Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre ( RMTC ) is Canada 's oldest English-language regional theatre . Next to the Stratford and Shaw Festivals , MTC has a higher annual attendance than any other theatre in the country . It was founded in 1958 by John Hirsch and Tom Hendry as an amalgamation of the Winnipeg Little Theatre and Theatre 77 . In 2010 , the theatre received a royal designation from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II , and officially became the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre When the Winnipeg Little Theatre and Theatre 77 merged to become the Manitoba Theatre Centre in 1958 , it became the first of a network of " regional theatres " across North America . Artistic Director John Hirsch and General Manager Tom Hendry focused on classics , Broadway hits , and new Canadian work . A second stage for experimental work was established in 1960 , and an annual provincial tour began in 1961
Shaw
Shaw Festival
Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre