OTTAWA, May 30, 2026 — Shenkman Arts Centre is opening its stages for another season of shows to entertain the whole family; from music, to magic, comedy, and much more.
“We have another season of incredible artists gracing our stages set in the beautiful backdrop of the arts centre. From A Cappella greatness to magic and Christmas classics. There really is so much happening and we are excited to get the season started in the theatres at the heart of the east end!” says Jahn Fawcett, Portfolio Manager of the Shenkman Arts Centre.
Be taken on a journey with Sophie Lukacs on Thursday, September 17 as she plays the incredible kora: a 21-stringed harp-lute from the Mandingue empire. On Wednesday, October 14 we’re bringing the music back home to Canada with She Carries the Song – an intimate and powerful evening of music, story and spitit from three celebrated Indigenous voices, Celeigh Cardinal, Mimi O’Bonsawin and Lacey Hill.
“The godfather of A Capella” comes to Orléans with a Pitch Perfect Singalong on Sunday, October 18. Deke Sharon is responsible for many movies and television shows behind the scenes, including Pitch Perfect one, two, and three. With Deke’s expert guidance, the audience will soon be crushing it with fellow Pitch Perfect fans singing, “Since U Been Gone”, the hit song from the movie. You will also be treated to behind-the-scenes stories from the movie-making process.
Moving on to magic, with a musical twist. Magician Chris Funk – The Wonderist will be wowing minds on Thursday, October 22. As seen on America’s Got Talent and Master’s of Illusion, his show is described as “in a league of its own”.
Canada’s first lady of musical theatre, Louise Pitre, brings her Tony Award-nominated voice to light up Harold Shenkman Hall on Tuesday, October 27. Continuing with incredible music, Maryna Krut KRUT entertains with her unique Ukrainian sound in Ottawa on Tuesday, November 3.
Comedy takes centre stage on Thursday, November 19, with the return of CBC’s Laugh Out Loud with Ali Hassan. Then the festive season kicks off with Susan Aglukark – Upinnaq -ᐅᐱᓐᓇᖅ, A Beautiful Christmas on Saturday, November 21, showcasing her favorite Christmas songs, stories, and memories of Christmas in Nunavut. Enjoy songs like Silent Night, Little Toy Trains and Do You Hear What I Hear, sung in both Inuktitut and English.
Legends, Powder Blues Band with special guest David Gogo will bring energy to the stage on Thursday, November 26, and for those looking for a festive feeling, A Jazzy Little Christmas will get everyone into the spirit on December 10, with a jazz take on holiday favorites.
The ever-popular Matinée Cafés are back, taking place once a month on Wednesdays. This season, Wild Remedy, Silk Road Diaries, Grey Jazz Big Band, and Quatuor Despax take the stage for these one-hour performances, followed by coffee and treats.
Round of the year with the annual New Year’s Eve Comedy Show, as top comics have you rolling with laughter into 2027!
There are no bad seats at your Orléans theatre! This accessible facility has a state-of-the-art sound system, making it a top music destination, which is easy to get to, just off Highway 417. There’s also free parking! Book your tickets today!
Upcoming Shows:
- Matinée Café: Wild Remedy – Wednesday, September 16
- Sophie Lukacs – Thursday, September 17
- Matinée Café: Silk Road – Wednesday, October 14
- She Carries the Song – Wednesday, October 14
- Sing Pitch Perfect with Deke Sharon & Splüsh – Sunday, October 18
- Magician Chris Funk – The Wonderist – Thursday, October 22
- Louise Pitre – Tuesday, October 27
- Maryna Krut – Tuesday, November 3
- Matinée Café: Grey Jazz Big Band – Wednesday, November 4
- CBC: Laugh Out Loud with Ali Hassan – Tuesday, November 19
- Susan Aglukark – Upinnaq -ᐅᐱᓐᓇᖅ, A Beautiful Christmas – Saturday, November 21
- Tom Lavin & The Legendary Powder Blues Band with Special Guest David Gogo – Thursday, November 26
- Orléans Holiday Arts Market – November 28
- Matinée Café: Quatuor Despax – Wednesday, December 9
- Annual New Year’s Eve Comedy Night – Thursday, December 31
Tickets Details:
Tickets are on sale now for Front + Centre members. Presale on Monday, June 1. All tickets on-sale to the public on Tuesday, June 2 at 10 am.
For more information contact the Shenkman Arts Centre Box Office at 613-580-2700 or go to shenkmanarts.ca
