grown to over 65 singers and continues to grow and perform across the Durham Region.

For more information on performances, rehearsals and how to join the community choir, visit County Town Singers. 

Chartered in 1994, the Durham Shores Chorus is an all-women vocal group with a repertoire including a wide range of music with selections from broadway, 70's rock, pop, country, and even some classics. The group performs throughout Durham Region and takes part in regional competitions.

For information on performances, tickets and how to join, visit Durham Shores Chorus.

The Durham Youth Orchestra provides young musicians with opportunities to gain experience playing orchestral masterpieces while developing their skills and building experience in an orchestral setting. The DYO performs a minimum of three times each season, and contributes to the community through educational performances and contributing to the musical culture of the Durham Region.

For more information on performances, tickets and auditions, visit Durham Youth Orchestra.

Located in the heart of Downtown Oshawa, Memorial Park bandshell and grounds are actively used for City-run events and by community groups for performances and festivals. Concerts in the Park is a summer concert series that features musicians and groups performing a variety of musical styles and genres. 

For more information, visit Memorial Park and the Memorial Park Bandshell. 

Based in Durham Region, the Ontario Philharmonic is a professional regional orchestra that regularly performs at the Regent Theatre in Oshawa. Led by Music Director Marco Parisotto, the Ontario Philharmonic's programs reflect a wide variety of styles from Baroque/ Classical/ Romantic/ Modern to light classical, pop music, jazz and music of the world.

For more information on performances and tickets, visit the Ontario Philharmonics.

The Oshawa Civic Band of today is the amalgamation of two bands in 1920 - the Regimental Band of the 34th Ontario Regiment (formed in 1866), and the Town Band (formed in 1870) and later known as the Oshawa Citizens Band. The current configuration is a "British" brass band, similar to those of the Salvation Army. 

The Oshawa Music Awards (OMA) is an annual event that recognizes the influence and achievements of local music creators, businesses, and music supporters within the City of Oshawa, the Durham region, and Canada. The OMA was established in 2017 by Durham College students from the Music Business Management (MBM) program.

The Oshawa Music Week (formerly Reel Music Festival) brings six days of entertainment and educational events, celebrating the Durham Region’s rich music culture. The event strives to develop, grow, support, and unite the music community within the city of Oshawa and throughout the Durham Region. Each event under the scope of Oshawa Music Week is tailored for the diverse members of Durham’s cultural landscape, ranging from entertainment for music lovers to education for aspiring and established music professionals.

Taking place in downtown Oshawa and at Durham College Oshawa campus, Oshawa Music Week hosts a variety of events that provide something for everyone.

For more information, visit Oshawa Music Week.

Oshawa Opera was formed in 2013 by artistic director Kristine Dandavino, and features musicians and singers from across Canada. Oshawa Opera performs at various locations throughout Oshawa and the Durham Region.

The Oshawa-Whitby Kiwanis Music Festival, a non-profit incorporated charitable organization, has been operating in the Durham Region for more than 40 years. The primary objective of our organization is to allow any youth in the Durham and surrounding regions the opportunity to perform and display their musical or speech talents in front of a professional adjudicator.

For more information on festival dates, locations and opportunities, visit the Oshawa-Whitby Kiwanis Music Festival.  

RESOUND is Durham Region's newest auditioned SATB choir for both younger and older adults representing diverse origins, cultures, music and life experience. They choose beautiful and moving classical choral works, enlivened with a touch of contemporary choral repertoire, to present uplifting and compelling concert experience to a board audience. Founded in 2019, the choir has mandates of excellence in choral performance and meaningful community outreach. They are a registered charity with a very active Board.

For more information, visit RESOUND Choir.

Tribute Communities Centre is Oshawa's largest sports and entertainment facility. in addition to being the home of the Oshawa Generals and the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame, the arena has hosted major concerts and special events since opening in 2006, including Elton John, Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships and much more.

For more information on events and tickets, visit the Tribute Community Centre.

Held annually on April 29th, International Dance Day recognizes the diverse range of dance styles practiced around the world.

In 2018, the City of Oshawa recognized International Dance Day with the event "Together We Dance." A number of dancers representing various dance schools and programs offered in Oshawa performed at the Memorial Park Bandshell. View the Together We Dance video.

Thank you to the following groups and performers for taking part:

• Anishinaabe Knowledge Keepers – Kim Wheatley and Alexandria Bipatnath
• Bisland Dance Centre Inc.
• Chandrasegara Dance Academy from the Tamil Cultural and Academic Society of Durham (TCASD)
• City of Oshawa Dance Programs
• Humming Bird Dancers from Club Carib of Oshawa Inc. 
• Kalavriksha Dance Centre trained by Neeraja Ramani 
• Loreley Youth Dancers 
• Maxwell Heights Secondary School Dance Program
• Odessa Ukrainian Dancers 
• Oshawa Seniors Community Centre (OSCC55+) Line 4 Dance Level
• Riddim Fitness Inc.

The Cinechats Film Program is a weekly and year round film series of the best films from around the world. Each week includes an optional master class in film following the screening, and takes the form of a lively informal conversation. Exclusive presentations and previews alongside film festival movies are organized through this program.

For more information on upcoming screenings, visit Cinechats. 

Oshawa Public Library hosts Cinefest Durham is hosted by Oshawa Public Library through a collaboration with the Friends of the Oshawa Public Library and presented by Film Circuit.

Film Circuit was founded in 1989 and became part of the Toronto International Film Festivals in 1995. This outreach program brings the best of Canadian and international film to communities across the country. 

For more information on film schedules, times and locations, visit Cinefest Durham.

On the first Thursday of every month, the Regent Theatre hosts a classic movie night that offers door prizes, a cash concession, and a ballot for future movies.

For more information on upcoming films, tickets and location, visit Regent Theatre.