La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins

La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins Ottawa: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins (LNSGD), located at 333 King Edward Avenue in Ottawa, stands as a pillar of Francophone culture and performing arts in Canada’s National Capital Region. Since its founding in 1999 by four leading theatre companies—Théâtre du Trillium, Théâtre de la Vieille 17, Vox Théâtre, and Théâtre Catapulte—LNSGD has nurtured French-language theatre while serving as a community hub for artists, audiences, and the broader Ottawa public (catapulte.ca; nouvellescene.com).

Significantly expanded and modernized in 2016, the venue now offers state-of-the-art performance spaces, social areas, and accessible facilities. A landmark $1 million donation from philanthropist Gilles Desjardins in 2015 further ensured the completion of this vital cultural venue, which today welcomes thousands of visitors annually for original productions, festivals, workshops, and community events (brigil.com; viefrancaisecapitale.ca).

Whether you’re a theatre enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a newcomer to Ottawa, this guide will walk you through LNSGD’s history, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, programming, travel tips, and more.

History and Evolution of La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins
Venue Layout, Facilities, and Accessibility
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Role in Ottawa’s Francophone Community
Programming, Resident Companies, and Events
Guided Tours, Special Events, and Photography
Directions, Travel Tips, and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit
References

History and Evolution

LNSGD’s story began with the vision of four theatre companies seeking a dedicated space for Francophone artistic expression in Ottawa. In 1999, these companies established a professional venue that quickly became a cornerstone for French-language theatre (catapulte.ca). The original site was revitalized with a major reconstruction from 2013 to 2016, more than doubling its size to 24,000 square feet.

The new facility, inaugurated in December 2016, boasts two performance studios (seating 173 and 80 guests), a rehearsal studio, a bar and terrace, and a landscaped interior courtyard, all designed for creativity, accessibility, and social interaction (nouvellescene.com; viefrancaisecapitale.ca).

A transformative $1 million gift from entrepreneur Gilles Desjardins in 2015 secured the venue’s future and led to its current name (brigil.com). This philanthropic act highlighted the importance of private support for cultural institutions and reinforced LNSGD’s mission as a beacon for Francophone culture in Ontario.

Venue Layout, Facilities, and Accessibility

LNSGD’s contemporary design is both functional and inviting, offering:

Main Performance Halls:
- A 173-seat theatre for large-scale productions.
- An 80-seat black box space for experimental works.
Rehearsal Studio: Suitable for workshops and community events.
Indoor Courtyard & Bar/Terrace: Social spaces for gatherings and post-show discussions.
Lobby: Welcoming area for meet-and-greets and informal events.
Accessible Amenities: Barrier-free entry, accessible restrooms, wheelchair seating, elevators, and assistive listening devices (viefrancaisecapitale.ca; nouvellescene.com).

The venue’s design encourages creative engagement and inclusivity, making it a welcoming destination for all visitors.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Box Office Hours:
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Extended hours on show nights.
The lobby opens approximately one hour before each performance (nouvellescene.com).
Tickets:
Purchase online via the official website, by phone, or in person at the box office.
Ticket prices vary by production, with discounts for students, seniors, groups, and special offers such as $15 tickets for patrons under 30 or Indigenous community members (NAC).
Entry Policy:
Latecomers may be admitted during suitable breaks at the discretion of the house manager.
Memberships & Passes:
Season passes and memberships offer priority booking and reduced rates.
Accessibility:
Wheelchair-accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and bilingual support are available. Many events include English surtitles for non-Francophone audiences (vieille17.ca; nouvellescene.com).

Role in Ottawa’s Francophone Community

LNSGD is more than a theatre—it’s a vibrant cultural hub that fosters Francophone arts, linguistic diversity, and community engagement. The centre’s mission is to support creation, presentation, and education in the performing arts, with an emphasis on French-language expression (nouvellescene.com).

