The Bus Stop Theatre

Actual Sorcery – Live Magic Show at the Bus Stop Theatre
2026-03-14 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Halifax) | The Bus Stop Theatre, 2203 Gottingen Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K3B5, Canada
“Beautifully done.” – Penn Jillette, Penn & Teller
“Truly remarkable magic.” – Mark Robins, Halifax Presents
As seen on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and winner of the Best of the Fest Audience Choice Award & the Neptune Scotiabank Hot Ticket Award at the 2025 Halifax Fringe Festival

Actual Wizard and Halifax Magician Vincenzo Ravina returns to the illustrious Bus Stop Theatre with his sixth weird magic show

YOU ARE INVITED.

There might be: Mind reading! A visit from the Tooth Fairy! Playing cards! Secret societies! PROFLIGACY FOR HEME!

Actual Sorcery is funny, mystifying, absurd, and experimental.

This show is for you, specifically and in particular.

BE SEEING YOU.Note: This event will be video recorded, audio recorded, and photographed. The audience may appear in these recordings. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.
Ticket Information:
First Row Reserved: $30
General Admission: $25
Tickets available at ActualWizard.ca

Kalaa presents Bali aur Shambu
2026-03-15 18:00 - 20:00
Kalaa presents Bali aur Shambu by Manav Kaul, a tender, funny, deeply human play in Hindi about companionship, longing, and friendship.
Rooted in storytelling, culture, and connection, Kalaa—a South Asian Performing Arts Collective based in Halifax—brings to the stage stories that speak across generations and linger long after the curtain falls. Bali aur Shambhu is one such story: quiet, tender, and profoundly human.
Set within the walls of an old-age home, Bali aur Shambhu unfolds the lives of two elderly men who couldn’t be more different. Bali, a lively storyteller with an infectious sense of humor, fills the room with exaggerated tales and laughter—often using them to hide unspoken pain. Shambhu, calm and contemplative, faces life with quiet wisdom and acceptance. Their contrasting personalities spark moments of humor and gentle conflict, but beneath it all lies a shared loneliness neither can face alone.
Blending warmth, wit, and poignant emotion, Bali aur Shambhu is a moving reflection on aging, dignity, friendship, and the universal human need to be seen and heard.
A must-watch 90-minute play for Hindi-speaking audiences (13+), this production continues Kalaa’s commitment to presenting meaningful, culturally rooted stories that resonate across ages and communities.

TNB Presents Heroine by Karen Bassett
2026-03-17 19:30 - 21:30
At the height of piracy’s Golden Age, two of history’s most famed female pirates sit awaiting execution for their crimes.
Disguised as men, swashbuckler Anne Bonny and privateer-turned-pirate Mary Read looted, plundered and outfought many of their male counterparts throughout the Caribbean before being captured and sentenced to hang. Clashing sword fights, brutal wrestling matches and sharp-as-a-blade humour bring these historical figures to the stage to explore what a life well lived truly is.
“Between hilarity and tragedy, every moment of Heroine is electrifying. Even without its masterful orchestration of design, choreography, and acting, the words that craft this story are enough to convey the battle of being human — and woman — with painful honesty.” — Nina Legesse
Content warning: Ages 16+, Heroine contains adult themes and salty language, violence and sexual content. Because pirates. They are pirates.

TIMELESS: The Actor’s Showcase II
2026-03-27 19:30 - 21:00
Featuring twelve up and coming Halifax actors, where all their materials were chosen from plays, movies and television during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Reserve your seats ahead of time by emailing KATRINA PHILLIP at katrinaphillip@mac.com. Suggested donation for tickets is $15.00

Carbon Arc presents No Other Choice
2026-03-28 18:00 - 20:30
Carbon Arc Cinema presents Park Chan-wook’s latest NO OTHER CHOICE, a wickedly clever takedown of the corporate rat race. In Korean with English subtitles. NO OTHER CHOICE screens at 6:00 PM at Bus Stop Theatre. More info and tickets: www.carbonarc.ca

SPONTANEITY IMPROV COMBO SHOW
2026-03-31 19:30 - 22:00
DESCRIPTION

Two Spontaneity Improv teams come together to provide a night of hilarious entertainment.
Join Spontaneity’s ‘Improv the Musical’ for their opening AND closing night of a brand new improvised musical inspired by YOU! These seasoned improvisers create the next big musical, with each scene and songs made up on the spot!

