National Press Theatre

The National Press Theatre officially opened on May 1, 1967. Former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson dedicated the room and it was his personal effort that helped make these facilities available to the Parliamentary Press Gallery. The National Press Theatre is located on the ground floor of the National Press Building.

The National Press Theatre offers the following:

-moderator

-simultaneous interpretation (with some exceptions. Please check with Gallery Staff)

-telephone conferencing equipment

-projector and screen

-television monitors to view DVDs and VHS tapes

-easels

-reserved seating in front row for photographers

-technical support

-audio and videotaping of your event (upon request)

-green room for privacy prior to the start of your event

-there is no charge to use this facility.

Rules for the National Press Theatre

All press conferences held in the National Press Theatre are chaired by a member of the Press Gallery Executive. If you are holding a briefing for the media then you are expected to supply a moderator for the event.

No materials can be placed on the front stage, e.g. posters, maps.

Hosts are reminded that opening statements should average about 5 minutes, and that press conferences should last no longer than 45 minutes.

Name cards are permitted on the head table.

The person responsible for organizing the press conference must pick up access passes from the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery office at
607-150 Wellington Street and distribute them at their discretion. A Press Gallery staff member will collect the passes prior to the start of the news conference.

The head table is restricted to five people maximum and this is strictly enforced by the Press Gallery. The Chairman takes the sixth position.  Only five others in total are permitted in the Theatre.

All seating in the centre section of the National Press Theatre is reserved for journalists and others who are accredited by the Press Gallery. Invited guests are asked to sit in either of the two wings.

Through an arrangement with the Parliamentary Television Network, all National Press Theatre press conferences are broadcast live on Channel 44 or 108 of the PTN system. A monitor is available for viewing on the 1st floor of the National Press Building for use by staff not permitted in the National Press Theatre during the press conference.