Through a robust mix of original productions, touring shows, festivals, and educational outreach, LNSGD connects artists and audiences, while also introducing newcomers and Anglophones to Francophone heritage (rentsetgo.ca).

Programming, Resident Companies, and Events

Resident Theatre Companies

LNSGD is home to four founding companies:

Théâtre de la Vieille 17 – Renowned for original French-language productions and community arts projects (vieille17.ca).
Théâtre du Trillium – Known for bold, contemporary, and avant-garde theatre (voyageursimmobiles.ca).
Vox Théâtre – Specializes in theatre for young audiences through performances and educational workshops (voxtheatre.ca).
Théâtre Catapulte – Focuses on dynamic, youth-oriented productions and emerging talent (catapulte.ca).

Season Highlights (2024–2025)

ONDE by Théâtre du Trillium (Jan 29 – Feb 1, 2025)
Genna G: L’amour de ma vie (2025)
Recent shows: La fuite de l’hippocampe, Blue light, Tweet tweet, Tsunami, Le roi poubelle, M’appelle Mohamed Ali (nouvellescene.com).

Annual and Special Events

Season Launch: Festive event with live performances and artist talks (ONFR TFO).
Festivals: Including the TOUT PETIT FESTIVAL for young children.
Community Celebrations: Milestone anniversaries and benefit evenings.
Workshops & Educational Programs: Outreach for schools, youth, and newcomers.

Guided Tours, Special Events, and Photography

Guided tours of the facility—offering behind-the-scenes access to performance and rehearsal spaces—are available by appointment. The theatre’s modern architecture, interior courtyard, and bar/terrace make for excellent photo opportunities (viefrancaisecapitale.ca). Special events, artist talks, and workshops are scheduled throughout the year and are listed on the online calendar.

Directions, Travel Tips, and Nearby Attractions

Address: 333 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 7M5
Public Transit: Accessible via OC Transpo bus routes 5, 6, 7 and nearby Confederation Line stations.
Parking: Limited on-site; additional street and paid parking in the area.
Bicycle: Racks available at the entrance.

Nearby Attractions:

ByWard Market
Ottawa Art Gallery
National Arts Centre
University of Ottawa Cultural Centre
Historical sites and francophone cafés

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins?
A: The box office and lobby are open Tuesday to Saturday, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and one hour before performances. Check the official schedule for current hours.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are available online, by phone, or in person at the box office. Advance booking is recommended.

Q: Is the venue accessible?
A: Yes, LNSGD offers full mobility access, assistive listening devices, and bilingual staff. Some performances include English surtitles.

Q: Are there family-friendly shows?
A: Yes, many productions are designed for children and families.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited on-site; additional paid and street parking nearby.

Plan Your Visit

For up-to-date event listings, ticket purchases, and practical information, visit www.nouvellescene.com. Download the Audiala app for exclusive content, and follow LNSGD on social media for news and updates.

Contact Information:

Website: www.nouvellescene.com
Phone: (613) 241-1090
Email: [email protected]

Visuals and Interactive Content

Sample Image Captions:

Exterior view of La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins, Ottawa. (Alt: “La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins modern exterior building in Ottawa”)
Interior courtyard and bar terrace, a popular spot for visitors. (Alt: “Interior courtyard and bar terrace at La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins”)
Performance studio during a live theatre event. (Alt: “Live Francophone theatre performance at La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins”)

[Multimedia and photo galleries are available on the official website.]

Summary and Travel Tips

La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins exemplifies the vitality of Ottawa’s Francophone arts scene, offering diverse programming, innovative facilities, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Its strategic location near ByWard Market and other cultural landmarks makes it an ideal stop for visitors seeking authentic French-language theatre and artistic experiences (catapulte.ca; brigil.com; nouvellescene.com; viefrancaisecapitale.ca; doorsopenontario.on.ca). Stay connected and plan your visit for a memorable immersion in Ottawa’s Francophone culture.