Watch a wild, unique, and silly world unfold as Spontaneity’s ‘What’s Up! Improv’ brings a brand new universe to life every show, based on audience suggestions.

Hello City Fooling Around
2026-04-01 19:00 - 22:30
This April 1st we have one of the hottest shows we have ever done- This is not a joke, it is not a bit and this would never be a gag.First off, all the way from Vancouver we have the wonderful @clear.dog.food playing with us after designing the poster for this very show. We are beyond excited to have them here- so we asked some other friends to join.Secondly, there’s @steveyhunter- AKA the heart and soul of this city back at home ready to play with some familiar faces.Lastly, we got @imchriswilson & @bitabitabita before they head out of the city after another incredible season of @thishourhas22minutes!Some of the best improvisers in Canada and we can’t wait for you to see all of us on stage together.April 1st 2026At the @busstoptheatre 2206 Gottingen StreetDoors at 7/Show at 730Sliding scale for tickets- recommended 15 bucksTICKETS in link/on Eventbrite/At the DoorSee you fools there!

Instant Classic
2026-04-02 20:00 - 22:00
The hit improv show Instant Classic comes to Halifax!
Join powerhouse improvisers — Kyle Dooley (Picnicface), Conor Bradbury (Second City, Sex T. Rex),Justin Collette (Beetlejuice!) and Chris Wilson (This Hour Has 22 Minutes)— as they create a hilarious, completely improvised movie live on stage.
A one-night-only comedy event you’ll never see again!
Praise for the Cast:
Chris Wilson: “A standout performer on one of Canada’s most iconic comedy shows.” – Globe and Mail
Kyle Dooley: “A founding member of one of Canada’s most beloved sketch groups (picnicface) – Now Magazine
Conor Bradbury: “A veteran performer from the legendary Second City stage.” – The Toronto Star
Justin Collette: “A powerhouse performer who took center stage in the title role of Beetlejuice.” – New York Mag

Crossover Bookings & Hollow Sun Productions presents: NecroticGoreBeast, Targeted Individual, Omnivide, Wayward Corpse + Declawed
2026-04-04 16:00 - 20:00
Crossover Bookings & Hollow Sun Productions presents: NecroticGoreBeast, Targeted Individual, Omnivide, Wayward Corpse + Declawed

Saturday, April 4th – Halifax, NS
@ The Bus Stop Theatre (All Ages/19+)
$20 Adv / $25 Doors, $20 “CB discount”
Doors at 4pm
Music at 4:30pm
NecroticGoreBeast, Targeted Individual, Omnivide, Wayward Corpse & Declawed
Artwork: @goulexdesign

Lucky Line Dancing
2026-04-07 19:00 - 21:00
Riding the high of pitbull night…. tickets are LIVE for our next dance night at @busstoptheatre
YES we will do Hannah Montana swaps hoedown throwdown anyone???

All Out for Lebanon x2
2026-04-08 19:00 - 22:00
Get ready to come together and show some serious love and support for Lebanon like never before in the second edition of ALL OUT!
Join us for the second edition of an all out fundraiser in support of the attacks on Lebanon!
Lebanon is home to so many people around the world and to our beloved at home, it is our job to stand up and support a battle for humanity so that all of us can live free and true. We may be far but our efforts do not go unrecognized and unappreciated. This fundraiser will include local talent from all around Nova Scotia in support of Lebanon and all proceeds will be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross. And Raffle proceeds will be donated to the Lebanon solidarity collective.

Deep Cuts presents Opera
2026-04-09 19:30 - 21:30
Deep Cuts presents the stunning1987 Dario Argento giallo Opera with special guest host Alexa Bella Katya.

In Opera, rising opera star Betty is pursued by a psychotic killer who forces her to watch as he kills her friends and family. Will Betty be next? Starring Cristina Marsillach, Urbano Barberini, Daria Nicolodi, and Ian Charleson, with music by Brian Eno, Claudio Simonetti, and Bill Wyman. Considered the last great Argento horror film, Opera has been described by critics as “exceptional visual experience” and that director Dario Argento “hits his decadently bloody high notes here.”

OutFest
2026-04-14 08:00 - 2026-04-19 17:00
OutFest, the largest Queer performance festival in Mi’kma’ki/Atlantic Canada, with local, regional, and national artists performing over six days returns this April. The lineup includes an award-winning Main Stage production, exciting new work on our Emerging Stage, and genre defying work on our Open Stage. This year also includes the launch of inQubator, our brand new development series., and also sees the return of our Makers Market. We are proud to present a diverse lineup that celebrates Queer artists.

Schedule available at https://pg1-theatre.com/

Movie Screening: Liste de Mariage
2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:15, 2026-04-21 20:00 - 21:15
Join Beirut Film Society and Lebanon Cinema Days for their first Halifax screening, and every third Tuesday after, where a new story takes the screen.
Tickets are going fast. Get yours before it’s too late!
Movie: Liste de Mariage
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 6PM & 8PM
Location: The Bus Stop Theatre (2203 Gottingen Street)
Language: Lebanese Arabic with English subtitles
Tickets:

Tickets for the 6 PM Show here
Tickets for the 8 PM Show here

Synopsis: All Lana wanted was to survive her ex’s wedding…Instead, she finds herself caught in a fake relationship with a mysterious stranger—and a whole lot of unexpected feelings she never signed up for.
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: Randa Aalam
Writer: Tarek Soueid
Starring: Rita Hayek & Carlos Azar
Runtime: 1h 15mins
Rating: G

Don’t miss it—save the date and bring your friends!

Queer Awakening
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00
Join the improvisers of @queerallweek for QUEER AWAKENING on Thursday, April 23 at @busstoptheatre. Bring them your stories of finding yourself and coming out, and they’ll turn it into queer improv comedy gold!
Early bird tickets are on sale until April 9. Don’t miss out!

SPONTANEITY IMPROV APRIL SHOWCASE
2026-04-24 19:30 - 21:30
Enjoy an evening of improvised theatre. Get ready for a night of quick wit, bold characters, and laugh-out-loud moments as Spontaneity Improv Company brings you a high-energy Improv Showcase! Featuring our talented performers and rising stars, this unscripted performance is packed with scenes and games made up entirely on the spot — all inspired by your suggestions. Whether you’re an improv lover or brand new to the art form, you’ll be amazed at what unfolds when creativity, collaboration, and a little chaos take the stage. No two shows are the same, and anything can happen — that’s the magic of Spontaneity!

