Preserving the Capitol Theatre's History Through Photography

Having my photography included in a permanent exhibit at Moncton's historic Capitol Theatre is something I'm particularly proud of. The exhibit celebrates the theatre's history through photographs, historical artefacts and memorabilia, bringing together more than a century of performances and cultural heritage. Being able to contribute to that story, even in a small way, is an honour.

The exhibit explores the evolution of the Capitol Theatre, from its early days as a silent film venue to the performances that continue to bring audiences through its doors today. Intended to remain on display for a minimum of 10 years, it offers a lasting tribute to one of Moncton's most recognizable cultural landmarks.

Ribbon cutting at the Grand Opening.

I attended the exhibit's opening celebration and had the opportunity to see how my photographs had been incorporated into the installation. One of the most striking elements is a large photographic mosaic featuring hundreds of images from performances over the past several decades. The mosaic's base image is a wide-angle photograph I captured from the theatre's balcony. An interactive touchscreen display beside it allows visitors to zoom in and explore the individual photographs that make up the larger image.

Seeing one of my photographs serve as the foundation for this piece, surrounded by images documenting decades of performances, was a particularly meaningful part of the project.

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A Time Capsule for Future Generations

As part of the exhibit project, a time capsule was assembled to preserve a snapshot of the era for future generations. Its contents include photographs, ticket stubs, programs, posters and other memorabilia, including an N95 mask reflecting the period in which the capsule was assembled.

Some of my photographs of the Capitol Theatre were selected for inclusion in the time capsule as well. Knowing that these images will be preserved alongside other pieces of the theatre's history makes this contribution especially meaningful.

Behind the Scenes: Photographing the Theatre

The photographs for this project were captured in the winter of 2023. Photographing the building offered an opportunity to explore areas of the Capitol Theatre that most visitors rarely get to see, revealing details of its history that extend well beyond the auditorium.

In the basement, I visited a vault that was once used to store highly flammable film reels. These reels posed a significant fire hazard in the early days of cinema and were responsible for numerous theatre fires.

The attic held another piece of the building's past: an old wooden beam from the original structure, still bearing visible burn marks from the devastating 1926 fire that claimed the life of a Moncton firefighter.

Behind the stage curtain, generations of performers have left their signatures after appearing at the theatre. The names offer a glimpse into the many artists who have passed through the building over the years. Among them was one personal favourite: Mr. Dressup!

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These details offered a different perspective on a building that audiences typically experience from their seats. They also made the project an opportunity to document not just the theatre's appearance, but some of the stories and traces of history held within its walls.

Preserving a Piece of Moncton's Cultural History

Photography can serve many purposes, from documenting a moment in time to preserving the history of a place and the people connected to it. This project brought those ideas together in a particularly meaningful way.

The Capitol Theatre has been part of Moncton's cultural life for generations. Having my photographs included in its permanent exhibit and time capsule is a privilege, and I'm honoured to have my work become a small part of how this history is preserved and shared with future generations.

The photographs below were captured in the winter of 2023 for the Capitol Theatre's historical exhibit.

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