The Harbour Theatre Society is bringing back its annual Udderfest theatre festival to Prince Rupert, B.C., from August 12 to 15 at the Tom Rooney Playhouse. The four-day event will feature five different shows, with all tickets available online through Zeffy, a free ticketing platform for nonprofits.
Known locally as ‘the Rooney,’ the 80-seat playhouse at 954 3rd Avenue West has been the home of community theatre in Prince Rupert since the society was founded in 1981. The registered charity has entertained audiences across the North Coast for more than four decades. The festival is entering its 26th year, following the 25th anniversary celebration in 2025.
The theatre group encourages residents to book tickets in advance on its website, as seating is limited. The use of the Zeffy platform means no ticket fees, so all money from sales goes directly back into supporting local programming. Beyond the festival, the society runs year-round activities like acting workshops, stagecraft training, youth programs, and a regular improv night called Hook, Line and Snicker that is open to adults.
The Tom Rooney Playhouse received a new main stage in 2018, funded partly by an $8,500 contribution from the Port of Prince Rupert Community Investment Fund. The Harbour Theatre Society also received $5,000 in gaming grants from the Province of British Columbia in 2023-2024 to support its arts and culture work.