Carbon Arc: Nadja (4k Restoration)
2026-04-25 18:00 - 20:00
Vampire Nadja launches a feud against her father Dracula’s murderer, starting with seducing his daughter. A shimmering restoration of a cult gem brought to you by Carbon Arc Cinema!
“We have an allergy to sunlight. My whole family.” Merging elements from Dracula’s Daughter (1936) with André Breton’s surrealist novel Nadja (1928), and fusing shimmering black-and-white 35mm with hallucinatory Pixelvision video, Michael Almereyda’s acclaimed cult film centers on New York-based vampire Nadja (Elina Löwensohn) as she draws close to her twin brother Edgar (Jared Harris) following their father’s death at the hands of Dr. Van Helsing (Peter Fonda). Edgar’s private nurse (Suzy Amis), Van Helsing’s nephew Jim (Martin Donovan), and Jim’s wife (Galaxy Craze) are entangled in the story as the vampire killer pursues “the fiend” from Manhattan to Transylvania.
Executive produced by David Lynch, this original director’s cut of Nadja was digitally from the only extant element, the 35mm answer print. Director Almereyda on the birth of Nadja: “David and Mary understood that the movie, following Breton’s lead, was intended as a kind of collage, in the tradition of a surrealist exquisite corpse, though we were equally indebted to Roger Corman, shooting fast and cheap and fitting the story into just a few locations. Low as the budget was, investors faded out when we lost a particular cast member a few weeks away from our start date, and David bravely decided to pay for the film out of his own pocket—an act of generosity that still startles me.”

HTYP's Benefit Show and Auction
2026-04-25 19:00 - 21:00
Halifax Theatre for Young People is holding a multi-genre show to support two new theatre projects – Next Stage Voices and Earth Tour – the musical! Come support local art for youth while getting your groove on. There will also be an online auction starting in early May.

Pay what you can, (suggested $10-20)
Reserve seats by e-transfer: info@halifaxtheatreforyoungpeople.com

Monday Jazz Jam
2026-04-27 19:00 - 22:00
JOIN OUR JAZZ JAM!
AT The Bus Stop Theatre lobby on April 27 for an evening of improvisation hosted by Csaba Kanyasi!
Whether you’re a pro or just picked up your and play. No instrument? No problem! Come grab a drink and soak up the local jazz vibes.
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: The Bus Stop Theatre Lobby
Musicians: All levels welcome—bring your instrument!
Bar: Open (please note: no food on-site)
Entry: Suggested donation $5–$10 at the bar

Let’s keep the Halifax jazz scene swinging!

Queendom Film Screening
2026-04-30 18:00 - 20:00
Free Admission | Registration Required (Link to register here)
Film in Russian with English subtitles
Join us for a special screening of the acclaimed documentary Queendom, presented by the Russian Canadian Democratic Alliance (RCDA). First time in Halifax!
Gena, a queer artist from a small town in Russia, stages radical performances in public that become a new form of art and activism – and put her life in danger.
In bold defiance of Russia’s anti-LGBTQ laws, Gena Marvin, a queer 21-year-old performance artist, transforms the streets of Moscow into surreal and radical public art. Her performances are a striking fusion of self-expression and protest – risking arrest, violence, and exile.
Queendom (an SXSW Official Selection) follows Gena’s journey from a small Russian town to the center of international queer resistance.
This screening celebrates queer creativity, courage, and defiance around the world – and stands in solidarity with those fighting for freedom under repression.

Mayworks presents And So We Dance
2026-05-02 19:30 - 20:00
Archiving and exploring movement through the cultural lenses of African Nova Scotian identity.
and so we dance explores the contemporary realities and historic contexts of moving/movement through time and place. Specifically looking at the realities of being African Nova Scotian within the broader context of Black + African American performance traditions. We explore cultural themes of tension, relation, freedom and love through the creative modalities of improvisation, contemporary dance and vocalization.
Credits:
Creators:
I’thandi Munro, Kay Macdonald
Performers:
I’thandi Munro, Kay Macdonald
Special Thanks:
Syreeta Hector, Sara Coffin, Liliona Quarmyne, Reequal Smith
Funding Credits:
Mocean Dance – CLEaR Forum Residency, The Khyber Centre For The Arts – KREAM Residency, Live Art Dance – CanDance Showcase
Music Production and Mixing:
Carmel Farahbakhsh, I’thandi Munro, Kay Macdonald
Lighting Production:
Louisa Adamson

