About us
The Garry Theatre first opened its doors in 1948 and has been part of Selkirk’s story ever since. That history is closely tied to the Manahan family, particularly longtime manager Len Manahan, whose decades of dedication helped make The Garry a cherished part of community life.
Today, we’re beginning a new chapter as an independent, community-led, non-profit theatre. With a revitalized space for movies, live performances and community events, we’re building on that history while creating new reasons to gather in downtown Selkirk.
Whether you grew up coming to The Garry or are discovering it for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you.
Our history
The Garry Theatre opened on Manitoba Avenue in 1948, bringing the big screen to the heart of Selkirk. After a devastating fire in 1954, the theatre reopened just three months later, continuing a tradition that would span generations.
That story is closely tied to the Manahan family. Len Manahan became manager in 1952, and his decades of dedication helped make The Garry a familiar and cherished part of community life.
When the theatre closed in 2021, its story wasn’t over. The City of Selkirk purchased the building that same year, laying the foundation for its renewal as a place for movies, live performances and community gatherings, a new chapter rooted in a shared history.
You can learn more about the history of the Garry Theatre on the City of Selkirk Museum website : https://selkirkmuseum.ca/places/manitoba-avenue/garry-theatre/.
The Garry Today
Executive Director
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Julia Brown
Julia was hired as Executive Director of The Garry Theatre because she brings a strong combination of live theatre, movie theatre, arts and culture, management and operational experience that fits what The Garry needs as it builds its operations from the ground up. Her background includes managing guest services at IMAX Victoria, serving as Front of House Manager at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, managing budgets and hundreds of volunteers, coordinating events and producing a Fringe festival. Just as importantly, she understands independent theatres and the hands-on nature of the role, from programming and promotion to staffing and working with the board, making her a great fit to shape The Garry into a sustainable, community-responsive theatre.
The full story of hiring Julia HERE.
Our Leadership
The new Garry is run by an independent, community-led, non-profit organization run by a volunteer board.
Board of Directors.
Before the board was named, the City of Selkirk undertook extensive groundwork, including renovating the building, spending countless hours researching independent single-screen theatres, developing a business plan, engaging with the community, and securing funding to ensure the Garry Board would be set-up for success from day one.
Meet the Inaugural Board
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Alfred Anderson
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Bernadette Preun, Vice-President
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Duane Nicol, President
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Greg Dewar
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Jamie Horyski
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Jana Pringle
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Kyla Ray, Secretary
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Matt Evans, Treasurer
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Neil Cooke
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Neil Kordalchuk
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Sarah Hodges-Kolisnyk
The full story of the board HERE.
Contact us
Have a question ? We'd love to hear from you.
GET IN TOUCH
Visit us
225, Manitoba Avenue
Selkirk, MB, R1A0Y4
Call us
(000) 000-0000
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