ABOUT THE WMCA (Our Story)

The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (WMCA) is Westman’s premier performing arts venue located in Brandon, Manitoba, established in 1967 on the grounds of Brandon University located on Treaty 2 Territory, the traditional homelands of the Dakota, Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene and Metis peoples. The WMCA houses an 804 continental style seat theatre (including 8 permanent wheelchair accessible spaces) with full fly tower and deployable acoustic shell. The theatre features a half house drop curtain to allow for atmosphere maintenance during smaller attended events and an optional additional 50 unfixed seats when the orchestra pit is lowered to seating level. There is also a 250–300-person Grand Salon ballroom/flexible space on the lower level. These two main event spaces share a front foyer featuring four massive Italian crystal chandeliers, Founders Room (aka green room), box office, dressing rooms for casts large and small, and a servery space for caterers.

Operations

The WMCA is operated by the Brandon Centennial Auditorium Corporation Inc. (established in 1968) as a not-for-profit asset for the communities of Brandon and surrounding Westman area. The mandate of the Brandon Centennial Auditorium Corporation Inc per the Letters Patent is to “encourage to the fullest possible use, and enjoyment of, the facilities of the auditorium by the citizens of Western Manitoba.” The corporation is overseen by a Board of Governors with members appointed from the Province of Manitoba, the City of Brandon and local community. Day to day operations is overseen by the General Manager and executed by permanent full time and part time staff. During event seasons from September to June WMCA also employs several casual staff to work events as door attendants, ushers, and bartenders.

Opening Day

The WMCA had its ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 1st, 1969, followed by a week of performances and facility tours. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet was the first to perform on the stage on Saturday October 4th. The weeklong celebration also featured performances from Wilf Carter and Kitty Wells, Tony Cabral, Seven Oaks High School Band and Choir, and Variety Western Entertainment. The culmination was a concert from the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir on Saturday October 11th.

Construction & Design

The WMCA was constructed between 1967 to 1969. The architect firm for the project was Ward MacDonald (now MCM Architects) of Winnipeg and is one of the firm’s most eminent designs – mainly limestone and a composition of acutely angled blocks, with a deeply set entrance and windows, and a projecting central tower. Construction was initially brought up during a city council meeting on February 15th, 1953, with anticipated completion in time for the city’s 75th anniversary (1957). Despite initial intent, plans were put on hold. The project received a green light from the Manitoba Premier in 1962 and funding occurred in 1964 when Manitoba Centennial Corporation announced a $300,000 grant for the project. The Manitoba Centennial Corporation was responsible for multiple architecture projects throughout the province in commemoration of Manitoba’s 100th anniversary in 1970 including the Centennial Centre in Winnipeg, a pavilion in the International Peace Gardens, as well as the WMCA. The overall cost for the WMCA was estimated to be $450,000. It was decided to construct the auditorium at Princess Avenue and 20th street, the most northwest corner of Brandon University Campus and near the University’s School of Music. The land is owned by the University who leased it to the corporation for 99 years commencing October 1, 1969. Canada’s Centennial symbol is still an integral part of the design found on the brass door knobs and front entrance. Since it’s original construction the WMCA has undergone many capital maintenance and improvement projects. Most notably was a full restoration in the early 1990’s as well as the replacement of the front entrance, roof and carpeting being redone from 2013 to 2017.