Mayworks presents Be Eternal
2026-05-02 20:30 - 21:30
Taking its name from the final line of Common’s acclaimed 2005 album, Be Eternal explores black male mortality, particularly of musicians, and the normalization of this in modern society. Led by local saxophonist Jackson Fairfax-Perry, this ensemble brings together 5 local improvising musicians with roots connecting to the African diaspora. Exploring both spontaneous and written compositions, Be Eternal asks how can we move past this mindset that black men die young? That this is just how it is? How can we honour the artists who came before us, while also giving flowers to the ones who are still with us? This music is raw and mournful, but it is also filled with joy and hope, brimming with the power of our ancestors. This is a celebration of our black musical lineage.
Personnel:
Jackson Fairfax-Perry – Saxophones
Andrew Jackson – Trombone
Lance Sampson – Voice
Shuvanjan Karmakar – Bass
Joshua Awe – Drums

$10 in advance and $15 at the door.
**Ticket includes admission to AND SO WE DANCE**

2b presents Your Show Here
2026-05-05 19:30 - 21:30
A comedy of grief and rage and disappointment and embarrassment, a drama about an airport parking lot and an absent concierge, and a primer on making your own solo show, Your Show Here is the last in a series of performances inspired by the creative relationship of the Daniels, MacIvor and Brooks.
Daniel MacIvor is one of Canada’s most accomplished playwrights and performers. Winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award, a GLAAD Award, the prestigious Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize (Canada’s largest annual theatre award), and many others, Daniel’s plays have been met with acclaim throughout North America.
Early bird pricing is available until April 13th, at 5pm.
Join us on May 6th for Student Night, where students can purchase tickets for just $25, plus enjoy a post-show talk-back!

Mayworks presents Found in Translation/Trouvé dans la traduction
2026-05-10 16:00 - 18:15
Found in Translation is an interactive performance in which small objects are translated into movement, drawing, and poetry through a series of playful transformations. Audience members are invited to join with performers to uncover illuminating potentials in the things that surround us.
Found in Translation originated as part of Eastern Front Theatre’s Macro Digitals: CONNECTIONS under the guidance of Kat McCormack, with collaborators Katie Clarke, Breton Lalama, Logan Robins, Gillian Seaward-Boone and Rebecca Wolfe.
Found in Translation is an interactive performance that transforms small objects into movement, drawing, and poetry through a kind of artistic “assembly line.” Six performers take part at a time, rotating through all of the roles: hosting, describing, drawing, dancing, typing poems, and reading them aloud. Crucially, the “machine” is always activated by audience participation. An audience member begins each round by arranging objects, and at the end of the cycle, they receive the poem that was generated and read out specifically for them – an artistic “gift” created through the collective process.
Ensemble:
-Jacinte Armstrong
-Micaela Comeau
-Françoise Labelle
-Susan Leblanc
-Zya Langdon-Quarmyne
-Liliona Quarmyne
-Mila Samarani​​​​​​​​​​
-Dawn Shepherd
-Winnie Sherwood-Steele
-Geneviève Steele
-Nadine Sures

Trouvé dans la traduction est une performance interactive où de petits objets se transforment en mouvements, dessins et poèmes grâce à une série de métamorphoses ludiques. Le public est invité à se joindre aux artistes pour découvrir le potentiel insoupçonné des objets qui nous entourent.
Cette pièce a été créée en 2022 avec les membres de la distribution originale Jacinte Armstrong, Katie Clarke, Breton Lalama, Logan Robbins, Gillian Seaward-Boone et Rebecca Wolfe, avec la dramaturge Kat MacCormack, et produite par Eastern Front Theatre, Dartmouth, NS.
Trouvé dans la traduction est une performance interactive qui transforme de petits objets en mouvement, dessin et poésie grâce à une sorte de « chaîne de montage » artistique. Six performeurs participent simultanément, endossant tour à tour tous les rôles : présenter, décrire, dessiner, danser, taper des poèmes et les lire à voix haute. Point essentiel, la « machine » est toujours activée par la participation du public. Un spectateur initie chaque cycle en disposant des objets, et à la fin, il reçoit le poème créé et lu spécialement pour lui – un « cadeau » artistique né de ce processus collectif.

