Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto

The Young Centre for the Performing Arts, located in Toronto's Distillery District, is an innovative theater complex nestled within historic 19th-century Victorian industrial buildings. Originally known as tank house 9 and tank house 10, these structures were once part of the renowned Gooderham and Worts Distillery, founded by James Worts, a British immigrant, in 1832. By 1859, it had gained distinction as the largest distillery in Canada and one of the largest in North America.

In 1888, in response to a new Canadian law mandating a minimum aging period of two years for whiskey, tank houses 9 and 10 were constructed. This legislation necessitated additional storage space for Gooderham and Worts' products. Designed by the talented architect David Roberts Jr., who was responsible for many of the Distillery's structures, these two buildings came into existence.

Today, these historic buildings have been transformed into a vibrant performance center, serving as a shared space for the Soulpepper Theatre Company and the George Brown Theatre School. The redesign, carried out in 2002 by the esteemed architectural firm KPMB Architects, involved converting the existing tank houses into a versatile facility. The center now comprises four studio spaces, four theater spaces, an outdoor concert venue, an artist garden, two classrooms, a wardrobe production facility, a student lounge, and administrative offices for both the George Brown Theatre School and Soulpepper.

The Young Centre's groundbreaking ceremony took place in June 2004, and on January 15, 2006, it officially opened its doors to the public. If you're seeking laughter, tears, or inspiration, this dynamic venue is a must-visit.