Mayworks presents On The Line
2026-05-10 16:00 - 19:00
On the Line is a time-lapse video and photo compilation of six months’ worth of one of domestic labor’s most repetitive and relentless tasks: laundry. By documenting every load washed, every dryer load, and every line of drying clothes, the project seeks to show the cumulative weight of an everyday chore, particularly within the context of parenting and motherhood.
Created by Audrey Eastwood
On display in the Bus Stop Lobby May 1 to June 1
Reception on May 10, 4:00pm-6:15pm
Artist Q&A on May 10, 6:15pm-7:00pm

Mayworks presents Am I Ovary-Acting?
2026-05-10 19:00 - 20:00
Am I Ovary-Acting? is a work by LunaSea Theatre about reproductive justice that examines commonly held beliefs about health and medical care for those with ovaries/uteruses/vaginas. Through comedy, storytelling, rage and disbelief we explore reproductive health and justice through relevant objects. At Mayworks, our focus will be the history, uses and misuses of the speculum. This 50 minute show is part ted-talk, part conversation, part storytelling. When it comes to health and reproductive justice the political and social landscape right now is rife with misinformation, disinformation and half-truths. We are here to press against that tide with nuanced conversation and evidence-based information in a fun, curious, theatrical way.
Credits:
Created and performed by Kathleen Dorian and Ailsa Galbreath
Research by Claire Horn

Bad Banana presents Small Crimes: An Evening of Stand-up & Improv
2026-05-13 19:30 - 21:30
Halifax’s newest comedy troupe presents Small Crimes: An Evening of Stand-up & Improv! Join Bad Banana Productions and guest performers as we tell jokes then act out scenes inspired by all of the faux-pas, annoyances, and bad habits that YOU wish were chargeable offenses! Come support the Bus Stop and local comedy, and enjoy a Wednesday evening of laughs.

HOT POT: An All-Asian Variety Show
2026-05-17 17:30 - 19:30
Back for its fourth year, HOT POT is a joyful, genre-blending celebration of Asian talent in the heart of Kjipuktuk/Halifax. Curated by burlesque artist Elle Lixir and hosted by the fabulous Kaidan Ivy, this vibrant variety show brings together a simmering mix of burlesque, drag, dance, and live music — all by Asian artists across the diaspora.
From heartfelt storytelling to high-energy spectacle, HOT POT serves up something for everyone, while making space for community, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether you’re coming for the laughs, the glamour, or the emotional punch — you’re in for a night to remember.
Hosted By Kaidan Ivy
Performances by Aiya Xiaoxin, Akira Mayari, Brocko LEE, Dim Sum fund, Elle Lixir, G-Spott, Harley Knower, Kaleidoscope Crush, Katanna Skin, Lovina poison, Mani & Soumya, & Sangeeta Raju
KIttened by MissShapen & GIDGEFor more info, please visit: www.elle-lixir.com/hotpot

Come spend part of your long weekend with us! We hope to see you there!

Please bring cash for tips, but we also will accept EMT transactions to Elle.Lixir.Dancer@gmail.com
All tips will be split equally among the cast. Please write “Hot Pot Tips” in the note section.
Showtimes*: EARLY 5:30 PM & LATE 9:00 PM (approx. 2 hours each)
Doors into the theatre area open 30 minutes before each show.

Haytarma Screening
2026-05-18 18:30 - 21:30
Haytarma
A film about a night that changed everything.
In 1944, the entire Crimean Tatar people were forcibly deported from their homeland of Crimea.
The Crimean Tatars are an Indigenous people of Crimea and one of the Indigenous ethnic minorities of Ukraine, with their own distinct language, culture, and history.
This is their story of loss, survival, and dignity.
Join us for a community screening & discussion
History should not be forgotten.
